Alcohol Detox: What to Expect?

Alcoholism detox is the physical symptoms that one, with an alcohol dependence, experiences when they quit drinking alcohol. The severity of the detox symptoms will depend on how much and how long alcohol abuse has been happening. The detox symptoms occur because the body is trying to rid itself of the massive buildup of toxins that have been taking place over years of alcohol abuse.

How Can I Detox Myself from Alcohol?

The first hurdle is to stop drinking. After which the first symptoms of detoxification can begin 5-10 hours after the last drink. This is that shaky feeling that most alcoholics feel every morning which explains why the first drink is so important. Once the symptoms start, they can last typically from 7 to 10 days. It’s important to follow a good nutritional plan during this time as it plays an important role in speeding up recovery.

Should you try Alcohol Detox at home?

There can be many bad side affects to alcohol addiction withdrawal symptoms, and alcohol detox at home might not be such a great idea if you are likely to suffer some of the more severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

However, if you have not severely abused alcohol and expect that you will only experience the minor symptoms, then it may be possible to try alcohol detox at home, but you always need to consult the advise of your doctor first. Your doctor will also be able to provide medicine that can help ease detox symptoms such as anxiety. Other medications can also be available to lessen more severe detox symptoms. Most doctors will also recommend that an alcoholic going through detoxification also take vitamin B supplements and Thiamin as well.

The following is a list of minor to severe symptoms that can be experienced by someone with an alcohol dependence when quitting alcohol. Minor symptoms can very likely be handled if you try alcohol detox at home, however most moderate and all severe symptoms need to be monitored closely by medical professionals as a problem could occur. A rehab program will help to support and treat more severe symptoms. This is strictly information provided for this article and must not be taken as medical advice.

Minor Alcoholism Detox Withdrawal Symptoms:

• headaches
• shakes
• inability to sleep
• fatigue
• sweats
• nightmares
• anxiety
• irregular heartbeat

Moderate Alcoholism Detox Withdrawal Symptoms:

• severe agitation
• vomiting
• trembling
• loss of appetite
• mild hallucinations

Severe Alcoholism Detox Withdrawal Symptoms:

• delirium
• psychosis
• seizures

Detoxification can be the most feared part of alcoholism treatment and the thoughts of experiencing the withdrawal symptoms can be reason enough for someone to continue drinking. However, it is part of the recovery process and one must accept the consequences that come with alcohol dependence.

Seek medical advise before you attempt to detox for alcohol.

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