Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment – Is Detoxification Necessary?

Alcohol detoxification is essentially the abrupt ending of alcohol consumption in people who are suffering from alcohol addiction. This method is frequently coupled with replacement of other medications so as to stop alcohol withdrawal immediately. Alcohol detoxification usually takes one to two weeks. In milder cases, this can be extended to three weeks.

A mild form of alcohol detoxification involves the use of mild sedatives, which are used for individuals who are suffering from anxiety and depression. This technique is also known as somniphobia. An alternative treatment procedure involves taking of any nitric acid tablets which are in turn metabolized into lactic acid. The amyl nitric acid helps in reducing anxiety and depressive disorders. Another technique which is used for alcohol detoxification in cases of milder alcoholism is acupuncture and massage therapy.

There are other methods which can be used as well in case of mild alcoholism. For milder alcohol detoxification, one may use cold water flush and hot shower for at least five minutes. This will help in restoring the normal body temperature. If the local emergency is nearby, then this is a good option to adopt. This is because cold water flushes out toxins from the body faster than hot water.

There are certain medical professionals who believe that medical detoxification for people suffering from alcoholism is not very effective. This is because withdrawal symptoms are experienced by many patients who are taking alcohol detox treatments. These symptoms include, intense cravings for alcoholic beverages, headaches, stomach ache, sweating, nausea and vomiting. Medical professionals also believe that these withdrawal symptoms can increase the chances of relapse if the patient continues to take alcohol.

One method of alcohol detoxification includes a twelve-step program. This program consists of twelve activities which have to be undertaken in a period of time. The first step taken in this program is an acknowledgment by the patient that he or she has a problem with alcohol. Step number two is the decision to stop drinking. In the next step, the individual will learn proper ways of coping with stress, anger and guilt.

A major disadvantage of this method is the fact that the duration for which the patient will be sober is very short. In addition, there is also a chance that after the quitting period, there might be a partial relapse. It is important to note that this method is effective only when the individual is ready for and completely recovers from his or her alcohol dependency. In case of a partial relapse, it is advisable to undergo another alcohol detoxification program in order to achieve long-term abstinence. This way, one will have a better chance of success in the battle against alcoholism.