For many people who want to break free from alcohol addiction, detox is the first step in the long journey toward recovery and sobriety. Because alcohol addiction changes how a person’s brain works, detoxing alone at home is often ineffective, if not downright dangerous. It is not a sign of weakness or a lack of willpower to need help during detox. Most people will benefit from a professional alcohol detox program that helps build the foundations for longer, happier life in recovery.
Because alcohol use disorders are not viewed as seriously as addiction to other substances, the benefits of alcohol detox programs are often undervalued. At CeDAR, our staff members understand the importance of a good alcohol detox program that makes a patient’s life more comfortable. Some of the more serious withdrawal symptoms can be distressing and can even have serious health consequences. Enrolling in a comprehensive alcohol detox could be a life-saving choice for those who have struggled with alcohol addiction for a long time. If you or someone you care about needs to get sober, contact us at 720.848.3000 to take the first steps toward long-term sobriety.
What Is an Alcohol Detox Program?
Detox naturally happens after a person takes their last drink. A person’s body can naturally get rid of the toxins and waste products introduced by the consumption of alcohol. However, the side-effects of this process can often wreak havoc on the mental and physical health of someone who has become physically dependent on alcohol.
A medically managed alcohol detox program is one way to make detox safer and more comfortable. In this type of program, the withdrawal symptoms, which are often terrifying and painful, can be managed with medication. Once the patient has successfully undergone detox and is no longer experiencing most of the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, they are then free to go on to therapy for alcohol addiction and can begin to recover.
4 Benefits of Alcohol Detox
Alcohol detox programs aren’t just more comfortable than attempting to detox alone at home. They also offer several other benefits:
1. A Safer Approach
Prolonged alcohol use can lead to several health conditions, such as liver damage, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system. However, the short-term effects of quitting alcohol can be equally dangerous to a patient’s health. Some of the more serious withdrawal symptoms include:
- Seizures
- High fever
- Extreme confusion and agitation
- Visual and auditory hallucinations
When patients enter an alcohol detox center, they can be monitored 24/7 for these signs and symptoms, and medical intervention can occur immediately. Because the patient is constantly monitored, their medication to ease withdrawal symptoms can be adjusted according to their needs. Customized treatment is one of the biggest benefits of a professional alcohol detox program.
2. A Sober Environment
In an alcohol detox center, there is no opportunity to relapse. Many people struggle with detox at home because they are in the same environment in which they are used to drinking. There are many triggers and opportunities to drink again, and many succumb to the temptation once the worst of the withdrawal symptoms hit.
3. Improved Health Outcomes
Many patients who have battled alcohol use disorder also experience poor health due to poor nutrition and sleep quality associated with heavy drinking. Patients in alcohol detox can be given supplements to improve their health and quality of life. They are also encouraged to get enough rest to recover from the sleep debt that accumulates when drinking heavily.
4. Sets Patients Up for Success
Each patient’s recovery journey begins with the first step of detoxing. The quality of the experience can determine whether they are willing to go the rest of the way and commit to long-term sobriety. An alcohol detox program gives patients the best chance of staying clean.
Begin an Alcohol Detox Program at CeDAR Today
CeDAR is UCHealth’s primary drug and alcohol treatment program for substance use disorders. If you or someone you love is thinking of getting sober, the best action is to start an alcohol detox program. We offer comprehensive alcohol treatment programs with medically assisted detox. If you would like to learn more, you can contact us at 720.848.3000. We’d be happy to walk you through what we can offer.