Home
Live Counselors
Signs & Symptoms
Alcoholism Facts
What is Alcoholism
Alcoholism Stages
Treatment
Intervention
Alcohol Withdrawal
Alcoholism Detox
Types of Therapy
Role of Medication
Teenage Drinking
Women & Alcohol
FAS: Fetal Alcoholism
Heredity
Alcohol & Marriage
Impact on Families
Alcoholism & Work
Alcohol & Depression
Alcohol Drug Tests
12 Steps of AA
Drunk Driving
Alcohol Poisoning
Effects on Teens
Binge Drinking
Statistics
Is There a Cure?
Site Search
Advertising Contact Us
Other Links
Alcoholism Blog
Disclaimer/Legal
 

Alcoholism Detoxification


Alcoholism detoxification is the initial, necessary phase of treatment that prepares the drinker for subsequent rehabilitation steps necessary for life-long addiction recovery management.

Since the drinker’s body has become reliant on alcohol for daily functioning, detoxification and withdrawal symptoms can be painful and difficult.

This is why a trained healthcare professional must supervise the process.

Alcohol withdrawal can produce a number of harsh and even life-threatening symptoms such as convulsions, headaches, nausea, sweating, hyperactivity, appetite loss, Delirium Tremens (DTs), and insomnia.

Therefore, safe and successful detoxification may require inpatient care. An addiction specialist will determine the best approach based on the drinker’s health and addiction history.

Other factors that are considered include the individual's external support network, concurrent physical or mental health conditions, past rehabilitation efforts and recent alcohol consumption levels.

Depending on the patient’s specific history and requirements, medications such as anticonvulsants and anti-psychotic drugs may be prescribed.

In some circumstances, these medicines can enhance safety and lessen mental and physical discomfort during the alcohol detoxification process.

The process of alcohol withdrawal can take up to two weeks, based on the drinker’s individual health and circumstances. It is a difficult and essential step in the recovery process and paves the way for successful addiction rehabilitation.





More than alcoholism detoxification on our alcoholism detox page

Alcoholism home page