Surviving Alcohol Addiction Medical Detoxification   by Ben Pate

in Health / Diseases and Conditions    (submitted 2012-01-17)

Increased consumption of alcoholic beverages such as wine, beer and even spirits over a long period of time can result in a chemical dependency. The habit of binge drinking and alcohol abuse may lead to an eventual addiction. The purpose of alcohol detox includes a variety of physical symptoms characterized by withdrawal processes in order to regain control over habits.

Symptoms

When symptoms such as craving, withdrawal, reduced control over drinking behavior and a rise in tolerance is reported, the individual is classified as having an alcohol dependency. The instance of increased tolerance levels means that the user will have to consume more alcoholic substance in order to achieve a level of intoxication. This chronic disease includes mild forms of drinking which increase with severity over time requiring professional assistance in gaining control over use.

Detoxification

In the event that a user quits the intake of alcoholic beverages, he or she will experience detoxification in which the body will attempt to cleanse itself of the substance. This difficult process involves a variety of withdrawal symptoms and is best overseen by medical professionals or within a rehabilitation facility. All users will have to go through the detoxifying procedure in order to proceed with rehabilitation and effective treatment that could progress for 2 weeks.

A Toll On The Body

The effects of chronic use and abuse of alcoholic beverages can have detrimental consequences for the internal bodily systems. Gastrointestinal tract irritation can cause serious symptoms and include vomiting, nausea and internal bleeding. Many experience symptoms of vitamin and mineral deficiency as a result of damage to the ability of the body to absorb nutrients.

Detoxification Symptoms

The road to sobriety includes having to eliminate all consumption of alcoholic substances after which, withdrawal symptoms are experienced. The detoxification process requires assistance by medical professionals and rehabilitation facilities due to the nature of symptoms. Effects are reported as mild and increasing in severity during the process of withdrawal which is also dependent on the extent of the addiction.

Dependency

With extended use of alcohol and increased consumption, the act of eliminating alcoholic substances from lifestyle will result in symptoms. These effects are often physical and psychological in nature and may increase in severity. Detoxification is necessary for effective treatment and rehabilitation and should include the support of medical experts and facilities offered through rehabilitative centers.

More Symptoms

During the prescription drug detoxification process, the milder symptoms often experienced include the shakes, shivers and night sweats. Additional effects are noted as anxiety, headaches, rapid heartbeat and a raised blood pressure. These milder symptoms are associated with an increased craving for alcoholic substances which is why a detoxification should include the support of medical professionals and counselors.

Hallucinations

In severe cases, after 48 hours, individuals may report the experience of hallucinations that could last for a few hours and up to a few days. Chronic alcoholism is associated with the development of delirium. In this instance, hallucinations, confusion, hyperactivity, disorientation and cardiovascular problems can occur. Heart attacks and strokes may result from the elimination of the substance, which is why medical or rehabilitation services are essential during this period.

About the Author

The process of alcohol detoxification begins once the user has decided to quit drinking in which a variety of uncomfortable symptoms are experienced. These effects can become life threatening. For successful detoxification whether alcohol or prescription drug detoxification, it is best to seek the assistance and support of qualified rehabilitative services.