What is alcohol detox?
Alcohol detox is the process of ridding the body of alcohol and its toxins. Consuming too much alcohol over a long period of time can alter the body, including its and organ function. Alcohol detox restores the body to a normal, pre-alcohol state.
Alcohol detox is often the first step to sobriety. For many, it can be a grueling journey. That’s why it’s important to detox in a safe and comfortable environment. Alcohol detox can happen at home in an outpatient setting, but often, inpatient treatment is needed to ensure the detox goes safely and smoothly.
Before detoxing from alcohol
Preparing for detox is the first step. If you’re detoxing in an outpatient setting, or at home, your addiction specialist will give you thorough instructions on how to complete your detox. Or you may come to the treatment facility in the day and return at night. This is referred to as a partial hospitalization program (PHP).
If the alcohol abuse was severe, inpatient detox is recommended, as detoxing from alcohol can be dangerous for heavy drinkers.
Before detoxing from alcohol, you may want to learn about the process and prepare for it the best you can. Some people find it helpful to learn about the symptoms or get their family and friends involved.
What does detoxing from alcohol feel like?
The truth is detoxing from alcohol is a challenging process. For some, it’s more difficult to get through detox because they drank heavily and their body has more adjusting to do.
When going through detox, you can expect:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Shakiness and tremors
- Upset stomach
- Low appetite
- Sweating
More serious symptoms may happen, such as seizures, hallucinations, and rapid heart rate. We know these side effects can be scary. That’s why the addiction team at Mallard Lake Detox Center closely monitors residents going through detox.
The next steps after alcohol detox
After detox, the hardest part is over, but there’s still work to do to maintain your sobriety.
12-step recovery
This recovery model follows Alcoholics Anonymous twelve steps to help recovering addicts stay sober. The steps involve honesty, admitting wrongdoing, and having faith in a higher power.
SMART recovery
Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) helps recovering addicts develop skills needed to fight off their addiction.
Sober living
After intense residential detox, you may live in a sober living house until you’re ready to resume living on your own. Sober living houses provide a smooth transition back into your daily routine and society. They provide structure and guidelines and help recovering alcohol abusers stay on track.
Therapy
Group or individual therapy is common after completing alcohol detox treatment. You may visit a therapist on your own or attend group therapy or talk sessions. Therapy has been proven to help people maintain sobriety by providing a safe space where they can share their emotions, hurdles, and concerns.
Relapse prevention
One of the benefits of professional addiction treatment is personalized relapse prevention. Your team will create a plan to help you quit drinking and provide support as you follow the plan.
Detox from alcohol in Houston
If you have an alcohol use disorder, we can help you safely detox from alcohol in Houston at our luxury rehab. Mallard Lake Detox Center provides expert addiction treatment in an upscale environment, complete with all the amenities you need for serenity and comfort. We’re here and ready to talk to you 24/7. To get started, call 936-800-8025 or complete our contact form.