Alcohol use disorder is a chronic disease that is estimated to affect between six to eight percent of the adult population in the US. People suffering from alcoholism often find it extremely difficult to overcome their addiction to alcohol on their own, and in fact, they should not try to do so.
Anyone suffering from alcoholism should seek professional help to beat their addiction, as it can be dangerous to stop without medical intervention. This is why alcoholics should begin their process of recovery with alcohol detox first.
Here are some important things that all alcoholics should know about Colorado alcohol detox.
1. It Is a Step Taken Before Rehab
Before those with alcohol use disorder enter rehab in an effort to overcome their addiction, their body must first be rid of the toxic chemicals associated with heavy alcohol consumption. Patients are provided with specific medications to help deal with the negative withdrawal symptoms that are associated with weaning off of alcohol. Detox is not rehab, but rather the step taken before full recovery can begin.
2. Withdrawal Symptoms Are Likely
When the chemicals associated with alcohol are eliminated from the body, the patient will experience a great deal of stress which can bring about a host of negative symptoms. These can include anxiety, depression, excessive perspiration, nausea, paranoia, and even suicidal thoughts. Because these symptoms can be too much to handle, alcoholics tend to revert back to their addiction. By going through medically-supervised alcohol detox, alcoholics can better deal with their withdrawal symptoms through the administration of appropriate medications and therapies.
3. It Is a Safer Means of Weaning Off Alcohol
Going "cold turkey" can actually be a very dangerous situation for alcoholics who are looking to beat their addiction on their own. While withdrawal symptoms are common, some alcoholics can suffer much more severe forms of withdrawal known as delirium tremens or DTs. During such episodes, alcoholics can experience delirium (severe confusion), grand mal convulsions, and dangerously high fevers.
Once alcohol detox is complete, patients can then enter rehab to deal with their addictions.
Further, also suffering from serious seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, and complications associated with co-occurring mental health disorders can make DTs fatal if medical attention is not sought.
4. It Might Not Work the First Time Around
Colorado alcohol detox might not necessarily work on the first try. This is a very complicated and difficult process, so sometimes failure on the first try can be expected. The chances of relapse are quite high. That said, there is no reason not to keep trying, as the rewards are well worth the effort when detox has been completed and rehab has been entered.
5. It Can Occur in a Rehab Facility or Stand-Alone Detox Center
The majority of rehab programs offer detox facilities on site for patients who are being prepped for rehabilitation. However, there are also several stand-alone options for patients to go through detox off-site before entering a rehab facility.
Entering Colorado Addiction Rehab Centers
After those with an alcohol use disorder have safely detoxed in a Colorado alcohol detox center, it is time to enter rehab. Colorado addiction treatment facilities provide alcoholics with the appropriate treatment needed to help them overcome their addictions and go on to lead healthy, productive, happy lives free from the bondage of alcohol.
If you or someone you love is suffering from alcoholism, call The Recovery Village today to learn about admissions.