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Safe Alcohol Detox

Alcohol Detoxification

Detoxification from any addictive substance is a major step toward regaining control over one’s life. Anyone getting an alcohol detox means that they are willing to get rid of the dependency and are already on their way to recovery. However, this process isn’t as straightforward as it may sound. Attempting to quit alcohol cold turkey without medical supervision can be life threatening and may even result in death.

The withdrawal effects can get so intense that it may even cause a person to fall back into the addiction. At Rehab Today by PCP, we understand the challenges that may occur when one decides to quit addiction. Medical help from trained medical professionals is essential to manage severe withdrawal symptoms and prevent complications. It’s for this reason that our experts provide the most curated supervised care to our patients so no one feels alone during this phase.

Read this guide to learn more about alcohol detox and how professional care from PCP can make this journey easier. Prescribed medication may be used to ease withdrawal symptoms, and detox is just the first step in addressing an alcohol problem.

And man during Detox treatment assessment with head in his hands looking desperate

What Is Alcoholism?

Alcoholism is a chronic disease. It is characterised by binge drinking alcohol or committing compulsive behaviour under the influence of alcohol. The condition isn’t about consuming a shot or two. Instead, it involves drinking alcohol regardless of what is going on around in the surroundings or what time of the day it is. Individuals who are dependent on alcohol often struggle to control their alcohol intake, which can lead to serious health and social consequences.

Alcohol addicts may often suffer from health conditions as well as many other social problems. These people are usually confined to their own spaces and avoid socialising much with others due to the fear of being judged. Amidst all this, their ability to conduct their daily responsibilities suffers the most. They are no longer able to continue their jobs or spend quality time with family.

How Does Alcohol Interfere with the Brain?

In terms of alcoholism, our brain is the organ that suffers the most. Alcohol modifies the communication pathways of our brain, thus changing the way it functions. Alcohol acts as a depressant on the central nervous system, and its depressant effects slow down brain activity. As a result, when under the influence, we aren’t able to think critically, make decisions or even remember anything. The effects of alcohol on the brain include impaired decision-making and memory.

Physical Impact

Alcohol abuse not only affects the working or thinking ability of our brain, but it also targets its structure. Any human organ, including the brain, has a specific set of cells, which must be in the best condition possible to function properly.

Alcohol can shrink these cells or even cause damage to them when used for the long term. And sometimes vital cells responsible for maintaining balance and coordination can suffer the most, resulting in problems related to motor skills.

Chemical Impact

Consuming alcohol can also significantly impact the chemical makeup of our brain. It can interfere with the way neurotransmitters convey messages. According to many studies, when alcohol is consumed, it boosts the neurotransmitters responsible for feelings of pleasure.

Aside from making a person feel relaxed, this sudden rush of chemicals also suppresses the neurotransmitter responsible for reasoning. And this instant feeling of pleasure every time a person drinks compels them to consume another shot. When the behaviour is repeated for a long time, the brain may form a dependency on alcohol and may require it to feel relaxed.

Time to detox written on a clock

Withdrawing From Alcohol

One cannot quit drinking right away the moment he or she has decided to do so. When people stop drinking suddenly, they may experience mild symptoms at first, but these can quickly escalate to severe symptoms. Even if a person intends to, they will have a high chance of relapse due to the withdrawal symptoms they may experience.

Alcohol stays in our bodies even when we have stopped consuming it. Additionally, our brain being dependent on it also takes quite some time to forget its effects. The onset and severity of withdrawal symptoms often depend on when the last drink was consumed. So, when one has stopped drinking, their brain can still have a strong craving for alcohol. This urge to feed the addiction can result in some very adverse consequences, also known as withdrawal symptoms. Some withdrawal symptoms can become a medical emergency, requiring immediate attention.

Professional care during detox can ease withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and prevent complications, ensuring a safer recovery process.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms may start as mild, however it doesn’t take much time to have them spiral into severe complications. Consumers may first start to have anxiety or restlessness, and when left unmonitored, these can result in seizures.

