Alcohol Detox: Why You Should Get Professional Help

If you’re struggling with alcohol addiction, detoxing at home may seem reasonable. After all, it’s probably what you’ve been doing for years. However, detoxing from alcohol is a painful process that should only be done under medical supervision.

Alcohol detoxification involves removing all traces of alcohol from your system. When you drink alcohol, it’s broken down into acetaldehyde and then into acetic acid. These are all toxic substances that can cause severe damage to your body.

Alcohol detox takes place in two stages:

  1. Induction phase. When you first stop drinking, your body starts to rid itself of the alcohol. Here, you may experience withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, shaking, and sweating.
  2. Maintenance phase. When your body continues to rid itself of the alcohol, you begin to feel better. However, you’re still at risk for relapse during this phase.

Top 3 Reasons to Seek Professional Help

1. Alcohol Withdrawal Can Be Life-Threatening

When you suddenly stop drinking, your body will experience withdrawal symptoms that can be quite severe depending on your alcohol dependence. It can cause life-threatening symptoms like seizures, hallucinations, and tremors. Without professional help, it’s tough to manage these symptoms and keep yourself safe.

2. Medical Supervision Can Help Prevent Relapse

Alcohol detox is only the first step in recovery. Once you’re through the worst of withdrawal, you’ll still face a long road ahead. Professional help can give you the support and resources to stay on track and avoid relapse.

3. Detoxing in a Hospital Setting Is Safe and Secure

Detoxing from alcohol can be a complex process, both physically and emotionally. When you do it in a hospital setting, you know that you’re safe and secure. You’ll also have access to all the resources you need to make the detox process as smooth and successful.

If you’re struggling with alcohol addiction, don’t try to detox independently. Get professional help and give yourself the best chance for a successful recovery.

Threats of Self-Detox

There are many dangers associated with self-detoxing from alcohol. Some of the most common threats include:

  • Seizures: Seizures can occur when you stop drinking suddenly. They can be dangerous and even life-threatening.
  • Hallucinations: When you detox from alcohol, you may see or hear things that aren’t there. These hallucinations can be very frightening and make it challenging to stay safe.
  • Dehydration: Alcohol causes your body to lose fluids. When you stop drinking, you may become dehydrated quickly. It can lead to serious health problems like kidney failure.
  • Malnutrition: Alcohol can interfere with your body’s ability to absorb nutrients. When you stop drinking, you may become malnourished very quickly. This can lead to health problems like anemia and liver disease.
  • Suicide risk: People who detox from alcohol on their own are at high risk for suicide. The reason being is that they are generally in a terrible state, both physically and emotionally.

To Sum It Up

If you’re struggling with alcohol detox, please get professional help. It’s the best decision you can make for your health and well-being.

Professional detox centers have staff trained in helping people through this challenging process, and they will be able to provide you with the support and care you need to make it through detox safely and effectively.