Detoxification is essentially the removal of toxins or poisons from a person’s body.  In more detail it refers to a process of eliminating a substance from your system- ideally with the aid of medical substitutes to assist with the process and to ease withdrawals. The ultimate aim is that you are substance free, clean and your body is free of all chemicals form the substance.  Alcohol detox is an extremely severe process on the human body and it is not advised that you undergo detox without consulting a doctor and taking the necessary medication.  Without this medication, alcohol detox can be fatal.

Alcohol detox is an important preliminary step in the management of alcoholism. It is a medically supervised period of alcohol withdrawal. During this period, a doctor may administer medications to control symptoms, and the individual is monitored by health professionals to ensure his or her safety. In addition to medical care during withdrawal from alcohol, the person usually also receives education about his or her alcohol problem and its treatment.

Medical management of alcohol withdrawal for people who are alcohol dependent is often necessary, because the symptoms of withdrawal can be dangerous.

They can include:

• Sweats
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Tremors
• Anxiety
• Agitation
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations
• Seizures
• Delirium

Bearing in mind the above symptoms, this process is a difficult one, particularly for someone who may have gone through it before and knows what to expect.  Withdrawal varies from person to person, depending upon age, sex, and other aspects of your background.  The duration and volume of a person’s alcohol addiction will also determine the severity of the symptoms experienced. Despite the obvious difficulty it is absolutely necessary and without complete detox from alcohol, the chances of successful treatment and recovery are dramatically reduced.

Because of the intensity, health risks and challenges that come with detox patients should consider entering a detox centre or rehabilitation facility.  General practitioners are competent and have the same medications available; however it may be of more benefit to detox under medical supervision of professionals. Monitoring your progress or any difficulties you may be having will all enhance your recovery & allow intervention should any complications arise. While detox is one step in a lengthy process, it is one of the most important, giving your body and mind the opportunity to fully work through your alcohol addiction.