Alcohol detoxification, or alcohol detox, is a medical program that is used to treat alcoholic patients who are undergoing symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, according to a February 2005 article in the "American Family Physician." Treatment includes the use of medications, therapy and supportive fluids. Patients undergoing alcohol detoxification can exhibit symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Identifying these symptoms can help gauge the effectiveness of the detoxification program.
Anxiety and Agitation
Patients undergoing alcohol detoxification can exhibit symptoms of anxiety and agitation, reports the New York Times Health Guide. Without alcohol, the central nervous system becomes over-stimulated. This stimulation can cause the certain parts of the brain to release chemicals that cause anxiety, agitation and irritability. Anti-anxiety medications, such as benzodiazepines, inhibit the stimulation within the central nervous system, and are used to treat these symptoms.
Insomnia and Nightmares
Insomnia can be an effect of alcohol detoxification, states MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health. As the patient is detoxified, he can have trouble sleeping. Furthermore, even if the patient does fall asleep, he may have severe nightmares. Both of these symptoms can lead to a significant loss of sleep. In extreme cases, patients may need sleeping pills. However, a side effect of anti-anxiety medications, used to treat other symptoms, is sedation, which can help patients sleep better.
Delirium Tremens
Delirium tremens, or DTs, is a dangerous effect associated with alcohol withdrawal and detoxification, according to FamilyDoctor.org. DTs present with a high fever, convulsions, seizures, confusion and hallucinations. The patient first experiences mild symptoms, but soon develops life-threatening complications. Delirium tremens usually occurs within two to four days after the patient's last alcoholic beverage. Expert medical attention is needed to treat this condition.
Seizures
Approximately 10 percent of patients suffering alcohol withdrawal will develop seizures, reports the New York Times Health Guide. Proper alcohol detoxification can limit these episodes, but seizures can still occur. Typically, the patients suffer multiple seizures. Seizures usually occur within a six-hour period. In these cases, doctors should administer anti-seizure medication to prevent damage and other complications.
Sweating, Pallor and Rapid Heart Rate
Patients undergoing alcohol detoxification can present with excess sweating, paleness and a rapid heart rate. These are all symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Alcohol withdrawal can cause the activation of the autonomic nervous system, which controls heart rate, sweating and blood flow to the skin. Patients will complain of these symptoms within a couple of hours to days after their last drink. Symptoms may last for weeks before disappearing.
