ALCOHOL DETOX
Experience freedom from alcohol dependency.
Alcohol Detox in Austin, TX
According to a study published in JAMA Psychiatry, one in eight American adults meets the diagnostic criteria for alcohol use disorder. That’s 12.7% of the population. Additionally, one in three visits to the emergency room is related to alcohol consumption. Alcohol detox treatment is the first step on the road to recovery from alcohol abuse.
Alcoholism is an overlooked public health crisis that impacts every area of a person’s life. Long-term use can compromise a person’s relationships, career, and mental health, not to mention physical health. Alcohol abuse can cause a multitude of health issues, such as:
- cardiovascular issues,
- neurological impairments and
- several types of cancer.
Since alcohol withdrawal symptoms are so uncomfortable and unpredictable, at-home detox or quitting “cold turkey” is extremely high-risk. The sudden cessation of a substance that the central nervous system has become dependent on can be life-threatening. Medically supervised, alcohol detox treatment is necessary if a person is ready to get sober.
What to Expect During Alcohol Detox Treatment
Long-term alcohol use causes the body and brain to become increasingly dependent on the substance. When alcohol’s effects start to wear off, withdrawal symptoms kick in, which can range from mildly uncomfortable to life-threatening.
Withdrawal from alcohol is different for everyone. Treatment depends on several different factors, such as:
- History and severity of addiction
- Amount consumed
- Medical history
- Family history
- Physical health
- Co-occurring mental health disorders
The more dependent a person is on alcohol, the more likely they are to experience more severe withdrawal symptoms. The use of other substances in conjunction with alcohol can also influence withdrawal symptoms.
Makana Path’s alcohol detox in Austin, TX seeks to ease withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings and stabilize physical and mental health. We are licensed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to provide residential alcohol detoxification and intensive healing program.
Contact Makana Path
Use the form below to get in touch with a member of our Admissions staff. We will follow up within 24 hours. Or, speak with an Admissions Counselor directly 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling
What Causes Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?
If you only drink occasionally, it’s not likely that you’ll experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop. However, if you’ve gone through alcohol withdrawal once before, you are more likely to go through it again when you quit or even cut back.
Alcohol has a depressive effect on your system. It slows down the functioning of your brain and changes the way your nerves send messages back and forth.
After a while, your central nervous system adjusts to having alcohol in your system all the time. This causes your body to work hard to keep your body in an awake state to keep the nerves talking to each other, to counteract the depressive effects of the alcohol. Even when the alcohol level drops suddenly, your brain stays in this keyed-up state. That is what causes withdrawal.
Timeline of Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can vary from mild to serious. It depends on how much you drank and for how long. Withdrawal typically sets in between 6 hours to one day after the last drink. Alcohol withdrawal is separated into three distinct stages:
Stage 1 is mild, lasting approximately 8 hours. It can begin within 6 hours of quitting. Common symptoms include:
- anxiety
- depression
- insomnia
- headache
- nausea
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- fatigue
- heart palpitations
Stage 2 is moderate. It usually begins 12 to 48 hours after your last drink and lasts 1 to 3 days. Mild symptoms can still occur, as well as more moderate symptoms, which include:
- irritability
- irregular heartbeat
- sweating
- confusion
- hallucinations
- seizures
- increased blood pressure, body temperature, and respiration
Stage 3 is severe and typically begins 48 to 72 hours after you stop drinking and lasts about 1 week. Moderate symptoms can also still be experienced at this time.
Delirium Tremens (DTs) usually start in this timeframe and can last 1 to 5 days. These are severe symptoms that include:
- intense hallucinations
- delusions
Only about 5% of people in alcohol withdrawal will experience DTs. Those that do may also have:
- confusion
- rapid heartbeat
- high blood pressure
- fever
- heavy sweating
Moderate symptoms are experienced, and hallucinations, disorientation, agitation, fever, and seizures can also occur.
Many physical withdrawal symptoms subside and decrease in intensity after several days in detox, but psychological symptoms are ongoing and can continue for several weeks. These symptoms and cravings can be intense, making it all the more important to seek detox in a medically-supervised facility that can help you overcome these obstacles.
How Is Alcohol Withdrawal Managed?
