Alcohol Detox: What to Expect When Detoxing from Alcohol

Alcoholism is a chronic, progressive, and fatal disease if left untreated. People struggling with alcoholism experience incessant cravings for, increased tolerance of, and physical dependence on alcohol. Alcoholics continue to drink despite the many negative consequences their drinking has caused them and their loved ones. Alcohol addiction is medically defined as a treatable disease. Fortunately, with help and support, it is possible to manage alcoholism and live a happy, fulfilling life in sobriety. The thought of detoxing from alcohol can be a scary one, particularly if you drink heavily or have been drinking for an extended period of time. You may fear the intense cravings or uncomfortability that will come with alcohol withdrawal. We are here to tell you that you can make it through an alcohol detox safely and comfortably. There are certain things you can expect while detoxing from alcohol.

What Causes Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms During Detox?

In order to enjoy a life free from alcohol, an addict must first come to terms with their dependency and take the steps to rectify their situation. This can usually be done with the aid of a detox center; especially one that is dedicated to providing treatment to those facing alcoholism. It’s not just about the emotional recognition however, and in order to truly become free from alcohol an individual must also undergo an extensive detoxing period.

During this phase, withdrawal symptoms can occur and they can range in severity; from minor headaches and rashes, through to major organ failure. In the most extreme of cases, this has been known to lead to death. This is why going through alcohol withdrawal in a detox center and with the help and support of trained professionals can be so vital.

What Causes Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms During Detox?

Ethyl alcohol is a substance that is found within all alcoholic beverages, but the amount of it can vary from bottle to can. The substance is measured in quantities of percentages, with lower percentages meaning lesser alcohol will be present and higher amounts demonstrating larger volumes. It doesn’t matter what the percentage is – alcohol can take its toll on the human body regardless of how substantially it is consumed.

When a habit is developed, the chemicals within the alcoholic substance can act to reduce the number of healthy cells within the body. It’s the job of the human metabolism to replenish these cells so they will continue to be produced, but as the alcohol begins to fill the cells, the body will start to develop a dependency on alcohol.

And this is exactly what leads to withdrawal symptoms. It’s much the same if a person was to go without water for a few hours. Their body would start to demand water, which would lead to cravings – and if these cravings weren’t sated, then the body would start to react. Slowly, organs would stop functioning and begin to shut down and this is why in some extreme cases of alcoholism, withdrawal can lead to fatalities.

This is Why Rehab Centers Are So Important

If a person develops a physiological dependency on alcohol, but then suddenly decides to stop consuming the substance, their body can react very badly to the lack of toxins that it has become so used to receiving. With the help of a specialist recovery service (such as those present within a detox center), the body can rely on alternative remedies to help with detoxifying.

These remedies often include advanced chemical formulas that can act to provide the body with nourishment and support, whilst expelling the unwanted alcoholic toxins left behind and within cells. Over time, the detox can completely rid the body with fairly few side effects – and the better the treatment program, the more effective the results can be.