Making the choice to abstain from alcohol is a life-changing decision, especially for those whose alcohol dependency is so severe that they are experiencing extreme withdrawal symptoms.
Some individuals quit drinking without the support of an inpatient rehab or detoxification center. These people may find withdrawal symptoms extremely uncomfortable. In some cases, withdrawal symptoms are life-threatening.
What Is Alcohol Detox?
Alcohol detox is the physical and mental process that takes place when someone with an alcohol use disorder stops drinking alcohol. When someone stops drinking, their body begins the arduous process of ridding itself of alcohol, which is a dangerous toxin.
Detoxification is an unpleasant, yet necessary, process that leads to uncomfortable physical withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal symptoms can include:
- headaches
- strong cravings
- nausea
- sweating
- severe anxiety
- tremors
- vomiting
- hallucinations
- seizures
What Is The Safest Way To Detox From Alcohol?
Detoxification should be done under medical supervision. Without proper care, detoxing can go on longer than necessary, or result in death.
Let’s explore the safest ways to detox from an alcohol use disorder.
1. Medically Detox at a Treatment Center
If you or a loved one has decided to abstain from drinking and wants to detox, the safest way to do so would be to medically detox at a detoxification center. This option provides the most support and supervision to the individual during the intense withdrawal symptoms.
The goal of medical detox is for the patient to rid themselves of alcohol in the safest way possible. In this setting, clinicians are able to administer medications to manage withdrawal symptoms, as well as closely monitor the individual and provide any emergency care that may be needed during their detoxification.
Medical detox typically lasts three to seven days and can serve as a segway into a continued care setting, such as inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation.
2. Inpatient Rehabilitation
Inpatient rehabilitation is a live-in treatment program that’s ideal for both detoxing from alcohol and continuing recovery afterward. Inpatient rehabs nurture a patient back to better health while tending to their personal recovery needs in a highly supported environment.
Inpatient rehabs provide structure as well as essential services and resources. These resources include:
- medical detox
- one-on-one support from clinicians, nurses, and specialists
- individual and group counseling
- peer support and group activities
- mental and behavioral health services
- wellness-centered activities like yoga, meditation, prayer, and exercise
- aftercare services
Most inpatient rehab centers offer programs that last 30, 60, or 90 days. This type of treatment option is the best chance at a safe and successful recovery after detoxification.
After Detox
Once dangerous withdrawal symptoms have subsided, continued support through a variety of different treatment options, such as inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation centers, is needed for full recovery from an alcohol use disorder.
Let’s explore treatment options after detoxification.
Outpatient Rehabilitation
Next to inpatient, outpatient rehabilitation is another type of treatment option for continued care after detoxing from alcohol. Similar to inpatient rehab, this option allows patients to receive treatment, but they will return home instead of living in the treatment facility.
This option is a more financially accessible option than inpatient but may be better suited for those who have mild alcohol use disorder.
Partial Hospitalization Programs
For those seeking more support than outpatient rehabilitation but more flexibility than inpatient, partial hospitalization may be the best option.
Unlike outpatient rehabilitation, partial hospitalization includes medical care and a longer stay in the rehab each day. Patients will attend counseling and therapy for several hours a day, then return home.
Detox from Alcohol Today
Detoxing is the first step on your or your loved one’s road to recovery. Quitting
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