Signs of Alcohol Detoxification

When an excessive alcohol drinker suddenly discontinues drinking, his body will go through a natural detoxification process. Poisons and toxins which remain in the blood and organs are eliminated over a period of time.
Consuming large quantities of alcohol can damage many organs. Some of these same organs also function to cleanse the body from poisons and toxins once alcohol consumption ends.
Over-consumption of alcohol is known to cause damage to the liver, which eliminates toxins from the blood, and the other cleansing organs. For many, the detoxification process can be lengthy and uncomfortable. In some extreme cases one could die from the process. A person with a severe alcohol disease should consult with a medical professional before he suddenly stops drinking.

Considerations

• Signs of a person going through alcohol detoxification may range from mild to severe depending on her overall physical health, attitude, the duration of the disease and the quantities of alcohol involved. Whether he is a social drinker who drinks too heavily on occasion or a chronic drinker who drinks daily, he may or may not experience withdrawal symptoms when he stops drinking.
  Depending on the intensity and duration of the symptoms certain mild signs could also be considered severe. A medical professional should be consulted immediately if a person is experiencing severe detoxification signs. Sometimes hospitalization is required to monitor the individual until they are out of danger to themselves and others.

Mild Signs

• Some common "mild" signs of alcohol detoxification include mild dehydration, poor appetite, tension headaches, sweats/chills, foul body odor, bad breath and moodiness.

Moderate Signs

• Some common "moderate" signs of alcohol detoxification include nausea and vomiting, migraine headaches, insomnia, aches and pains, mild tremors or shaking, less severe dehydration and isolation.

Severe Signs

• Some common "severe" signs of alcohol detoxification include severe dehydration; fever; convulsions; seizures; fear; panic attacks; depression; anxiety; rage; agitation; abusiveness; black-outs; suicide; death; delirium tremors; confusion; illusions; and visual, auditory or sensory hallucinations.

Recovery

• Other considerations are the alcoholic's overall mental wellness and attitude toward recovery. A person will need to treat the root of the disease and learn how to cope with trauma, stress, unhealthy relationships, mental disorders and other dysfunctional environments. Depression should be treated by a qualified physician or therapist.
  During a physician-supervised detox program the person will likely be given medication to assist with the withdrawal symptoms. The duration of the detoxification can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks or more. Some prefer to follow a more holistic regimen with a holistic therapist monitoring their progress. There are holistic therapists who may recommend various cleansing programs.

Group Therapy

• Alcoholics Anonymous is a program where alcoholics help other alcoholics through a 12-step program, regular meetings and a peer sponsorship accountability system. There are many therapeutic benefits to be gained from meeting in a group with other recovering alcoholics.

Warning

• This article is not intended as a diagnosis, prescription or cure for any medical or health condition. Each individual should pursue a program of prevention, treatment or general health only in consultation with a licensed, qualified physician, therapist or likewise competent professional.