Physical Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol
drug detox is often a necessary part of the alcohol rehabilitation process.
Once an individual has gained a physical addiction to alcohol, symptoms develop
as a result of discontinued alcohol intake. Alcohol withdrawal is an extremely
dangerous process, and can be potentially fatal if the proper precautions are
not taken.
Toxicity – What Is It?
Most of the time, the human body is able to eliminate toxins
through the lymph glands, liver urinary system and intestines. However, a body
that is inundated with toxins, as seen in chronic and heavy drinkers, will be
unable to process the toxins properly. The system becomes backed up, requiring
the body to detoxify. Due to the risks associated with alcohol toxicity,
California detox patients must be monitored at a California alcohol
rehab center to avoid serious complications.
Hospital Treatment And Monitoring
Those who require an alcohol detox will require medical
monitoring by a trained addiction specialist. Patients are typically prescribed
one of several medications to help the body cope with the withdrawal, as the
alcohol slowly drains from the patient’s system. Some of the more common
medications used in detox include barbiturates, benzodiazepines, ethanol and
others.
Many physicians also recommend various minerals and vitamins
as part of the detoxification process. Alcohol works to remove various vitamins
from the body, and as such, it’s important to replenish. Some patients risk
brain damage and wernick syndrom if particular vitamin supplements are not
provided.
Withdrawal Symptoms
The symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal can include
hallucinations, seizures, nausea, vomiting, convulsions, disorientation,
tremors and death. A number of factors play into the severity of these
symptoms, including age, genetics and the abuse history of the patient. The
number of times a patients has been through the detoxification process can also
play a role in the extent of withdrawal.
Getting Through The Process
Hydration is key in aiding the detoxification process. Add
to this a good deal of warm milk to counteract insomnia, herbal teas and
cranberry juice to flush out the urinary track, and you’re on the path to a
successful detox. Hot baths, a healthy diet and exercise all positively affect
patients in emotional and physical ways as well.
