Alcoholism is a disease that nearly 20 million Americans struggle with every day. The number is really much higher than that, though, because while it may be 20 million Americans that have the disease, it is their friends and family that must live with the disease, every single day.
Alcoholism affects all areas of life: Family, physical health, finances, productivity and mental health. When it is out of control the consequences can be devastating.
Signs And Symptoms Of Alcoholism
How do you know if you have a problem with alcohol? Because alcohol is a legal and socially acceptable drug it isn’t always easy to tell when you do. Alcohol addiction doesn’t look the same for everyone.
It’s easy to point to the homeless person or the person who has lost their job, gotten a DUI or lost their family and say they have a problem, but the reality is that there are plenty of alcoholics who go to work every day and pay their bills. That doesn’t mean that they have less of a problem, though. Their health is being compromised every day, and their families are suffering, even if the person doesn’t see it. Here are some signs to look for:
- Increased tolerance to alcohol. This means that it takes more alcohol than it used to in order to get the same effect.
- Irritability, anxiousness or depression when you don’t have any alcohol.
- Avoiding social situations where there won’t be alcohol served.
- Drinking more than you used to, drinking daily.
- Wanting to continue drinking after everyone else has stopped.
- Drinking until you get sick or pass out.
- Drinking when you get upset or angry on a regular basis.
- You can’t remember what you did while drinking.
- You find yourself having to apologize for things you have said/done while drinking.
- You have tried to quit drinking but couldn’t.
- Your friends or family are concerned about your drinking.
These are some red flags to look for. If drinking is affecting your work, school or family life, then it has become a problem.
Physical Symptoms Of Alcohol Withdrawal
Alcohol is both psychologically and physically addicting. The combination of physical dependence and psychological dependence can make quitting drinking a challenge. The first hurdle is getting past the detox stage.
Depending on how long you have been drinking, how much you drink and your individual physiology, you may experience mild to severe withdrawal symptoms. In extreme cases, detoxing from alcohol can be dangerous and even deadly if not done with medical supervision. A detox center can help you not only detox safely but also comfortably.
What Is Rapid Detox For Alcoholism?
Rapid detox for alcoholism is a medical procedure that allows you to detox from alcohol in as little as a few hours.
Not all people are good candidates for this procedure. There are risks involved because the process taxing on the body. You must be in relatively good physical health in order to undergo a rapid detox for alcoholism.
The process of rapid detox involves administering a drug that puts you into detox mode and clears your body of alcohol. This process is done under a general anesthetic so that you won’t have to be awake during the process. Over the period of a few hours, your body will rid itself of alcohol and your system will be clean. You will come out of anesthesia and after a short recovery period you will be able to go home.
Why Rapid Detox From Alcoholism?
For many people, the detox process itself is a barrier to getting treatment and getting sober. For those who have worked or family responsibilities, the prospect of spending several days in a detox facility in extreme discomfort and distress is simply not realistic. Some are simply too afraid of the discomfort they will face during a detox, and they continue putting it off.
Rapid detox allows you to go through the worst of the discomfort under anesthesia so that you won’t have to suffer through the symptoms. The fact that the duration is so brief makes it a realistic option for anyone who is unable to enter a longer detox facility.
However, it is important to realize that rapid detox is not a cure for your drinking problem. Once detox is complete, you will no longer have alcohol in your system, but that does not mean you won’t experience psychological cravings that are extremely powerful. These cravings can be every bit as powerful as the physical symptoms of alcohol addiction.
Going from detox to an inpatient alcohol rehab program, or enrolling in an outpatient program or attending twelve step meetings are good solutions that can help you stay sober and begin the recovery and healing process.
Finding Rapid Detox From Alcoholism
If you or someone you love want to stop drinking but haven’t been successful, rapid detox may be a possible solution. To learn more about rapid detox from alcoholism contact an addiction specialist, counselor, or social worker. A qualified mental health professional can help you locate a rapid detox facility near you.