Some other alcohol withdrawal signs may include:

●      Mood irritability

●      Vomiting or nausea

●      Tremors

●      Increased heartbeat or breathing rate

●      Insomnia

●      Muscle aches or headaches

●      Inability to think or decide

These symptoms can often get worse with passing time, and one may have no other choice but to relapse. It is for this reason that it is not advised to conduct an alcohol detox on your own. Professionals know how and when to address every withdrawal effect most safely.

At PCP, our experts ensure that every detox plan is tailored just according to the needs of each individual. Our plan of action ensures that the withdrawal process is made as comfortable as possible for every of our clients.

Timeframe

Eliminating alcohol from a human body can take a bit of time. This period may be characterised by varying symptoms, which we will be discussing below:

●      1 to 3 Days: This is the acute phase and starts after 4 to 6 hours of the last alcohol dose consumed. Some common effects may include anxiety or nausea, which may also lead to severe consequences such as losing consciousness. Professional support can prove to be a great help during this time.

●      4 to 7 Days: As the 4th day starts, the symptoms may peak and may start to subside by the 7th day. During this window, many can also face delirium tremens (DTs), a medical condition characterised by rapid heartbeat or high blood pressure.

●      Up to 3 Weeks: At this time, our body has adjusted to the absence of alcohol. Physical symptoms may have vanished, but the psychological symptoms, such as anxiety or irritability, can still occur. Therapy or counselling must be arranged to address these issues.

●      Month and So: Many psychological as well as physical symptoms may have subsided. Even if any of the withdrawal impact is still there, the ongoing support slowly and gradually elevates it.

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Understanding the Body’s Detoxing Mechanism

Alcohol isn’t eliminated from our bodies in its initial form. It is broken down into other byproducts and is then eliminated through urine. The organ that plays a major role in this elimination is our liver.

It is the liver’s duty to convert alcohol into less harmful components and then have it pass through urine or sweat. Nevertheless, the process isn’t as easy as one might think. It can often harm the liver, causing it to malfunction. As a result, one can expect the detox process to take even longer to complete.

Can You Do an Alcohol Detox at Home?

No, you must not attempt to conduct alcohol detox at home on their own. The process is characterised by severe complications that an individual might be unable to manage without proper support. Professional guidance in this instance can help in making the whole process more manageable. These experts can aid in handling:

●      Severe Withdrawal Symptoms: Sometimes, alcohol detox symptoms may not be as mild as having nausea or headaches. Instead, it can consist of hallucinations or DTs, which might be managed only with proper medications. A licensed healthcare practitioner can only determine the prescription you will be consuming.

●      Dehydration: Alcohol detox can cause a person to vomit or have diarrhoea dangerously. As a result, this individual might lose important electrolytes from their body and become severely dehydrated. It is important to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated during detox. Medical staff can assess the person’s condition and suggest treatments according to their body needs.

●      Relapse: The Chances of relapse can get as high as 60% during the detox process. Professional help in this instance can provide an appropriate treatment plan, which can reduce the occurrence of relapse.

Medical professionals can also provide a range of treatment options tailored to individual needs.

A Doctor prescribing a patient in Medical Detox

How Does Professional Alcohol Detox Happen?

Detox is a medically supervised procedure and is conducted under the observation of a healthcare practitioner. These experts do not initiate the detoxification process haphazardly. Instead, they design strategically planned treatments personalised for every individual so their detox process remains easier on them. Detox may be conducted on a residential basis, with residential treatment providing comprehensive support and medical supervision throughout the process. Medication to help manage withdrawal symptoms is often used to ease physical dependence and improve comfort during detox. Guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) emphasize care excellence and health and care excellence, ensuring that treatment standards are evidence-based and of the highest quality.

PCP is a leading provider of effective detox procedures. The alcohol detoxification process here starts with:

Conducting a Comprehensive Medical Assessment

Detox related to any addictive substance, including alcohol, starts with an initial assessment from a professional medical officer. This involves asking questions about when an individual started drinking and how often they consume alcohol.

Moreover, this investigation may also involve discussing whether the person has attempted detox in the past. If he has done this before, he will be asked how he relapsed and what the cues were that triggered him the most. Here, a person’s role is to answer all the questions honestly and genuinely help the doctor to devise a structured plan.

