Alcohol Detox Options – What are They & Which One is Right for Me?

Why Get Help for Alcohol Detox?

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, drug addiction is a difficult disease, and in or order for a person to quit, it will take more than good intentions or a strong will. Since drugs change the brain in ways that cause compulsive drug use, quitting is difficult, even for people who are ready to do so.

When a person develops an addiction to alcohol they will compulsively seek out alcohol, and drink alcohol. Overtime a person will need to drink more and more alcohol due to tolerance forming, and this continual alcohol consumption can lead to various health problems.

When a person stops drinking after developing an addiction they will most likely go through withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are intense and many people need medical help to get through them. In addition, a person detoxing from alcohol may experience delirium tremens, which can be fatal if help is not received.

Talking with a doctor first and working with them while detoxing is the safest method of alcohol detox.

According to the US National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health, delirium tremens are a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that cause sudden or severe nervous system or mental changes. Symptoms from delirium tremens can last up to ten days and include symptoms like, hallucinations, delirium, confusion, seizures, body tremors and changes in mental function.

Due to the intensity of alcohol detox symptoms, it is wise for a person to seek out help. Moreover, since addiction is a brain disease, it is important for a person to get psychological help in order for them to learn to manage their addiction.

Choosing the Right Alcohol Detox Option

There is not one right answer for what the right alcohol detox option is because every person is different. However, a person can make the right choice for them by considering different factors. First, a person should think about cost and figure out what they can spend. If they cannot afford an alcohol treatment program, then they will have to look up free programs in their community. Second, a person should decide if they want to go to an inpatient or outpatient program. Third, a person should think about themselves and their likes and dislikes. For example a person may feel uncomfortable around the opposite sex, so they may want to search for a gender based program. In addition, a person may be of a religious faith and want to go to a rehab that supports their religion. These are all factors a person should consider when trying to find the best option for them.