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The Basics of Alcohol DetoxificationAlcohol detoxification is a process of removing alcohol from the body of an alcoholic. During this process, alcohol withdrawal symptoms are monitored and controlled as much as possible. It can also refer to the recovery from any brain damage that may have occurred from the alcohol addiction. When undergoing alcohol detox, an alcoholic will typically undergo certain steps if he or she receives help from a detox center.
The First Step of Alcohol Detoxification: Diagnosis
The first step of alcohol detoxification is the actual diagnosis. In order to be diagnosed as an alcoholic, a person must meet certain social, psychological, and biological criteria associated with alcoholism. Obviously, drinking excessively is the first sign of alcoholism. If the drinking interferes with the person’s life, relationship, or career, it is another sign of alcoholism. There are also certain laboratory tests that can be taken to determine the levels of alcohol damage. These include blood chemistry tests, electrocardiograms, and x-rays.
The Second Step of Alcohol Detoxification: Refraining from Alcohol
The second step in the alcohol detox process is to actually refrain from drinking alcohol. If the alcoholism is severe and the alcoholic is receiving residential treatment, this “drying out” period will take place in the detox center. The patient is then watched closely in order to help him or her deal with withdrawal symptoms. Since these symptoms can be severe, it may be necessary to medically intervene during this step of the process. In some cases, an alcoholic may need to take certain types of medication to help prevent severe withdrawal symptoms and get through this process.
The Third Step of Alcohol Detoxification: Counseling
While going through the physical withdrawal symptoms associated with alcohol detox, the alcoholic will also go through difficult emotional and mental symptoms from withdrawal. In addition, the alcoholic needs to work toward understanding why he or she became addicted to alcohol in the first place.
In order to help the person get through the emotional withdrawal symptoms and to get to the root of the problem, counseling is a necessary step in the alcohol detoxification process. Counseling is generally done one-on-one and in group sessions. During the group counseling sessions, the alcoholic finds strength in numbers and support from others going through the same emotional turmoil. During the one-on-one counseling sessions, the alcoholic works on his or her personal issues and sets goals toward recovery.
The Fourth Step of Alcohol Detoxification: Aftercare
After completing the entire alcohol detox program, the alcoholic still works with the detox center in an aftercare program. If the individual received residential treatment, he or she is released from the center and now works at implementing the strategies learned during treatment. Now, it is time for the alcoholic to practice refusal skills and to surround him or herself with positive people who will support his or her recovery. An aftercare specialist continues to monitor the alcoholic in order to guide him or her and to increase the chances of the alcoholic successfully living an alcohol-free lifestyle.
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