The natural process in which the body tries to get rid of waste products and toxins caused by excessive, long-term alcohol consumption is referred to as alcohol detoxification (detox). Medication, medical observation, and counselling typically accompany alcohol detox in a treatment setting. A person is assisted in overcoming their physical and psychological dependence on alcohol during a period of medical treatment that typically includes counselling. During alcohol detox, people who have consumed a lot of alcohol over a long period of time are more likely to experience unpleasant side effects, some of which can be harmful. Abusing alcohol for an extended period of time can result in tolerance as well as changes in the body that disrupt a false homeostasis.

Method of Detox Process

A process that is both essential and delicate is needed to upset this equilibrium and get the user back to a healthy state. Alcohol detoxification is the first step in a longer treatment plan. Although detoxification can be safely carried out at both inpatient and outpatient facilities, heavy users should have their medical condition closely monitored at all times. The detoxification process typically consists of three steps:

Intake –

In order to fully comprehend each circumstance, the medical team will conduct a thorough review of the drug, medical, and mental health histories of any new patients.

 Medication –

To alleviate withdrawal symptoms, many detoxification programs include medications that imitate the effects of alcohol. In addition, medications may be used to treat general discomfort or co-occurring disorders.

Stabilization –

In order to help the patient, achieve mental and physical equilibrium, they go through psychological and medical treatments.

Outcome of Alcohol Detox

Albeit restoratively helped detox restricts a portion of the negative incidental effects the client encounters, some are inescapable. During the two phases of alcohol detox, various side effects will occur. When an alcoholic stop drinking, the first phase of acute withdrawal begins and lasts for days or weeks. The most severe side effects typically manifest at this time, including:

• Anxiety, including visual and auditory hallucinations,
• Convulsions, tremor throughout the body,
• Nausea, vomiting, insomnia,
• Profuse sweating, shakiness,
• Hypertension, and heart failure

And, during early abstinence the second and longer phase of alcohol detox takes place over several months as the brain gradually returns to normal regulation and function. This is known as the Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptom and includes the following signs and symptoms:

• Tension & Anxiety
• Sleep deprivation & Decreased hunger
• State of mind swings & Gloom

Medicines Used for Detox

A piece of the detox cycle remembers saving the patient’s framework for balance and keeping away from major physiological bombshells. Occasionally, medication is required to accomplish this. Because they reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms and prevent alcohol withdrawal seizures, benzodiazepines like Librium, Valium, and Ativan are commonly used for alcohol treatment. Since seizures are one of the most common causes of death during alcohol withdrawal, additional anticonvulsant medications like Keppra are frequently prescribed.