| Alcohol detox implies the removal of alcohol from the | | | | they may suffer anxiety and insomnia for a couple of |
| body of an alcoholic. Alcohol detox is brought about by | | | | days. The most common drugs used for alcohol |
| abstinence from alcohol, medication, and altering the | | | | detoxification are benzodiazepines, with |
| diet of the patient. Detox is not possible without | | | | Chlordiazepoxide being the most preferred |
| support from friends and family and a commitment on | | | | benzodiazepine used. Diazepam is also widely used, |
| the part of the patient. | | | | but fatal effects may occur if it is mixed with huge |
| The liver and kidneys normally carry out detoxification | | | | doses of alcohol. Hence, supervision is necessary for |
| in the body. However in hardened alcoholics, alternative | | | | use of diazepam as a detoxifier. |
| detoxification processes become necessary. There | | | | A detoxification session usually lasts 5 to 6 weeks. |
| are several general practitioners, nurses, and | | | | The diet is to be protein-rich and with a generous |
| pharmacists who volunteer in detox centers for | | | | amount of fiber and fluids, and the person should |
| alcoholics. | | | | consume water throughout the day. Since most |
| In most cases, detoxification can be done at home. | | | | alcoholics have sugar problems, hypoglycemic |
| This is when the alcohol consumption is moderate, but | | | | substances should be consumed. Parsley and |
| in complicated cases that involve symptoms such as | | | | chamomile teas are effective alkaloids which stimulate |
| hallucinations, severe withdrawal symptoms, and | | | | kidney elimination processes. |
| multi-substance misuse, inpatient detoxification | | | | Inpatient detox is carried out in rehabilitation centers, but |
| becomes necessary. Volunteers even conduct | | | | there is a social stigma attached to being admitted in |
| community detox programs, usually in compliance with | | | | such rehab centers. Usually, such centers are located |
| the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Alcoholics attending | | | | in the lesser-developed areas of the country, causing |
| AA meetings are stressed upon the need to be | | | | people from affluent classes to be reluctant to be |
| determined to give up alcohol. | | | | admitted in them. Also, the ratio of workers to patients |
| In extreme cases, medication is used to detoxify | | | | is generally 1:4, meaning that there is an emphasis on |
| heavy drinkers. This is also termed pharmacological | | | | self-care. |
| detoxification. Here, the patients are forewarned that | | | | |