How to Detox From Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol abuse can be one of the biggest obstacles that any person will have to overcome in their lifetime. While there are numerous methods that people use to break their alcohol abuse habit and overcome their addictions, it is universally accepted that the first thing that anyone who wants to break an alcohol habit needs to do is detox.
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Instructions
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Determine that you are going to cut alcohol from your life and recognize that the detox process can be difficult. Set aside the time you will need to see it through--generally three to seven days depending upon the degree of your alcoholism.
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Ideally, your detox will be medically facilitated. The most successful method is to check yourself into an in-patient detox center. If you have the financial means or requisite insurance, make arrangements for in-patient detox. If not, arrange the supervision of a medical professional if at all possible.
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Be prepared to undergo a painful detox phase. This may include such physical symptoms as tremors, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, pain and sweating. Understand that these things are to be expected and part of the reason medical facilitation (or at least moral support) of your detox is always a good idea.
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Ride out the detox symptoms. This can take hours to days depending on the severity of alcohol addiction. Some people are unable to do this unassisted and turn to prescription aids to help them through the process.
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After detox, stay alcohol free. This can be difficult, but even a single drink can (and likely will) lead to a relapse, making all of the suffering associated with detoxing a wasted effort.
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Tips & Warnings
If the person seeking detox is not committed to the process, it generally will not work. Medical and/or emotional counseling and support are always recommended. Many people are not comfortable with opening up to close friends, family members or other loved ones regarding their alcohol addiction, which is why programs such as AA are so effective.
If you have a severe alcohol addiction, your detox symptoms may be more severe than someone who has a lesser addiction. For your safety, you should only attempt to detox in a medically facilitated environment that is equipped to monitor your vital signs and provide emergency medical aid if needed.
