First steps for alcohol detoxification

In most cases alcohol detox starts rehab experience, as an alcoholic's body needs to get rid of harmful substances and recuperate its normal functioning. As detox process can be painful, a licensed rehab center is the only option for safe detoxification, as it provides all the medical care and psychological support needed during the first and most difficult days following the cessation of drinking.

Detox phase of treatment is important not only as a means of eliminating substances from the body, but also of preparing it to receive further care. Detox can include both medical and psychotherapeutic procedures in order to give a patient a boost in early recovery. Detox usually takes a week to complete, although that time span may vary according to the seriousness of addiction and overall patient's health. The style and focus of detoxification should also be based upon the individual needs of a person and can be determined considering the following factors:

• the length of addiction;
• the presence of other medical disorders;
• the presence of co-occurring psychological disorders (e.g., PTSD, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia).

There are some important points one should know about alcohol detox to make the right choices for a successful long-term recovery. First, detox is not rehab. Detox is the first step of a comprehensive alcohol treatment program. That means that detox itself can't bring long-term benefits, as the majority of patients aren't able to cope with stress and self-destructive behavior without counseling and aftercare. As long as the harmful toxins are present in the bloodstream, the chance of relapse is too high to move forward with rehab, that's why detox is the cornerstone of a long-term success in recovery and is completed before rehab can begin.

Second, detox can trigger withdrawal symptoms. During alcohol detox, the body is undergoing through a considerable stress. This includes experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as depression, anxiety, sweats, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts and other issues that occur as the brain adjusts to life without alcohol. It is not advisable to quit drinking on your own. Instead, check into an alcohol detox center and get the help you need to navigate the process of alcohol detox smoothly and safely with minimal discomfort.

There are also holistic options for smoothing patients' detox experience. The main difference between holistic and traditional approach to detox lies in substituting substances by natural components and therapies. Holistic rehab facilities also use some medications during the cleansing process, but as a patient recovers they replace them by other natural options, such as:

- Yoga exercise (for regulating the phases of activity and relaxation during a day);
- Special low-glycemic diet rich in protein (applied to reduce mood swings and provide patients with a stimulatory reward after meals);
- Bioactive food supplements (amino acids, fat acids, vitamin and mineral complex);
- Homeopathy (different herbal combinations designed to address the specific withdrawal symptoms experienced);
- Acupuncture.

Most residential and outpatient alcohol rehab programs now offer detox. The process entails an alcoholic going to a medical practitioner that supervises him during the process. There are inpatient and outpatient detox options, but the latter is not advisable, as it is necessary for the patient to remain under 24-hour supervision in the event of emergency. Inpatient alcohol detox is the ideal setting for people with serious alcohol issues or someone with an unstable health condition. When a patient has a complicated health history or chronic alcoholism, detox can be more than just sobering up. If other organs or body systems show signs of distress from the detox, a constant medical monitoring can save a person's life. When someone goes to an inpatient alcohol detox clinic, it also lessens the chance that the person will decide to skip rehab.