Alcohol Detox and How to Make it Easier

Alcohol dependence is a serious issue for a lot of Americans. In fact, more than 7% off America’s population has a problem with alcohol dependence. That’s a total of nearly 14 million people, and over 8 million of them have full blown alcoholism. The average person doesn’t start getting treatment for their alcohol issues until an average of eight years after they start having a problem, and one of the things that may be keeping you from seeking help sooner is a fear of the detox process. If you’re worried about detoxing or wonder if there’s any way to make an alcohol detox easier, read on to learn more.

What Is a Detox?

The detox process starts about 24 to 48 hours after your last drink and is simply the response of the body to the denial of something it has gotten used to having. Alcohol affects the nervous system and many other parts of the body, so it tends to react when it doesn’t get the alcohol it’s so used to having.

Is Detox Dangerous?

Detox is a very personal thing. Some people will have more trouble than others for reasons that aren’t readily quantifiable. There’s also the issue of whether or not there are other drugs involved, which can complicate the issue a bit, as well as how long the person has been drinking and how much. Only about 10% to 20% of people will have symptoms so severe they will need medication and constant monitoring, but it’s always wise to start the detox process under the eyes of a detox doctor who can give advice and be there to call if something happens. It’s especially important to watch for the signs of delirium tremens, or DT, which can be life-threatening. DT normally appears between 48 and 72 hours after the last drink, but it can suddenly appear as much as 10 days later. Detox doctors can tell you more and give you the information you need to be safe.

Is There a Way to Make Detox Easier?

There are some things you can do to make the process as easy on you and your body as possible. It’s important to start with a visit to an alcohol detox center, where you can find out about fast detox options and get the information and medications you might need. When you’re at home, it’s important to keep yourself well hydrated with lots of water, fresh juices, or bone broth. You may not feel like eating for the first few days, and that’s fine. You should listen to your body: just keep drinking, and especially drink broths and soups if you can’t keep down food. Once you feel like eating again, concentrate on a balanced diet of fresh meat and unprocessed dairy, vegetables, fruit, and as little sugar and refined grain as you can. This will help your body heal and support you during the detox process and help you detox as quickly as possible.

Detoxing from alcohol can be hard, but it can also be done. You can conquer this mountain, and when you do you’ll have taken the first step towards re-taking your life. Find a detox center, consult with a doctor, take care of yourself during the process and you’ll be living life to the fullest again very soon.