What To Expect – Side Effects Of Alcohol Detox

Alcohol detoxification or ‘detox’ – as defined by the popular online encyclopedia Wikipedia article – is when an individual who is alcohol dependent, immediately stops consuming alcohol. Under proper care detoxification may include administration of prescription drugs to alter the physical and psychological effects of alcohol withdrawal. In severe cases, individuals can suffer from symptoms that impair their ability to complete daily functions or even result in death.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), research and statistics show that a significant percentage of Americans over the age of 18 are classified as binge drinkers. The NIAAA’s most recent report reflects that over 25% of women and 40% of men are binge drinkers in the United States. If you are an alcoholic, seeking and participating in professional treatment for alcoholism has proven to increase chances that an individual will successfully control their addiction and lead a more satisfying life.

Individual levels of alcoholism vary as will treatment needs. Depending upon an individual’s stage of the disease, detoxification may take place in either an out-patient or in-patient capacity. If symptoms are minor to mild, most likely the individual will not need in-patient treatment and medical assistance for detox. Alcoholics with more severe symptoms will benefit from in-patient treatment, which will have the professional support they need to complete detox safely. Some of the more common symptoms of alcohol detox include:

• Alcohol Cravings – The desire to consume alcohol impeding an individual’s attempt to control their behavior.
• Anxiety – Feeling anxious or nervous and potentially leading to other physical and emotional symptoms.
• Depression – Intense feelings of sadness and general disinterest in things an individual used to enjoy with other potential symptoms.
• Dysphoria – An emotional and mental discomfort and combination of symptoms including depression, anxiety, and general malaise.
• Impaired Brain Function – Reduced ability of the brain to perform cognitive functions.
• Insomnia – Inability to fall, stay asleep or waking to early.
• Restlessness – Feeling lost, anxious and unable to stay focused for long periods.

Alcoholics who are in advanced stages of addiction may experience more severe symptoms including uncontrollable shaking, spasms, panic, and hallucinations. Medically assisted detox from alcohol is critical for individuals in more than early stages of the disease. Without proper care they may be endangering their health and actually encounter more problems by attempting self-treatment or alcohol detox on their own.

Under proper medical care, symptoms of alcohol detox can be relieved and reduced to help an individual through the process. Prescription drugs can be administered to control the unwanted symptoms of alcohol cravings, anxiety, depression, dysphoria, insomnia, and restlessness. Alcoholism also has severe effects on brain function. According to scientific studies it can take up to a year for an alcoholic’s brain to repair itself and return to a normal cognitive state. So, even after a body completes alcohol detox it will still need time to recover completely from the effects of addiction.

Since the 1970’s scientific studies have shown that treatment for alcoholism greatly increases the chance for an individual to control their addiction and recover their lives without relapse. Sadly, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) national survey’s consistently indicates that less than 10% of individual seek professional help for their addiction problems.

Medically assisted detoxification is not a treatment for alcoholism but the first step in setting the stage to controlling the addiction. No single treatment exists to fit every individual’s needs. If you or a loved one is suffering from an addiction finding the right alcohol detox and recovery program will greatly increase the chances at an improved life and ongoing control of the problem. Be sure and consult with a physician before beginning any treatment program including out-patient, in-patient, or self-treatment.