In the US, alcohol is a major part of social life. As a part of social life, it is hard to recognize when habitual drinking turns into an addiction. This drug is easily accessible and challenging to avoid in social situations, making it a prevalent substance for abuse.
This addiction is a complicated issue that impacts not only the individual struggling with it but also their friends and family.
Luckily, various treatments are available for alcohol-addicted persons. The most important treatment is alcohol detox.
Let’s explore this treatment in detail.
WHAT IS ALCOHOL DETOX?
Detox is the first and hardest step during recovery. It happens during the first 5–7 days after a person quits the alcohol.
During this stage, the body experiences withdrawal as the alcohol departs the bloodstream. When an individual’s brain becomes dependent on alcohol for specific chemical functions, they may experience withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
- Loss of consciousness
- Panic attacks
- Depression
- Cravings
- Trouble sleeping
- Irritability
- Confusion
- Anxiety
7-BENEFITS OF ALCOHOL DETOX TREATMENT
Improved Mental Health
The drug and alcohol detoxification program helps to improve patient mental health. It reduces stress levels, regulates moods, and improves sleep patterns.
After completing an alcohol detox program, these improved mental health benefits can last long and facilitate future sobriety.
Improved Relationships
This detox program can help strengthen relationships between family members or friends after sobriety.
Furthermore, because friends and family are there to assist them, better relationships will result in more successful recovery. Assistance and encouragement are helpful in the journey to sobriety, providing the necessary strength to sustain it.
Reduced Health Risks
Long-term alcohol consumption can increase the risk of serious health problems, which can be reduce with the use of an alcohol detox treatment.
Furthermore, refraining from alcohol during detox helps lessen the possibility that they would later on in recovery experience severe withdrawal symptoms.
Improved Sleep
Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to poor sleep or insomnia by disrupting the body’s natural sleep-wake cycles. It disrupts the REM sleep stage, causing snoring or sleep apnea.
It also disrupts breathing, causing snoring or sleep apnea. To improve sleep quality, skip alcohol, especially at night or late afternoon, and see significant improvements over time.
Improved Immunity
Alcohol consumption weakens the immune system. It prevents white blood cells from fighting bacteria and germs. Even a single night of heavy drinking can decrease immunity for up to a day.
Over time, high alcohol intake can lead to frequent bouts of pneumonia or tuberculosis.
Better Hydration
Alcohol is a liquid, but it can lead to dehydration due to its diuretic properties. This can cause headaches, reduced potassium and salt levels, and negatively impact nerve and muscle function.
So, Low potassium and salt levels can also cause nausea and fatigue.
Reduced Temptation
Finally, completing an alcohol detox program enables individuals to leave behind previous settings where they were often tempted to drink.
If these things are not properly addressed in the early stages of recovery, such as when participating in an alcohol detox program. They could quickly relapse into addiction.
