Treatment of alcoholism begins with detoxification, also called detox, which usually takes from four to seven days to complete, according to MayoClinic.com. In rare cases, alcohol detox can last weeks. Detox results in withdrawal symptoms because of the changes the body goes through after long-term or heavy drinking abruptly ends. Alcoholics often go through the process under medical supervision. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and life-threatening, depending on the severity of the condition.
Effects
Detoxification symptoms include shakiness, sweats, headaches and decreased appetite, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Rapid pulse, increased blood pressure, rapid breathing, nausea and vomiting might occur. The physical symptoms might start several hours after the last drink and peak after 24 to 48 hours. Emotional effects also complicate detox because of cravings many alcoholics have for another drink. Anxiety, irritability, fatigue, depression, insomnia and nightmares might develop.
Severe Signs
More severe signs result in confusion, fever, convulsions and delirium tremens, also known as DTs, as the brain tries to readjust its chemistry when alcohol intake stops. Hallucinations can occur within 12 to 24 hours. Imaginative visions, such as crawling bugs or falling items, can appear. Alcohol withdrawal seizures may develop up to 48 hours after the last drink. Several seizures can occur during the time.
Dangerous Reaction
About one in 20 people going through alcohol withdrawal symptoms experience DTs, the most dangerous reaction during the process, according to InteliHealth.com. The sudden changes within the brain affect the way it regulates circulation and breathing, an important factor in undergoing detox with medical assistance. Heart rate, blood pressure and blood flow to the brain might change dramatically, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke or death.
Prevention
Doctors can prescribe medication that eases the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Medicine prevents symptoms from getting worse when administered early in the detox process. Sedatives can help prevent shakiness, confusion or hallucinations. Doctors and therapists recommend alcoholics explain their drinking history with complete honesty to help with the proper treatment.
Condition
Physical examination during the detox process helps doctors find any damage that heavy drinking has caused, InteliHealth notes. Blood tests can find damage to the liver, heart, nerves and gastrointestinal tract. Doctors also evaluate diet and possible vitamin deficiencies because of poor nutrition that often accompanies alcoholism. A healthful diet and supplements play an important role as alcoholics complete detox and enter the recovery phase of alcoholism.
