What is alcohol detoxification?
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Avoidance of alcohol withdrawal

Alcohol detoxification is a key element in the treatment of alcohol abuse. Detoxification removes toxins from the patient’s body under the supervision of a professional healthcare professional, so that the worst symptoms of withdrawal can be relieved and detoxification can be carried out safely and securely.

If you are a close relative – possibly a boyfriend or a spouse – of an alcoholic, it can be very difficult to know what is the right thing to do.

You may face anger and rejection if you suggest that there is a little too much alcohol. And should you finally succeed in persuading your addicted relative to quit alcohol, it is very important that you have a plan for professional detoxification ready.

Read also: How to help an alcoholic?

What is alcohol detoxification?

Alcohol detoxification is a process by which toxins from perhaps years of alcohol abuse are purged from the body.

In professional treatment, detoxification is the first step towards effective rehabilitation. It can be very dangerous even to attempt alcohol detoxification. Alcohol is a highly addictive substance, and even short-term overuse can cause severe withdrawal if you try to stop drinking overnight.

The patient may experience delirium tremens, severe depressive states and physical illness with fever tremors, vomiting and body aches. Alcohol withdrawal can last for many days and may require treatment with medication. Therefore, it is important that dehusking takes place in a professional setting.

How does alcohol detoxification work?

Alcohol detoxification is carried out by admitting the patient to a special detoxification unit. Here, dehydration and detoxification can take place under supervised conditions.

The patient will be seen by healthcare professionals who have experience of – and expertise in – alcohol treatment. Depending on the severity of the patient’s withdrawal, mild medication will be administered to relieve the patient’s symptoms.

In some cases, antabuse can be treated as part of alcohol detoxification in outpatient settings. Inpatient alcohol detoxification, however, will typically be a continuous process over a few weeks and include detoxification as well as withdrawal treatment and stabilisation.

Read also: Couples in treatment

When do you need alcohol detoxification?

You need alcohol detox when you have built up such a massive alcohol habit over many years that it is impossible to stop overnight without developing severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Then professional help is needed if the patient is to abstain without running a high risk to life and health – or falling back into addiction.

Read also: Test if you are an alcoholic

Where does alcohol detoxification take place?

Alcohol detoxification typically takes place in a treatment centre that has the facilities and skills to provide effective alcohol treatment. Here the patient will be able to relax in a safe environment and access the right help. This can, for example, take the form of mild medical withdrawal treatment during the course of the treatment.

However, it is essential that patients who are intoxicated are supervised by healthcare professionals who can ensure that the patient safely completes their intoxication before the rest of their alcohol treatment begins. At the same time, the patient will have skilled helpers nearby should he or she need assistance during the process.

How long does a rinse take?

A detoxification typically takes five days. This is the time it takes to purge the toxins from the body and thus overcome the physical dependence on alcohol. However, detoxification may take longer in the case of severe withdrawal.

Why is alcohol detoxification necessary?

Alcohol withdrawal is necessary because it is necessary to get rid of the physical dependence on alcohol before it is possible to deal with the underlying causes of the abuse through therapy-based alcohol withdrawal.

If the toxins are not out of the body before therapy begins, it will have limited effect, as the all-consuming alcohol withdrawal will continue to affect the patient.

Who can get help with detoxification?

Anyone with severe addiction problems can get help with detoxification. You can always contact a treatment centre, such as Alfa Fredensborg, in consultation with your addicted relative.

Here you will be able to get anonymous advice and help with alcohol detoxification from one of the centre’s skilled addiction counsellors, who will also be able to give you instructions on how to seek referral for alcohol treatment from your own doctor.

Call 48 40 40 60 to find out more – today rather than tomorrow.

What does alcohol detox cost?

The price of alcohol detoxification varies a lot from treatment centre to treatment centre. At Alfa Fredensborg you will always be able to get a fixed price for alcohol detoxification in private, or get help applying for a subsidy for detoxification through the patient’s own insurance scheme.

Read also: How much does alcohol treatment cost?