If you've ever tried to stop drinking, you know that withdrawal from alcohol can be uncomfortable. However, professional treatment is the safest way to detox from alcohol.
Medical detox is a process that allows people to get help with withdrawal symptoms, including pain and seizures. This can help patients avoid complications that can be dangerous or even life-threatening.
Medications
A number of medications are available to treat alcohol withdrawal. These include barbiturates (Amobarbital, Butabarbital and Secobarbital) and benzodiazepines.
These medications reduce the effects of alcohol on the brain by rebalancing chemicals that may be altered by excessive alcohol consumption. They are also effective for preventing alcohol withdrawal seizures.
Medications are selected and administered by a medical professional during detox to make the process as safe and comfortable as possible for patients. Depending on the severity of symptoms and other factors, patients may be treated with oral medication or intravenous drugs.
Benzodiazepines are the best drugs to prevent severe withdrawal syndrome, including seizures and delirium tremens. These medications are typically used in combination with rating scales and symptom-triggered regimens. This approach has been shown to be more effective than fixed tapering dose regimes.
Nutrition
Nutrition is often a low priority when people are trying to overcome addiction, but it’s crucial for healthy recovery. Poor dietary habits can contribute to mood irregularities that feed cravings and the risk of relapse.
Chronic heavy drinking depletes your body’s vitamin stores, so eating a diet that is nutrient-rich is important during detox. These include vitamins A, B, C and E, as well as calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc.
Alcohol detox can cause you to lose a lot of fluids through vomiting, sweating and diarrhea so it’s essential to stay hydrated during this time. Drinking good quality water and herbal detox teas can help to re-balance electrolytes in the body.
Foods rich in vitamins B, vitamin C and potassium are also recommended during detox because these nutrients help to ease the symptoms of withdrawal, such as nausea and headaches. Nuts like walnuts, almonds and cashews are an excellent source of these vitamins. They’re a good choice for snacks between meals and can improve blood sugar levels when you’re experiencing low energy.
Exercise
Getting into an exercise routine is one of the best ways to prevent alcohol relapse. It is also an effective tool for helping people maintain abstinence during drug detox.
In addition to helping people develop healthy habits, exercise can also help reduce stress and depression during alcohol detox. It is also a great way to stay social while in recovery, and can help you create new connections with your support system.
As with any type of treatment, it’s important to consult with your doctor before beginning a daily exercise routine. It’s also a good idea to start slowly and gradually build up your workouts. If you’re not accustomed to exercising, it may be beneficial to speak with a professional trainer who can help guide you through the process.
Sleep
The body needs sleep to be healthy, and people who don't get enough sleep are more likely to suffer from a number of health problems, including depression, high blood pressure, seizures and migraines. In addition, sleeping regularly can help to clear cellular debris that can lead to inflammation and cell death.
It's also essential for memory consolidation, enabling the brain to store and process information. It helps to keep the nervous system in a state of balance and regulates emotional responses, such as stress.
Insomnia is a common symptom of alcohol withdrawal and can make it more difficult to stay sober, so treating sleep problems is important. Treatment centers often provide behavioral therapy as part of their program, and a detox diet can also improve sleep and decrease the risk of relapse.
