| An alcohol detox, or detoxification protocol simply | | | | center, personnel may identify multiple dependencies or |
| means a plan for ridding the body of the toxic effects | | | | issues that must be dealt with. |
| of alcohol. It is generally the first step in a recovery | | | | Alcohol, like many other drugs, provides a quick "high" |
| program, especially when the patient is a chronic | | | | or feeling of well-being. That feeling is always followed |
| alcoholic. | | | | by a "downer" or depression. The alcoholic at that |
| Detoxification of the body usually involves withdrawal | | | | point will begin drinking again, trying to feel good again. |
| symptoms. These can range from only mildly | | | | As the body adjusts to the alcohol consumption it |
| bothersome, like sweating, dry mouth, or minor | | | | takes more and more alcohol to reach the artificial |
| shakiness to full-fledged tremors, vomiting, or seizures. | | | | happiness that the patient seeks. |
| Medical intervention is often the first step of the detox | | | | The second stage in the detox protocol is getting the |
| protocol. | | | | patient through withdrawal symptoms. Drugs such as |
| Campral may be prescribed to help alleviate | | | | Valium or Klonopin can help ease the symptoms. |
| withdrawal symptoms. Whether or not drugs are | | | | Without these treatments, most patients would just |
| prescribed, close monitoring of the patient going | | | | give up when the discomfort level got too high. With |
| through detox is required. And it should be pointed out | | | | drug treatment and monitoring by trained personnel, |
| that the detox program itself does not "cure" the | | | | many patients make it through this phase. The second |
| patient of alcoholism. It does, however, prepare him or | | | | day of sobriety is generally considered to be the day |
| her to accept more readily the therapeutic treatment | | | | with the worst withdrawal symptoms. |
| that follows. | | | | Because of the high sugar content of most alcoholic |
| The detox protocol has clearly defined stages, but | | | | drinks, hypoglycemia can be a significant threat. The |
| each stage is personalized according to the patient's | | | | detox protocol must include close monitoring by trained |
| needs. The first stage is stabilization. Many patients | | | | personnel so that carbohydrate-heavy fluids like |
| finally seek treatment when they feel they've hit "rock | | | | orange juice can be given as needed. Drug therapy |
| bottom". Once at the physician's office or treatment | | | | may once again come into play here. |