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can range in severity from mild tremors to massive seizures. Mild withdrawal can cause pain and suffering while severe withdrawal can be life-threatening. In addition, the failure to manage withdrawal with medications can put patients at a higher risk for seizures after repeated withdrawal experiences. The goals of withdrawal treatment are to:
- Relieve discomfort
- Prevent more serious symptoms
- Engage the person in long-term treatment for alcoholism
Between 2 and 7% of people with heavy alcohol use will require medical care for severe alcohol withdrawal.
Medications
- Benzodiazepines such as Valium have been shown to be safe and effective to treat seizures, panic, and delirium and are the preferred medications for treating alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
- Anticonvulsant medications such as Tegretol can also help manage seizures. Depending on the person, they can be used as a replacement or along with benzodiazepines.
- Antipsychotics such as haloperidol can be used to treat hallucinations and agitation.
- Disulfiram (Antabuse) discourages alcohol drinking by producing negative effects when alcohol is consumed.
- Naltrexone (Vivitrol) works to reduce the urge to drink.
- Anti-nausea medications can be given to treat nausea and vomiting.
- Baclofen is a muscle relaxant that may rapidly reduce withdrawal symptoms.
6 Long-Term Benefits of Alcohol Detox in Austin, TX
In addition to clearing toxins from your body and preparing you for treatment, there are other benefits you should consider. They include:
- Weight loss – Clearing alcohol from your body can set you up to start on the course of taking time to control and improve the quality of your health and overall well-being.
- Rids the body of excess waste – In addition to ridding your body of alcohol, you may also remove excess harmful toxins such as chemicals and heavy metals. Regular detoxing will also improve your kidneys, colon, and liver.
- Boost your immunity – The normal drug detoxification process helps the body’s organs work correctly. The body absorbs nutrition better so the immune system is strengthened.
- Helps the skin look and feel better – Besides helping with acne and hair loss, a detox will help your skin look healthier. Sweating out the contaminants helps this.
- Break your bad behavior – Avoiding unhealthy behaviors and foods and replacing them with healthy ones. You will see an increase in your health and well-being.
- Improves mental strength – The process of detoxification helps you think more clearly and precisely.
Beyond Alcohol Detox in Austin, TX
Alcohol detox treatment is not a cure for addiction. If it was, people could leave detox and never relapse. Instead, detox is a way to safely reduce the toxic effects of alcohol addiction to prepare you for treatment after you’re sober.
After completing detox, you will be medically evaluated to determine which treatment program best suits your needs. Our Intensive Healing Program is perfect for individuals who have relapsed or who simply can not commit to a long-term residential program. We offer:
A 4-week or 6-week intensive residential program
You will live at the treatment facility, in a safe, secure environment. There is medical monitoring 24 hours a day should any emergencies occur. Living at the treatment center allows you to focus on your recovery and attaining your goals without outside distractions.
Therapies
Makana Path takes a holistic approach to therapy. Our program is designed to address your body, mind, and spirit.
- Individual Therapy–One-on-one confidential sessions with a trained therapist. You will build a collaborative, trusting relationship as you work together to get to the root of your alcohol use. Many times, patients discover a previously undiagnosed mental condition that drove their addiction. In that case, both conditions will need to be treated at the same time or neither will be resolved.
- Group Therapy–In group therapy sessions, you will meet with other patients to discuss problems in recovery, strategies for fighting urges, and any other issues that may be important to the group. This provides social interaction, fellowship, and a chance to see problems from different perspectives.
- Health and Nutrition–Addiction takes a toll on the body as well as the mind. As part of our belief in taking care of the whole body, we offer training in physical fitness and healthy food preparation.
- 12-Step facilitation–You will have the option to participate in a 12-step program. Many people find these programs to be helpful in preventing relapse. Continuing a 12-step program can be an important benefit when you leave treatment.
Gain Freedom From Alcohol Dependency!
Lasting recovery is possible, and it begins with alcohol detox treatment. If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol use disorder, take this important first step with Makana Path. Our alcohol detox in Austin, TX prioritizes client comfort and safety, and we will empower you as you transition into your next phase of treatment.
Recover With Us
We’re here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you have questions or if you’re ready to experience a life free from addiction, we’re ready to help you get there. Contact us today to speak with an Admissions Counselor.
References:
www.webmd.com/mental-health
www.uptodate.com
www.pubs.niaaa.nih.gov
www.dualdiagnosis.org
