1693 N. Quentin St. Aurora, CO 80045

Why a Medical Detox for Alcohol Could Be the Answer

About 15 million Americans struggle with alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, the number of people affected by alcohol addiction is far more significant when considering the loved ones of people struggling with AUD. Addiction is known as a family disease due to the damage it does to relationships. Substance abuse treatment in a reputable addiction rehab facility is the best way for anyone suffering from an AUD to begin recovery. Medical detox is the first step. Find out more about medical detox for alcohol and the benefits of evidence-based addiction treatment.

What is medical detox? Any member of CeDAR’s staff can provide answers to this question and any others you have, as well as help you understand the benefits of medical detox and alcohol addiction treatment. Why not reach out today to talk to someone? Contact us by completing our online form or calling 720.848.3000. We look forward to hearing from you.

What Is Alcohol Withdrawal?

If you’re struggling with AUD and want to stop drinking and get healthy, withdrawal is a necessary first step, but it is not easy or pleasant. A medical detox center can ease symptoms as you free your body of all traces of alcohol before beginning addiction treatment.

The most common physical side effects of alcohol withdrawal are:

  • Pale, clammy skin
  • Profuse sweating
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Headaches
  • Spikes in blood pressure
  • Racing heart

Meanwhile, you may also experience psychological symptoms such as:

  • Agitation and anxiety
  • Depression
  • Sleep disturbance, including nightmares
  • Irritability
  • Emotional fragility

The riskiest element of alcohol withdrawal is delirium tremens (DTs). Only about 10% of those struggling with alcohol addiction but in withdrawal experience DTs, which can be fatal. The risk of death makes medical detox all the more critical. DTs includes symptoms like:

  • Fever
  • Dangerous spikes in blood pressure
  • Violent tremors
  • Heart arrhythmia
  • Extreme disorientation and confusion
  • Hallucinations
  • Sensitivity to light and sound
  • Seizures

Medical detox can and will help you navigate withdrawal from alcohol.

What Is Medical Detox for Alcohol?

Because alcohol withdrawal is challenging and comes with significant risks, going through the process while under medical supervision keeps you safe and helps ease the worst of your symptoms.

While in a medical detox center, you will be under round-the-clock care by medical and therapeutic staff. Professionals will check your vitals regularly as you are treated with medications. You also have access to counselors to help you process the roiling emotions accompanying physical withdrawal.

What Are the Benefits of Medical Detox?

Some of the benefits of medically managed detox include the following.

A Safe and Secure Setting

Because doctors and nurses are aware of your physical symptoms and vital signs, any medical emergency will be dealt with swiftly and safely.

Quick Adjustments in Care

Detox is a process, and the body and mind can react to that process in different ways. For example, your team will swiftly adjust your treatment accordingly if you have a previously undiagnosed co-occurring medical or psychiatric disorder or experience new or more intense withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal Symptom Mitigation

Any symptom can be treated safely with medication, whether it’s headache or muscle pain, nausea, hypertension, or a panic attack. Medical attention can help you get through your withdrawal safely and comfortably.

A High Chance of a Successful Outcome

Inpatient medical detox for alcohol increases the success of rehab as well as long-term recovery. If you or someone you love has an AUD, medical detox is the best and safest way to begin healing.

Consider Undergoing Medical Detox at CeDAR

At CeDAR, we offer a range of programs in addition to medical detox, which is step one in your recovery. CeDAR has gender-specific residential addiction treatment, dual diagnosis treatment, MAT, PHP, outpatient rehab, and aftercare and alumni services.

Learn more about our medical detox programs and our evidence-based therapies that will help you on your recovery journey. Call us at 720.848.3000 or use our online form today.