Alcohol Detox
A chemical dependency on alcohol is known as “alcoholism”. Alcoholism refers to a disease known as alcohol dependence syndrome. This is the most severe stage of a group of drinking problems which begins with binge drinking and alcohol abuse. Alcohol problems occur at different levels of severity, from mild and annoying to life-threatening.
Alcohol abuse becomes alcohol dependence when drinkers begin to experience a craving for alcohol, a loss of control of their drinking, withdrawal symptoms when they are not drinking, and an increased tolerance to alcohol so that they have to drink more to achieve the same effect. Alcohol dependence is a chronic and often progressive disease that includes a strong need to drink despite repeated problems.
Alcohol Detox
The objective of alcohol detox is to help the patient achieve an alcohol free state. Detox is intended to relieve the physical symptoms of withdrawal. Detox helps prepare the patient for entry into treatment and rehab. The time necessary for alcohol detox can be anywhere from 3 to 14 days. Alcohol also affects other body systems. Irritation of the gastrointestinal tract can occur with erosion of the lining of the esophagus and stomach causing nausea and vomiting, and possibly bleeding. Vitamins are not absorbed properly, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies with the long-term use of alcohol.
