Some people struggling with alcoholism are curious as to how to detox from alcohol. Many of them don’t understand that it takes the help of medical professionals. Trying to self-detox can be very dangerous because of how the substance affects your vital organs. Many years ago, society believed those who attempted detox without medical assistance had the best chance of staying sober. Studies have proven that not only is the chance of relapse high, but it’s extremely dangerous to one’s health. It’s important to learn how to detox from alcohol safely.
Alcoholism is a disease that affects more than 26 million adults in the United States. Detoxing from alcohol can be extremely dangerous without medical supervision, but it’s also necessary to quit drinking if you want to stay sober.
The only way to safely and effectively detox from alcohol is under medical supervision. Alcohol withdrawal can lead to life-threatening consequences, so it’s important that you don’t attempt this on your own.
If you are struggling with alcoholism, it’s important that you make the decision to quit drinking. Alcoholism is a disease that can lead to devastating consequences if not properly treated through medical detox followed by counseling and support groups.
How to Detox from Alcohol Safely
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be fatal if not treated by medical professionals. This is why it’s important that you learn how to properly detox from alcohol in a safe and effective way. Many people who struggle with alcoholism believe that quitting drinking is as simple as deciding to do so—it’s not.
Alcoholism progresses over time, and those who develop an alcohol addiction become both mentally and physically dependent. The body eventually gets to a point where it needs alcohol to function. Once alcohol begins to leave the system or starts to metabolize, the person can experience a range of symptoms. Some of these alcohol withdrawal symptoms may include:
- High blood pressure
- Nausea
- Aches and pains
- Body tremors
- Hallucinations
More severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms can include seizures as well as cardiac arrest, which of course can be fatal. The safest way to undergo an alcohol detox is at a qualified detox facility. During this process, a medical staff monitors individuals around the clock to keep them safe. When necessary, they can also administer different medications that can limit discomfort.
Staying Sober Through Extended Care Treatment
While knowing how to detox from alcohol is important, recognize that it’s only the beginning of the road to recovery, and it takes extended treatment to ensure long-term sobriety. Although it’s important to take care of physical dependence to alcohol, it doesn’t keep people sober. Much of your drinking is due to negative thought patterns and not physical cravings. A person’s outlook on life, mental health, and coping mechanisms need some work to stay sober.
For those struggling with alcoholism, it takes time for their thought processes to change, and this happens through therapy. Programs use various evidence-based therapies to help the brain heal. Because the recovery process doesn’t happen overnight, medical professionals often recommend 30–90 days of treatment. During that time, you and your loved ones will begin to notice a change.
You Need an Alcohol Detox Center In Portland
At Crestview Recovery, we’ve helped many men and women find a new way of living. We’re partnered with a local detox facility that can help you learn how to detox from alcohol or drugs safely. Medical professionals will help you establish a strong recovery foundation. Once they ensure your mental and physical stability, they’ll facilitate an easy transition to our extended care program.
While at Crestview Recovery, you’ll collaborate with therapists and peers to learn about the causes and conditions of your alcohol addiction. You’ll start to see that you don’t have to travel the road of recovery alone. Our facility also offers dual diagnosis therapy to help you with any symptoms of mental illness.
You can find out more about how Crestview Recovery can help you embrace a new, sober lifestyle, call us today at 866.262.0531.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
