First, let's define detoxification. It is the process of removing toxins from the body. Toxins are anything that impedes the normal functions of the body or causes stagnation, congestion or disease. This is the process by which alcoholics have to go through when they suddenly stop using alcohol. This is the beginning to recovery. However, one cannot go through this process without medical guidance or outside of rehabilitation center inpatient rehab centers because cessation exhibits various withdrawal symptoms and when unsupervised could lead to death. Withdrawal symptoms intensity varies based on several factors: the type of substance, frequency of use, regular dosage, length of use (how many weeks, months or years the user has been using the substance), physical health of the user; and mental and emotional state.

The first set of symptoms that addicts usually feels is shaking, excessive sweating, headache, nausea and sometimes vomiting. It is at this time that urges for alcohol are at its most severe state. Benzodiazepines and other drugs are used to reduce the intensity of these symptoms. After a period of 6-48 hours of cessation, the alcoholic will experience delirium tremens. This will be accompanied by hallucinations, more violent shaking and nausea symptoms, hyperactive behavior, high light sensitivity, convulsions and even seizures.

The detox process, partly because it is short-term, is not designed to deal with the psychological, social, and behavioral problems associated with addiction; thus, it does not typically produce the lasting behavioral changes necessary for recovery. Detoxification has the biggest chance of making a long-term difference when it integrates evaluation and recommendations to various treatment programs. inpatient alcohol detox.

There is various treatment programs in treatment facilities globally designed to fight alcohol dependency. They provide guidance, help and medical treatments for those who will commit to full recovery and sustain sobriety throughout their lives. Although they do not discount the possibility of future relapses; they advise against this. Nevertheless, treatment can be repeated until the alcoholic has fully healed. They also provide support groups for patients to be able to share and undergo the process of emotional catharsis if the need arises. Again, it is important that an alcoholic realizes his need for treatment and commit to his full recovery in order for him to be able to go back to his normal way of life and become a changed man.