According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse (NIAA), about 87 percent of American adults have had at least one drink in their life. Unlike many other addictive substances, alcohol is readily available. It is also legal for people over the age of 21. Studies show that moderate alcohol consumption may have some health benefits. While many people occasionally drink without any serious health issues, some people have problems.To define detox we start with important alcohol-related statistics:
- About 16.6 million American adults used too much alcohol according to the NIAA in 2013
- The International Business Times reports that alcohol use is responsible for one-third of emergency room visits
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that excessive alcohol consumption was responsible for 10 percent of deaths in working-age adults from 2006-2010
- According to NIAAA, alcohol is the third-leading preventable cause of death in America. Almost 90,000 people die each year from an alcohol-related cause
As a result, it is important for individuals with alcohol-related substance abuse problems to get help. If you or a loved one want to know how to define detox or get the help you need, keep reading.
How Professionals Define Detox
Alcohol abuse is one of the oldest forms of addiction. It can cause death at any age. The detox process helps remove alcohol from your system. The journal American Family Physician lists three stages of detox. Common in each stage symptoms include:
- 1–Anxiety, insomnia, nausea, bad temper and an irregular heartbeat
- 2–High blood pressure, mental confusion, and mood swings
- 3–Fever, hallucinations, and seizures
Factors like the amount of alcohol regularly consumed and the length of the addiction affect the severity of each stage. The more dependent an individual is, the more likely he or she is to develop severe alcohol detox symptoms. As with any addiction, alcohol detox requires trained supervision. When professionals define detox, there is no specific timeline for the process. Each individual case is different.
Health Benefits
Detoxing from alcohol provides many health benefits. Alcohol detox removes toxins from your body that cause medical conditions such as:
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Hepatitis
- Brain damage
Detoxing from alcohol also boosts your mental health. It can improve your relationships as well as your ability to perform on the job.
No Matter How You Define Detox, It Is the Foundation for Your Recovery
You should not try to detox without medical supervision. It could endanger your health. An individualized treatment plan uses FDA-approved medications to handle withdrawal symptoms. Counseling helps you deal with the emotional side effects. The goal is for detox to prepare you for addiction treatment and recovery. If you or a loved has decided to quit drinking call Serenity House Detox & Recovery at 866-294-5306 to get started.
