Get Alcohol Detox Help
Alcohol detox help refers to the assistance provided to rid the body of alcohol, through abstinence, medication and lifestyle changes. Detox can never work if the alcoholic does not have the support of his or her family and friends, but most importantly, if there is no commitment from the patient’s side.
The detoxification process in the body is normally carried out by the kidneys and liver. Detoxification can be undertaken at home if the patient’s problem is moderate in nature, but if he or she has been exhibiting complicated symptoms like hallucinations and withdrawal symptoms that are quite sever, such situations call for inpatient detoxification.
When heavy drinkers need to be detoxified, medication is the only way to go since the program is of an extreme nature, and the medical term for such kind of detoxification is pharmacological detoxification. When an alcoholic signs up for this kind of a detoxification program, they are warned beforehand that there are chances that they may experience anxiety and insomnia for some time.
There are a few drugs that are commonly used for alcohol detoxification programs, like benzodiazepines, with Chlordiazepoxide being the most popular form of benzodiazepine. Another widely used drug is Diazepam, but it needs to be used with extreme caution, since mixing Diazepam with large quantities of alcohol can lead to a fatal outcome.
A normal detoxification session lasts anywhere between five to six weeks. During this period, the patient is fed a diet that is rich in protein, and also has large amounts of fiber.
Fluids are important too, and the patient is encouraged to drink as much water as possible throughout the day. Since sugar problems are common among most alcoholics, they are given hypoglycemic substances for consumption.
Chamomile teas and parsley too are a part of a detox program, since the alkaloids present in them help stimulate elimination processes of the kidneys. Rehabilitation centers that carry out inpatient detox programs are usually looked down upon by the affluent classes. These rehab centers are generally not located in hip areas, the emphasis is more on self care, and the general consensus is that there is a certain level of social stigma attached to being treated at these rehab centers.
A key factor that cannot be emphasized enough by doctors, therapists, volunteers and family members alike is that alcohol detox help starts and ends with the patient’s determination to quit drinking for good.