4 Reasons Detoxification is Important during Alcohol Recovery Treatment

Detoxification is very important to the process of alcohol treatment because it allows the alcoholic to cleanse their body of the substance that has taken over their lives. The attempt to quit “cold-turkey” can come with uncomfortable or deadly consequences, but with a professional detox, the patient can become sober in a safe and secure environment. There are many reasons detoxification is important during alcohol recovery treatment.

Detox will Cleanse the Body of Alcohol

Detoxification a vital part of the recovery process because it wipes the slate clean, which gives the addict a chance to build a foundation toward their recovery. As opposed to “cold turkey,” detoxification is in an inpatient facility with immediate medical attention on hand.

Without detoxification, the alcoholic is likely to relapse or become hospitalized, which will discourage them from recovery. Many will try to avoid the withdrawal symptoms from happening again by continuing their drinking habits which may only make things worse.

Detox is the Safest Way

You’ll be offered medication to ease severe withdrawal symptoms while in detox.

During detoxification, the alcoholic will endure the harsh withdrawal symptoms with a medical professional on hand. According to SAMHSA, inpatient treatment will provide additional support, medical supervision, and treatment for rehabilitation during detoxification to help them through the withdrawal symptoms.

If an alcoholic tries to quit on his or her own, it can lead to organ failure, heart failure, seizures, and other serious symptoms. For chronic alcoholics, delirium tremens, which is a life-threatening illness that will require immediate medical attention, may occur.

A Supervised Detoxification

The addiction to alcohol likely took a long time to form, which means that the recovery time will take just as much time. When an addict tries to quit on their own, it is likely that they will end up more physically and mentally sick than when they began.

With supervised detoxification, the addict will be prepared for the long journey toward recovery and with added therapy to teach them how to cope with their daily stress, which will improve their mental and physical health.

The Option for Medication

Without the detoxification program for inpatient services, the alcoholic is left to handle the withdrawal symptoms on their own. Residential treatment facilities will offer medications that can relieve withdrawal symptoms, which can be essential to their patient’s recovery, but it is important to know that according to the NIDA, medical detoxification is only the first step and the alcoholic can only become sober with the right therapies and treatment.

However, many addicts who attempt a nonmedical detox were shown to fail because of how distressing and painful the withdrawal symptoms are. The suffering during withdrawal often leads to continued use of alcohol to avoid pain or emotional imbalance.

Detoxification is a very important part of the recovery process for alcoholics. It cleanses the body of alcohol, provides medical supervision in case of severe symptoms, improves mental and physical health with the right treatment, and offers the options of medication to ease the harsh withdrawal symptoms.

Without this process, the alcoholic exposes him or herself to the possibility of a painful withdrawal and in some cases, death. Detoxification can begin a new chapter in the alcoholic’s life and change it for a better and healthier lifestyle.

If you or someone you know is suffering from alcoholism and needs treatment, please call 800-996-6135(Who Answers?) to find a facility that can help.

Sources

1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2006). Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment: 4 Physical Detoxification Services for Withdrawal From Specific Substances.
2. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2016). Understanding Drug Abuse and Addiction: What Science Says- 8: Medical detoxification.