Alcohol Detox
Tarzana Treatment Centers offers specialized treatment programs to address the various aspects of alcohol dependence and recovery. If you already know that you or a loved one needs alcohol or drug treatment, please call us at 888-777-8565 or contact us by email here. If you need more information, read below.
Alcohol Detox
The human brain reacts to alcohol dependence with automatic changes in the way it functions. Signals are sent to vital organs telling them to work harder to metabolize alcohol and support other functions of the body. When an alcoholic quits drinking cold turkey, the brain cannot simply return the body to normal functioning. Envision a car traveling up a hill on a gradual incline. When the top of the hill is reached, there is a choice to either drive off the steep cliff or return gradually back from whence you came. One choice is prudent and safe, and the other is likely to be painful or deadly.
Medical Detoxification
Medical detoxification is like the gradual downhill path. In most cases, Tarzana Treatment Centers begins with a benzodiazepine dosage to match the respective patient’s alcohol consumption. The dosage is decreased each day in treatment under medical supervision until the patient is drug free. It is important to note the presence of medical supervision, due to the nature of alcohol dependence. Without supervision, an alcoholic is likely to continue drinking while taking the drug. This could be deadly. Detox with supervision allows the body to safely return to normal functioning.
Cold Turkey
Quitting cold turkey, or taking chances driving over the cliff, results in symptoms that range from uncomfortable to deadly. Trembling can range from hands shaking to severe, and even lead to seizure. Vomiting and diarrhea are likely. High blood pressure and an increased heart rate can make the body go into shock. And Delirium Tremens, or DT’s, include all of these symptoms along with visual and auditory hallucinations. Alcohol withdrawal is the most dangerous of all addictive drugs, making self-detoxification a risky choice.
Word Choice
Many alcoholics suffer needlessly because they or their loved ones are not familiar with the dangers of quitting cold turkey. Telling an alcoholic to get help is better than “just stop drinking”.
Tarzana Treatment Centers offers specialized treatment programs to address the various aspects of alcohol dependence and recovery, including alcohol detox. We provide alcohol treatment in the San Fernando Valley, Antelope Valley, Long Beach, Reseda and Northridge. Please call us for alcohol or drug treatment at 888-777-8565 or contact us by email here.
Related Articles
Alcohol Dependence
Alcohol Effects on the Body
Alcohol Cravings
Alcoholism in the Family