Preparing a Personalised Alcohol Detox Plan

Once the healthcare professional has obtained all the necessary information, they will then prepare a tailored recovery program. This plan may consist of:

●      Necessary withdrawal medications such as Benzodiazepines or Naltrexone.

●      Nutritional intake instructions, like what to eat and drink.

●      Time frame in which the detox process may occur.

●      The rehabilitation program one will be having.

Starting the Detox Process

When the patient and doctor have both agreed on the treatment plan, the detox program begins. The person undergoing the treatment stops consuming alcohol completely. In between this, the medical supervisor will monitor the patient’s vital signs for complications. As the phase can be emotionally exhausting, individuals are also provided with counselling throughout the process.

Consistently Monitoring Medications

Healthcare professionals constantly monitor the effects of withdrawal medications administered to each patient. This is because some medicines can react and make the detox process even more difficult. Doctors, for this reason, strictly observe a medication’s effects on a patient. And if they find that any medicine is not working or is overreacting, they change the prescription on the spot.

Understanding How Alcohol Detox Initiates the Recovery Journey

Devising an Ongoing Recovery Treatment Plan

Detoxification from an addictive substance doesn’t mean the addiction is cured. To ensure a long-lasting sobriety, it is important to take care of the aftercare procedures. Professionals, by the end of the detox process, can help in deciding what steps one should take next. Further treatment, such as counseling or therapy, may be necessary to address the root causes of addiction and support ongoing recovery. Support programs like SMART Recovery can also provide additional tools and resources for long-term recovery. They can suggest:

●      Regular Check-Ins With a Mental Healthcare Practitioner.

●      Rehabilitation Programs (inpatient or outpatient rehabs)

●      Getting Behavioural Therapies. Most usually, they will advise going through cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

●      Relapse Prevention Plan. Experts will help in identifying triggers and will then suggest coping strategies accordingly.

●      Improving Lifestyle and Habits. This may involve the doctor explaining how and why one needs to get rid of a certain habit or lifestyle.

Tips to Ease the Detox Process

Detox is an overwhelming process, but it can be made bearable by:

●      Always Adhering to Medical Guidance.

●      Staying Hydrated, Rested, and Nourished.

●      Prioritising Supportive Environment.

●      Identifying and Avoiding Triggers.

●      Joining Support Groups.

●      Working On Stress Management Techniques.

PCP Paving the Way to Lasting Sobriety

To sum it up, detox is a tiresome phase that can take a toll on your physical as well as emotional well-being. It can make you think about resuming the addiction and falling into the trap of dependency once again. Professional support at this stage can make the whole detox process safer and easier to handle.

With PCP, you can expect to have this kind of curated and personalised care. Our experts are trained to treat each and every person going through addiction as a separate entity. This makes our services highly effective and long-lasting than conventional recovery programs.

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Alcohol Detox Treatment FAQ

Browse through some of our most frequently asked questions.

How long does an alcohol detox last?

Typically, our alcohol detox programs last between 10 and 14 days, depending on the amount that someone is drinking. Each client will be assessed on an individual basis by our specialist detox doctor and prescribed accordingly

I struggle with sleeping, is there anything you can do to help?

Poor sleeping patterns are common for people with alcohol problems. All clients entering detox are offered a mild sleeping aid by the doctor for the first 7 days. You do not have to take it, but it is recommended that you do, so that you can get your mind and body into a normal pattern of sleep.

How long will it take for me to start feeling better?

You can normally expect huge changes within as little as 2-3 days of someone being on an alcohol detox. By the end of the detox, unless you have underlying physical health issues or permanent damage caused by alcohol use, you will feel physically remarkable!

Do you have 24 hour staffing?

Yes, the Perry Clayman Project provides 24-hour staff, who are there to support you emotionally, physically, and practically while you are going through your detox program. If you need someone at 3 in the morning, a member of staff will be there for you.

Will I be able to start my rehab while I am having a detox?

Yes. We encourage all clients to participate in the rehab program as soon as they feel physically well enough to do so. The earlier you can start on the rehab program, the more you will get out of it and the better you will start to feel emotionally.

What is the difference between home detox and residential detox?

The medication you receive will usually be the same in a home detox. However, with a home detox, there are no medical staff available if you feel unwell or need more medication, for example. You also receive no therapy in a home detox, so it is just the physical dependency that is being treated. This usually leads to a relapse as the underlying issues that lead to the problem drinking have not been dealt with.

