Alcoholics undergo detoxification, or detox, followed by rehabilitation programs as part of the necessary treatment to successfully recover from alcohol addiction. Treatment begins when alcoholics admit to a drinking problem. Some alcoholics reach the conclusion themselves. At other times, intervention procedures by relatives or friends make alcoholics realize they need treatment to overcome the problems drinking has caused for them and their families.
Withdrawal
Detox involves a withdrawal process during which the body adjusts to the loss of a substance it has been receiving on a regular basis for a long period of time. Withdrawal symptoms can begin within five to 10 hours after drinking has stopped, MedlinePlus explains, or it can occur days after the last drink for some people. The more heavily people drink, the higher the likelihood of severe symptoms. Doctors recommend detoxification under the care of medical professionals, especially in cases of severe alcoholism.
Effects
Mild symptoms brought on by detox include irritability, anxiety, depression, mood changes, difficulty concentrating and fatigue. Physical symptoms may include shakiness, sweating, rapid heart rate, clammy skin, headaches, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. Severe symptoms may occur for people in the later stages of alcoholism, such as agitation, fever, seizures or delirium tremens that cause confusion and hallucinations. Doctors often monitor cases carefully to avoid life-threatening situations that include breathing difficulties or heart attack for people with severe symptoms.
Prevention
Tranquilizers, such as benzodiazepines, help ease withdrawal symptoms during the first few days of treatment, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Doctors may administer anticonvulsants to prevent seizures in some patients. Medication also helps prevent relapse following detox. Naltrexone helps reduce cravings for alcohol by blocking certain receptors in the brain that produce pleasurable feelings from drinking. Acamprosate promotes chemical balance in the brain. Some recovering alcoholics benefit from disulfiram, which causes nausea and vomiting from alcohol use.
Recovery
Rehab begins for alcoholics after the detox phase. People may discuss a treatment plan with specialists to establish goals, behavior techniques and the type of counseling needed, MayoClinic.com explains. Patients undergo rehab on an inpatient or outpatient basis, depending on the individual and conditions. Counseling can occur on a one-on-one basis or within group therapy. Couples therapy and family therapy help some alcoholics as they adjust to a new life. Many alcoholics use self-support groups during the initial rehab stage and following rehab. Talking with other recovered alcoholics in self-help groups helps strengthen people as recovery begins. Programs may include Alcoholics Anonymous or other groups that fit the individual's needs.
Dietary Function
Dietary improvements play a major role during rehab and recovery. Many alcoholics develop vitamin and mineral deficiencies because of poor nutrition. Alcoholism often causes a decrease in appetite. A return to a healthy diet helps during recovery. Vitamin B1 supplements may improve thiamine deficiencies that can cause brain disorders, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Doctors may recommend vitamin B complex, vitamin C, selenium, magnesium and zinc supplements.
