The first step to treating and quitting alcoholism is the alcohol detox stage. This stage involves the elimination of alcohol toxins and waste products in your body system to help the body get through the withdrawal symptoms. Some withdrawal symptoms include depression, insomnia, unstable heart rate, blood pressure changes, and hallucinations. The alcohol detox process is not guaranteed life-long abstinence but provides a good foundation for living cleanly, followed by medical therapy and rehabilitation.

Stages involved in the alcohol detox process

Early stage; the medical practitioners do a conclusive review of the incoming patients’ histories to understand their situations before administering any treatment. Blood tests, health talks, and physical and mental health tests are also checked at this stage. It occurs 6-24 hours after the last drink, with mild withdrawal symptoms, and no medication is allowed.

Peak stage; this stage normally occurs between 24-48 hours after the last intake of alcohol. The alcohol toxins have nearly left the body system; this is when therapy and medication are crucial.

Weakening stage; at this stage, the alcohol withdrawal symptoms begin to subside, and the body system is growing accustomed to the lack of alcohol. Medication administered can be ceased or weaned off. Some individuals may experience severe symptoms such as delirium tremens in rare cases, and other forms of therapy might be introduced when such occurs.

The final stage; lasts between 5-14 days from the beginning of the detox process, and in most cases, the inpatients are allowed to end the detox and begin residential treatment.

Medication administered during the alcohol detox process

When this process is done in an inpatient rehab facility, some medication might be used to ease the effect and severity of the withdrawal symptoms. Such medication can also keep the body’s chemicals in check, lowering the chances of serious complications. Some common prescriptions used during this process include;

• Naltrexone; help minimize alcohol cravings during the process. In case of relapse, this drug works by preventing the high feeling. This drug is administered 7-10 days after the last drink since it can stimulate some withdrawal symptoms. Naltrexone comes in two different forms that are injectable and bill.
• Benzodiazepines(benzos);are used to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It helps calm down an individual nervous system by providing a calming sensation, and, in some cases, it is prescribed to cure muscle spasms, insomnia, and anxiety. Diazepam and Librium are two types of benzos normally administered in an inpatient rehab setting.
• Disulfiram, contrary to other medications, this drug works by causing severe reactions to alcohol consumption. These reactions include low blood pressure, facial flushing, headaches, and nausea. The above side effects prevent the patient from continuing the drinking pattern.
• Acamprosate;alcohol addiction significantly reduces how the brain functions. This drug sold under the name “Campral” is administered to improve the function of the brain after quitting alcohol.

Looking for a center to safely detox? Skyward Treatment Center is the right place.

Depending on the severity of an individual addiction, our center offers the correct facilities for both outpatient and inpatient programs that you need to safely detox. Suppose you are struggling with alcohol addiction and abuse, contact Skyward Treatment Center in Dallas for more guidance and counseling. Seeking assistance and help for any abuse is a big step toward sobriety.