What is your success rate for alcohol detox? Is there any guarantee that detox works?

The purpose of our alcohol detox program is to enable someone to completely detox from their alcohol dependency. Therefore, as long as the patient follows the treatment plan, takes the medication as prescribed, and stays for the entire duration of the detox course, we can guarantee you will be completely alcohol free once you have completed the program.

What medication will I receive on an alcohol detox?

Our doctor prescribes according to the NICE guidelines, which provide nationally recognised medication protocols. The main medications used are chlordiazepoxide (Librium) or, in some cases, diazepam (Valium). You will receive vitamin B strong compounds and thiamine as well as other medications to manage specific symptoms for you. Our nurse has access to a stock of medication on site, which means that we can respond to your needs very quickly.

I have really bad withdrawal symptoms. Will I feel comfortable during detox?

Absolutely. It is our first priority to ensure a patient’s physical safety and wellbeing, which is why we employ nurses, so that we can have peace of mind that you are being looked after. The medications that we give you will minimize, if not completely eliminate, any withdrawal symptoms that you may suffer from.

Will my craving for alcohol stop?

Yes. Cravings for alcohol are both physical and mental. Physically, your body, as it becomes free from the dependence on alcohol, will no longer crave it. The alcohol detox medication does the same job in your body as the alcohol did, so it replaces it. With regards to the mental cravings, these are managed in the rehab program and, as long as you have no desire to drink, the cravings will cease.

Do you have medically trained staff?

The doctor who completes the initial medical assessment is a specialist in alcohol detox, as are our nurses who oversee the detox package of care. All of our staff have been trained to oversee and manage symptoms of withdrawal, including clinical observations, taking blood pressure, etc. All of our staff are highly experienced in care settings, so you will be well looked after.

Are there any side effects to the treatment?

The medications that are used in alcohol detox treatment are administered in such a planned way that side effects are very rare. Most patients are able to go about their normal daily routines within a couple of days of treatment. If patients experience any physical deterioration or conditions, All PCP rehab centre locations a Home Office stock medication license, so we have a full array of medications on site which the nurse can administer in a very responsive way.

What We Do

The Perry Clayman Project offers all of our clients a safe and confidential alcohol detox across all of our trusted residential centres. Our alcohol detox treatments are thoroughly regulated by the Care Quality Commission and delivered by our experienced in-house doctors and nurses. Using evidence-based research and years of experience, we tailor your alcohol detox treatment personally to you and guide you on your path to sobriety.

How We Can Help

Alcoholics feel hopeless, no matter how much they want to stop. However, it is possible to stop and to stay stopped, and even enjoy the process. Our team of professionals have helped thousands of different people like you, who are struggling to recover from active alcohol addiction.

We are ready to help you overcome this deadly disease; are you ready to begin the recovery process and reconnect with your life and the old “you”?

We have a number of programs for people with alcohol use disorder and will do everything in our power to guide you through the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and help you take back control of your life.

Why Choose Us?

We operate some of the UK’s leading drug and alcohol rehab centres and have been successfully treating people and their addictions for over 15-years. We treat our clients with the highest level of respect and dignity. At PCP we pride ourselves in providing a safe, comfortable, and judgement-free environment for you to receive your alcohol detox treatment.

That, and few people understand with symptoms of alcohol withdrawal than those who have had an alcohol use disorder themselves. Many of our medically trained staff have been a patient in an alcohol detox program and can speak from personal experience of just how difficult it is – and just how amazing it feels to be free of addiction.

If you decide to tackle your addiction with us you will have access to a wealth of resources. From free advice on how to start on your journey to recovery, to medication, care from medically trained professionals, and support groups with other people who understand exactly what you are going through.

How to Get Help

Are you sick and tired of feeling sick and tired? Ready to tackle your alcohol addiction? If so then getting professional help is the first real step to overcoming your problem and starting your journey to recovery. Please do not hesitate to use the live chat function to get in touch with a member of our team or contact us via telephone for immediate support and admission. Call today on 0800 0380 480. We have a number of friendly and professional staff waiting on standby 24/7