The Lifetime Fundamental Steps in Alcohol Detoxification
Alcohol Detox or alcohol detoxification is the abrupt cessation of alcohol intake from an alcoholic person. Alcohol detox has lot of symptoms similar to drug withdrawals. Some people experience nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, fever, anxiety, mood disorder and others. Alcohol detox programs in alcohol rehab centers are usually being given as an inpatient setting or as an outpatient setting. All of which are aimed towards the cessation of alcohol intake.
Alcohol Detox: Inpatient vs. Outpatient
Both the inpatient and outpatient treatment programs are voluntary in nature. The inpatient detoxification is the type of alcohol detox done at the hospital setting. The outpatient detoxification on the other hand is the alcohol detox done at home. There are certain steps that must be followed for persons undergoing alcohol detox. Aside from the use of drugs which is not applicable to anyone, proper therapy must be given to assure a higher chance of treatment success. Regardless of the place of detoxification, there are certain fundamental steps to ensure the success of alcohol detox.
Alcohol Detox: The Steps
The first step is to let the patient know the reasons for quitting alcohol intake. It is best to task the patient numerous questions such as: what is the reason for drinking in the first place? Why did you become an alcoholic? Why do you want to stop? What did alcohol did you that lead you to stop taking it. Is it possible that you are drinking because you are trying to escape emotional emptiness, anxiety, depression and pain? Are you trying to numb of emotional pain with alcohol? If these are the reasons for drinking, the patient must know it and must keep on knowing it to be reminded of his/her purpose.
The second step is to admit the problem. The common problem about alcoholics is that they always deny the problem. Denying the problem proves that it does not exist. If it does not exist, then it could not be solved. Admit that there is a problem. Admit that there is a solution to the problem. Admit that you can solve the problem.
The third step is to substitute the habit. Alcohol drinking is a bad habit that became part of an alcoholic’s life. Stopping the intake of alcohol is good, but not being able to place anything as a substitute is bad. Alcoholic’s view alcohol as a divine gift from God that temporarily numbs them of their pain in life. If we remove alcohol, we must substitute something in its place so that alcoholics won’t go back to the problem again. The substitute activities usually involve a strong hobby, strong livelihood and a strong support system that would fill their emotional emptiness.
Alcohol Detox: Avoid Temptation
The fourth step is to stay away from temptation. Alcoholics should know their weakness and avoid it. It could be a certain time of a day or a certain place where in they have a strong urge to drink alcohol. It would also be best to stay away from their friends who drink alcohol whether they are alcoholics or not.
The fifth step is to change the habit. Will power is initially good but habit transformation is far better especially in the long run. Remove alcohol in the house. Make new friends who do not drink alcohol. Exercise with friends. Build strong relationships with the support system.
Alcohol Detox and Therapy
The sixth step is to continue therapy and help others recover. Recovery from addiction is a lifetime commitment. Being sober requires abstention and not moderation which is why alcoholics who are serious about the therapy must make the commitment to never drink alcohol again. Mentoring other people with the same problem is also important since they are reminded of their past miseries and they are able to help their fellows have a good life.
The fundamental steps in alcohol detoxification must be followed to ensure that all alcoholics would be cured of their problem. All alcoholics are recommended to undergo alcohol detox, which can be done at an alcohol treatment center if necessary, in order for them to have better lives.
