For most individuals struggling with alcohol dependency due to heavy drinking, quitting may be a big challenge. Moreover, in addition to the difficulty in changing compulsive, longstanding patterns of alcohol abuse, the detoxing process often causes unpleasant withdrawal symptoms presenting serious health risks to patients.
Nevertheless, detox can be administered safely and more comfortably for addicts in early recovery. Alcohol detoxing programs offer individuals close monitoring, supportive care, and when need be, medical intervention to minimize the risk of life-threatening or painful symptoms.
For patients with a significant level of withdrawal prospects, checking into a reputable inpatient recovery facility is an ideal option. These facilities assist in guiding patients through the process and personalizing the plan for recovery from detox to post-treatment support that will ensure full recovery of patients devoid of recurrence in the future. To find more about what services are offered in inpatient alcohol recovery facilities, you can visit websites as ‘https://www.ascendantny.com/.’
Alcohol Use Disorder
AUD is a chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by:
- Inability to control or minimize alcohol consumption following several attempts to quit.
- An intense craving or longing to use alcohol.
- Deterioration of interpersonal relationships because of alcohol overuse.
- Deterioration of job or school performance because of the effects of drinking.
- Occurrence of withdrawal symptoms when one abstains from alcohol.
- A growing alcohol tolerance
Alcohol use disorders can develop among individuals of all gender, ages, cultures, and socioeconomic status. It is estimated that over a hundred million people worldwide suffer from AUD.
When a patient with a significant level of physical alcohol dependency quits drinking, supervision by medical personnel is crucial to ensure the comfort and safety of the addict. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms may include life-threatening side effects like seizures and agitation, which may need medical intervention to manage safely. Some signs of alcohol withdrawal are:
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Confusion
- Sleep problems
- Hallucinations
- Upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting
- Headache
- Increased body temperature
- Increased heart rate
- Seizures
- Sweating
- Severe tremor
Reducing the chances of these symptoms and other severe symptoms is the fundamental goal of medical detoxification. Medical detox enables the body to rid itself of the alcohol influence in a controlled and comfortable environment. It gently restores balance and eases the body and brain back to normal functioning without alcohol craving.
Inpatient Alcohol Treatment
The intensity of care and level of patient management required during alcohol detox depends on the magnitude of dependence and other addiction issues. Additionally, some people may be at higher risk than others. People with pre-existing conditions, a history of severe or multiple withdrawal, or seizures are likely to experience complicated withdrawal issues. In such cases, an inpatient program will ensure a more comfortable and safer detox process.
Factors to consider when choosing an inpatient detox facility
- Enhanced focus on recovery: An inpatient treatment center enables the patient to focus more on their recovery. An addict in an outpatient recovery program will have to cope with specific daily commitments, stressors, and other factors that could interfere with the recovery process.
- Medical staff: There are several risks involved in quitting alcohol consumption, especially if the user has developed serious physiological dependence. Since withdrawal symptoms might include fever, agitation, hallucinations, and seizures, having on-call medical professionals within reach is crucial should the circumstances become life-threatening.
- Closed environment: Avoiding environments that trigger or promote alcohol use is a vital step toward recovery. Research has shown that relapse occurs in about 50% of adults undergoing recovery. Thus, having a controlled environment while detoxing may assist in managing triggers and cravings.
If you are not sure whether your or your loved one’s drinking requires a supervised medical detox, it is wise to discuss recovery options with a specialist to decide on an appropriate level of care.
