Everyone knows the dangers of alcohol addiction, but do you know the dangers of alcohol detox? There are about 18 million people in the United States today who struggle with some form of alcohol abuse disorder. This number includes alcohol abuse as well as alcoholism. We all are aware of the many dangers of driving while under the influence of alcohol and how many deaths are caused yearly because of this condition. However, people continue to do it and suffer the consequences receiving fines for this offense or worse, death.
Alcoholism Ruins Lives
Many people start out drinking socially only to become daily drinkers and then moving on to drinking more alcohol every day. This is because they have built up a tolerance to the alcohol and it takes more and more for them to have the same effects. Once someone has started drinking to the extent, it not only affects them but everyone around them also. There are many problems that can damage an alcoholic other than physically.
When heavily drinking, a person’s work performance suffers. They either don’t go to work because of a night of drinking or they go to work hungover and have no productivity. Many alcoholics drink while working and cause accidents and risk losing their jobs because of the drinking. Family life is also affected by drinking. People put purchasing alcohol before the household’s needs. Many times bills go unpaid because of doing this. Alcoholism can have many lasting effects on members of the family through violence while drinking or simply by their needs not being met.
Alcohol Detox
When an individual realizes the damage they are doing through their alcohol abuse, they have to make a decision. Hopefully, the decision will be to seek help for their alcohol addiction. It is never too late. The first thing they must do to start their recovery is to detox from alcohol. Alcohol is probably the most dangerous of substances from which to detox. Detoxification should never be attempted alone without the help of a professional. The withdrawal symptoms are very dangerous and can even end in death.
In a detox facility or an addiction treatment center, a staff member who is licensed and trained in this field will be with you 24 hours a day, seven days a week while you go through detox. Some of the first withdrawal symptoms include mild symptoms such as headache, shakiness, nausea and vomiting, insomnia, and sweating. These symptoms are uncomfortable, but not life-threatening.
However, there are other symptoms which are life-threatening. These symptoms include:
- Profuse sweating
- High blood pressure
- Fever
- Irregular heartbeat
- Severe tremors
- Confusion, anxiety, and disorientation
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
These are symptoms associated with DT’s (delirium tremens). All of these symptoms can be extremely dangerous. This danger is why one should never try to go through this alone and or even with another person who is not trained in the care of someone with these symptoms.
Inpatient Treatment for Alcohol Detox
You should undergo alcohol detox in an inpatient treatment facility where you can have the proper care which you need. In an inpatient facility, you can undergo your detoxification in a safe and comfortable environment with a licensed professional who can take care of any medical emergencies immediately should they arise. They monitor you the entire time and can offer any medical and emotional assistance needed during this process.
Afterward, you can go through a treatment program which has been created for your specific requirements and preferences. You can return home to your family alcohol-free and ready for the healthy and happy life which you so deserve.
