How Does Alcohol Drug Detox Work?

Physical Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol drug detox is often a necessary part of the alcohol rehabilitation process. Once an individual has gained a physical addiction to alcohol, symptoms develop as a result of discontinued alcohol intake. Alcohol withdrawal is an extremely dangerous process, and can be potentially fatal if the proper precautions are not taken.

Toxicity – What Is It?

Most of the time, the human body is able to eliminate toxins through the lymph glands, liver urinary system and intestines. However, a body that is inundated with toxins, as seen in chronic and heavy drinkers, will be unable to process the toxins properly. The system becomes backed up, requiring the body to detoxify. Due to the risks associated with alcohol toxicity, California detox patients must be monitored at a California alcohol rehab center to avoid serious complications.

Hospital Treatment And Monitoring

Those who require an alcohol detox will require medical monitoring by a trained addiction specialist. Patients are typically prescribed one of several medications to help the body cope with the withdrawal, as the alcohol slowly drains from the patient’s system. Some of the more common medications used in detox include barbiturates, benzodiazepines, ethanol and others.

Many physicians also recommend various minerals and vitamins as part of the detoxification process. Alcohol works to remove various vitamins from the body, and as such, it’s important to replenish. Some patients risk brain damage and wernick syndrom if particular vitamin supplements are not provided.

Withdrawal Symptoms

The symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal can include hallucinations, seizures, nausea, vomiting, convulsions, disorientation, tremors and death. A number of factors play into the severity of these symptoms, including age, genetics and the abuse history of the patient. The number of times a patients has been through the detoxification process can also play a role in the extent of withdrawal.

Getting Through The Process

Hydration is key in aiding the detoxification process. Add to this a good deal of warm milk to counteract insomnia, herbal teas and cranberry juice to flush out the urinary track, and you’re on the path to a successful detox. Hot baths, a healthy diet and exercise all positively affect patients in emotional and physical ways as well.