When it comes to addiction, alcohol ranks number one of the most abused substances throughout the country and the world.
Alcohol abuse leads to an array of different physical problems as well as psychological issues and even social problems. For anyone who is stuck in the cycle of alcohol addiction, seeking help is the number one step towards getting better and entering into the recovery process.
One of the initial, and one of the most critical, phases of alcohol addiction treatment is alcohol detoxification, often referred to as alcohol detox. It has to happen for a person to be able to get to the recovery phase and back to health, but what is alcohol detox?
What is Alcohol Detox?
Alcohol detox is basically the process of eliminating alcohol from the body while managing the withdrawal symptoms that occur when a person with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) stops drinking. It is a process that really should be medically supervised since a person addicted to alcohol can actually experience such adverse reactions that it can be fatal if not properly carried out.
The entire process has the goal of helping the person to safely and comfortably navigate the first stages of sobriety. Detox is usually the first step in a comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment program.
Importance of Alcohol Detox
Alcohol detox is the first and most critical part of addiction treatment for a variety of reasons, which are listed below in detail.
Safety
It is safety first when a person is experiencing withdrawal symptoms from alcohol since they can be severe and, in some cases, even life-threatening. By undergoing detox in a supervised medical setting, the person will receive the necessary care and be monitored properly to ensure their safety.
Increased Success Rates
Alcohol detox helps the person to achieve physical stability. This will help him or her to be more receptive to any future therapeutic interventions. It basically provides a very good and solid foundation for the recovery process.
More Comfortable
Medical professionals can prescribe medications that will help to alleviate the withdrawal symptoms a person will experience, which will make the detox process much more comfortable and less daunting.
The Alcohol Detox Process
Alcohol detox involves the following steps:
- Evaluation: Upon admission to a detox facility, the person is assessed by medical professionals. This assessment helps determine the severity of their addiction, their overall health, and the appropriate treatment plan.
- Medical Monitoring: Throughout the detox process, the person is closely monitored by healthcare providers. This includes regular vital sign checks as well as the evaluation of withdrawal symptoms. Any adjustments can be made to the treatment plan as needed.
- Medication: Medications can be given to the person while in a detox facility so that their withdrawal symptoms and cravings can be monitored properly. These medications can include benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants, as well as others.
- Nutritional Support: Alcohol abuse can lead to malnutrition. A person in detox at a facility like Detox Nashville can receive nutritional support to help get rid of any deficiencies he or she may have while improving their overall health and well-being.
- Emotional Support: The team at Detox Nashville will provide counseling and emotional support to help the person cope with the emotional and psychological challenges of withdrawal.
- Aftercare Planning: The detox process is just the beginning of the recovery journey. After detox, the person is encouraged to continue their treatment in a good rehab program or through outpatient therapy. Aftercare planning is crucial to helping the person maintain sobriety.
If you or someone you know is suffering from alcohol addiction and is in need of alcohol detox in Nashville, TN, call upon the detox professionals at Detox Nashville today!