Deciding to quit drinking alcohol can be tough. Unlike other substances, alcohol is embedded in our society. People drink alcohol at many social and recreational events, making it a challenge for someone who wants to avoid alcohol. Especially for those who are experiencing a physical dependence on alcohol, quitting suddenly can be risky. Choosing to enter an alcohol detox program can offer a solution for the early stages of quitting. A facility that offers alcohol detox can provide the care and support that you or your loved one needs as you begin your recovery. Contact Northpoint Seattle at 888.483.6031 to learn how we could help.
Understanding Alcohol Dependence
Most people who drink do so occasionally, but when a person drinks regularly over a long period of time, physical and psychological dependence can occur. In the case of physical dependence, it is important to understand what alcohol does in the body. When a person drinks regularly over time, the body must make changes to its normal processes in order to accommodate the presence of alcohol. Then, when the alcohol is removed, the body attempts to revert the changes it has made, creating the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
Professional Alcohol Detox vs. Home Detox
When people want to stop drinking, they often consider detoxing at home. This can take many forms. Some people try to go ‘cold turkey,’ stopping suddenly and trying to weather the effects of withdrawal. Others taper themselves down slowly to try and minimize the effects of withdrawal. In a professional detox program, medical professionals evaluate the patient to determine the best approach to withdrawal, whether that includes medications, therapy, or a combination of both.
How Can an Alcohol Detox Program Help?
One thing that you may not know about quitting alcohol is that suddenly stopping can be risky in some cases. People who develop acute withdrawal symptoms can develop complications, such as memory problems or even seizures which can lead to death. Entering an alcohol detox program can help in many ways:
- Medical supervision – Most people who stop drinking can do so safely without complications, but detoxing under the care of professionals can help identify patients at risk for severe symptoms and care for them in an appropriate way.
- Continuity of care – Detoxing from alcohol is only the first step in a longer recovery process. Sobriety is good, but in order to maintain recovery over time, it is vital to have access to support and treatment that will reinforce and encourage recovery.
- Access to recovery-focused community – When participating in an alcohol detox and treatment program, patients become part of a community of caregivers and peers that help them develop a strong support system. This is a vital element of achieving a full and lasting recovery.
- Gaining understanding – People with substance use disorders often have other underlying situations that complicate their recovery, such as exposure to trauma or mental health conditions. Getting into treatment can help patients gain a greater understanding of their addiction and deal with issues that may have been feeding it.
An alcohol detox program can provide valuable medical and psychological support to individuals struggling with addiction. By helping individuals transition through the withdrawal process, detox programs can make it easier for them to maintain sobriety and achieve lasting recovery.
Northpoint Seattle: Helping You Stop Drinking for Good
At our treatment center, we offer flexible and individualized care based on current best practices. We also understand that our patients are people who have specific needs and circumstances. Our detox programs can help you or a loved one quit drinking and enter recovery. When you or someone that you love has a problem with alcohol, it can seem overwhelming or as if nothing will ever be able to change, but the good news is that you do not have to battle alone. Reach out to our caring and knowledgeable staff today at 888.483.6031 or via our online contact form, and let us tell you how we can help.