How to Detox Your Body From Alcohol
Alcohol detox can happen by tapering consumption gradually or stopping all at once. The severity of withdrawal symptoms depends on how long a person has been drinking, how much they drink and other factors like body size and age.
Withdrawal symptoms can start within a few hours of reducing or stopping alcohol intake. The most common symptoms are tremors, irritability, nausea and vomiting, headache, sweating, insomnia and alcohol cravings. Depending on the severity of abuse, these symptoms can resolve within a few hours to a few days without treatment.
Professional alcohol withdrawal treatment programs are the safest for detox since a person can be closely monitored during the withdrawal process. People likely to experience only mild symptoms may get approval from their doctor to detox from alcohol at home. Always consult a doctor before starting an alcohol detox.
Dangers of Detoxing From Alcohol at Home
The risks of alcohol withdrawal at home are due to life-threatening symptoms like seizures, hallucinations and delirium tremens. Delirium tremens is a condition that causes disorientation, rapid heartbeat, severe agitation, high blood pressure and fever. It can be fatal because it puts huge stress on the body and nervous system. Someone who could be experiencing delirium tremens should seek medical help right away.
Another risk of detoxing at home is that if more severe symptoms develop, a person may be too disoriented to call for help. Detoxing under medical supervision is the safest way to prevent and treat the more severe and potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
Detox From Alcohol at The Recovery Village at Baptist Health
Eating a balanced diet is especially important as the body works hard to repair and recover during detox. However, nutrition alone cannot ensure a safe or comfortable detox process. For those with heavy alcohol use or addiction, professional help is the safest and most comfortable way to complete the alcohol detox process.
The Recovery Village at Baptist Health can provide around-the-clock medical supervision to ensure that medical alcohol detox is safe and comfortable. Many of our alcohol rehab programs include medical detox followed by a more structured inpatient or outpatient treatment program. We also offer holistic services, including nutrition advice or counseling.
If you or someone you care about is living with alcohol addiction, The Recovery Village Palm Beach at Baptist Health can help. Contact us today to discuss treatment options with a representative.
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Medical Disclaimer: The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.