When the habit of alcohol use becomes problematic and starts causing significant distress, a person is said to have an alcohol use disorder. Overcoming alcoholism or alcohol use disorder is a long-term process, and everyone has unique needs when it comes to treating it. Alcoholism can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the duration, dosage, and how many symptoms you have. While some people successfully go through the treatment process in the alcohol rehab, others who have become more than dependent on alcohol can experience withdrawal symptoms when they suddenly stop alcohol use. As a result, the body and mind can feel uncomfortable and pose serious health conditions, even death.
Hence, the care needed by a person depends on various factors, such as medical history, support system, and personal motivation. Getting rid of alcohol misuse is a tough process, and the first stage is alcohol detoxification.
Alcohol Detox
When a body tries to get rid of toxins and waste from long-term alcohol consumption, the process is called alcohol detoxification. While some people may only be affected by minor effects after stopping drinking or alcohol use, others can face extreme pain. It happens because alcohol is a depressant. When you continuously consume alcohol, your brain stops producing certain chemicals, making you dependent on the drug. Hence, when you suddenly stop drinking, your body takes time to readjust and causes withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal symptoms range from mild to severe, depending on the severity of the alcohol use disorder. You may experience:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Shakiness
- Sweating
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Hallucinations
- Delirium Tremens
- Unstable changes in heart rate
Do You Need a Detox Program?
If at any given point, you feel that you are unable to function without alcohol or need alcohol to stay normal, you likely need help. The detox program will help curb the cravings so that patients learn to function without the use of drugs and handle withdrawal symptoms.
The alcohol detoxification program guides you through withdrawal using therapies and medications. While medication eases the symptoms, the therapies help you identify the trigger points, and how to cope with them and ultimately take you towards sobriety. Also, a lot of support is required to stick with a detox program. Hence, group therapies and participating in activities with peers at a detox centre will help you develop a sense of understanding and also let you share your experiences. Daily interaction with your peers will provide you with all the support and care you need.
What Happens During Detox and How Does It Help You?
You can expect these things from a detox program:
- The detox team will carry out a set of tests, including blood work to check your physical and mental health. The detox team will also encourage you to talk about your health and drinking history.
- Once you enter the program, the detox team will keep a regular check on your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and temperature to get you physically and mentally stable. The medicines may also be given to ease the withdrawal symptoms.
- The detox program will help you become sober by transferring you to right rehab settings.
Inpatient and Outpatient Alcohol Rehab
Choosing between inpatient and outpatient alcohol rehab takes a crucial consideration. Whatever you choose, the decision will always depend upon your availability and finances. If you are comfortable with leaving everything behind to get rid of a substance use disorder, inpatient treatment is the ultimate choice. And if you care about your job, and other commitments, outpatient alcohol treatment will best suit you. How? Let’s see.
In an inpatient or residential private alcohol rehab, patients are required to live at the centre and then provided intensive care. In this type of treatment, the patients are monitored around the clock and taught how to alleviate alcohol withdrawal symptoms. And once the patient is through with the detox, they are admitted to full-time rehabilitation centre where they receive medical care and get to participate in the group therapies.
Also, the length or duration of alcohol rehab is different for different people. While some recover within a month or two, others find it difficult to overcome, even in a year. Some of the popular program lengths that private alcohol rehabs provide include:
- 30-day alcohol rehab
- 60-day alcohol rehab
- 90-day alcohol rehab
- Long-term rehab programs (120 days or more)
In Outpatient alcohol treatment, the patients get the most flexible form of care. Why? Because they are allowed to live at home, go to work, and indulge in social activities as they like, while attending regular sessions going to a centre. It is as easy as going for regular check-ups at a hospital. There are many treatment options for patients in outpatient therapy, such as counselling, a 12-step program, or other recovery services, as and when needed. While outpatient alcohol treatment is best suited for those dealing with mild or moderate alcohol use disorder, it is usually recommended for those who have already completed inpatient treatment successfully. Also, intensive outpatient treatment offers several days of therapy per week.
The Time for Help is Now
Realizing the ill effects of using alcohol and demanding sobriety is a huge step. That’s why you must not decide to get the right treatment lightly. Be it an alcohol detoxification program or private alcohol rehab that suits you, start your journey today. Also, if you know someone who is dealing with the same struggles as you, don’t hesitate to talk to them. Visit any therapist near you to take advice to get admission to the best rehabilitation centres in the UK.
