Alcohol addiction is rampant among millions of individuals around the world each year. While developing an addiction to alcohol can require weeks, months, or even years of repeated abuse, it is possible to develop a dependency in less time with overconsumption. If you have a loved one who is suffering from an addiction and undergoing a detox program, you may be wondering if you should seek additional resources and professional help to assist them through their journey to sobriety.
The Importance of Detoxing
Alcohol is not only a substance that causes psychological and mental addiction. Alcohol itself has the power to trigger a physical addiction and dependency once it is consumed too much or abused. Physical addictions differ from mental and psychological addictions, as they can often lead to adverse side effects or unpleasant physical manifestations.
Detoxing from alcohol is imperative if your loved one has developed a serious addiction to the substance and is unable to go more than a few hours without consuming alcohol, regardless of their environment or surroundings. Some of the adverse physical side effects that are likely to manifest while an individual is experiencing withdrawal and going through the detoxing process with alcohol include:
- The “Shakes”: Tremors and shakiness are extremely prevalent in heavy alcohol users. Shakes and tremors are most common in the fingers, hands, and extremities.
- Nausea/Vomiting: Nausea and vomiting may occur when the body is no longer being provided the alcohol it has become dependent on each day.
- Pain: Muscle cramps, joint pain, and abdominal pains/cramping are likely to occur during the withdrawal and detoxing stages of alcohol addiction.
- Mood Swings: Increased irritability, rage, depression, and anxiety are likely to manifest while going through alcohol withdrawal.
- Insomnia: The inability to sleep or get a good night’s rest is one of the most common adverse effects of alcohol withdrawal and detox.
Individuals who have extremely addictions to alcohol may require medically-monitored detoxing to prevent potential seizures, heart failure, heart attacks, coma, and even death. Ensuring your loved one has a proper detoxing program and rehabilitation treatment center to guide them is imperative to minimize any physical or adverse effects as they work towards overcoming their addiction.
Inpatient Vs. Outpatient Programs
Both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs are available for individuals who struggle with an addiction to alcohol. Inpatient rehab facilities are ideal for those who are in need of a zero-tolerance environment and for those with serious addictions who require medical assistance and medically-monitored detoxing. Inpatient programs and facilities require individuals to live within the facility itself throughout the duration of the individual’s chosen or designated program.
For individuals with a less serious addiction to alcohol and a full support system of family and friends, outpatient or intensive outpatient programs may work best. Outpatient programs offer similar guidance and medical resources without requiring individuals to live within a facility or center while they work through overcoming their addictions.
Helping Your Loved One
When a loved one is addicted to alcohol and in need of serious help and guidance, it can feel tempting to provide them with the housing and support yourself, especially if you are close with the relative who is addicted to alcohol. However, the best course of action for a loved one who is simply trying to help is to seek out professional resources in the form of inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation programs. Vocalizing your support and simply being there for your loved one is already a great way to keep them on the right track to sobriety. Allowing professionals who specialize in alcohol addiction to assist your loved one in the proper manner is optimal to minimize the risk of relapsing, causing damage to your relationship, or adverse physical side effects of detoxing without medical assistance.
Understanding the importance of seeking help and professional guidance when helping a loved one through their addiction is essential to provide an ideal environment to help them remain clean and sober. With the proper detoxing program, a rehabilitation program, and an adequate support system ensure your loved one has the best chance possible of overcoming dependence and addiction to alcohol while regaining control over their life and the future they envision for themselves.
Are you ready to seek the help your loved one needs to overcome their addiction to alcohol? Our counselors are available 24 hours a day. Call us at 302-842-2390 for more information and to learn how we can help you or your loved one with their addiction to alcohol today.
