Alcohol detox, also known as detoxification, is the period of alcoholism recovery during which all alcohol is flushed out of the system. It is the first stage of most alcohol treatment programs, and it is often considered one of the most difficult. The only way to fully detox from alcohol is to quit completely. Drawing down one’s dosage is ineffective for several reasons. That is why so many serious alcohol addicts detox in inpatient care facilities. Making it through this stage takes will power, but it is much easier under the care of a treatment professional.

Inpatient or outpatient?
No matter how serious the addiction is, every alcoholic has to go through alcohol detox in some form. Serious alcoholics are better off going through this stage under the close supervision of medical professionals. The side effects of alcohol withdrawal can be unpleasant, and medical complications may arise, so it is best to have instant access to doctors should something go wrong.

However, if your doctor approves, you may be able to undergo outpatient detox, which is a viable option for people whose addictions are less serious. Approach this option with caution, however, as you will need a good home support system and a strong will to make it through this difficult stage.

Inpatient treatment is usually best for alcoholics whose problems have lasted years, and for individuals whose alcoholism is co-morbid with other mental disorders. Also, if you have other medical issues that may be worsened by the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, it is probably best to detox in a facility. Talk to your doctor about whether you are in any danger of complications.

Alcohol withdrawal
During alcohol detox, withdrawal symptoms may range from mild to severe. Some of the most common symptoms include:

· irritability, anxiety, and nervousness
· insomnia and bad dreams
· clouded thought processes
· sharp mood swings
· clamminess and sweating
· headache
· accelerated heart rate
· fever
· seizures and delirium tremors

Few recovering alcoholics experience all of these symptoms, but most do suffer temporary ill effects of some kind. If your addiction is serious, expect the symptoms to be more pronounced. However, if you recover in an Inpatient Substance Abuse Program, your doctors will help you get through your alcohol detox with as little discomfort as possible.

The good news is that alcohol withdrawal tends to pass after just a few days. After that, many alcoholics report feeling clearer headed than they have in years, and it is common to have a temporary sense of elation, which may fade slightly as you move through the difficult stages of long-term recovery. In any event, alcohol detox is generally not as bad as many alcoholics fear. With strong will power, good family support, and medical care, you can get through it with little trouble.

Outpatient Detox Video, Boca Raton Florida – Dr. Scanlan introduces himself and outlines a plan of action for detoxification from opiates, alcohol and benzodiazepines in an outpatient setting in South Florida.

More Outpatient Detox Information…

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