If you’ve decided that you have a problem with alcohol, the first steps towards treatment and recovery is a detox. It’s a process that can prove critical and a real turning point as you move forward with a new, sober lifestyle.
However, an alcohol detox is not without its challenges. In fact, for some it can be a pretty gruelling experience, albeit a worthwhile one. The process itself is relatively simple. It’s essentially a period of time in which the alcohol is removed from your system in order for the body to be completely free from alcohol. From there you can then start to move forward with finding healthier coping mechanisms and managing triggers for drinking.
So, what can you expect from an alcohol detox? What are the main challenges?
Withdrawal Symptoms
You will likely be aware or have heard of withdrawal symptoms associated with addiction and they are the biggest challenge you’ll generally face in the process. Symptoms can be both physical and psychological and the severity of them can vary depending upon how long a person has been dependent on alcohol and to what extent.
Among the most common mild symptoms include nausea, sweating, vomiting, insomnia and headaches, while more moderate and severe symptoms can include tremors, heightened anxiety and rapid heart rate. Delirium Tremens can also be experienced in cases of long-term heavy drinking, which can be life threatening and needs medical attention.
Due to the severity of some withdrawal symptoms, the best place to go through an alcohol detox is in a safe, secure environment with round the clock medical care. This is why many people check into rehab for this process.
Psychological Impact
Going through a detox is not just a physical challenge, it can have a real impact on mental health. People tend to turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism for the likes of depression, stress, trauma or anxiety and removing that can also lead to further conditions.
The likes of anxiety and depression can be heightened during detox, while you could also experience irritability and mood swings due to the changes in brain chemistry. Cravings are also likely to kick in, particularly in the early stages of detox, so it’s important to have support, as well as removing any alcohol from the home if you are detoxing from there.
Risk of Relapse
It is the cravings and withdrawal symptoms that can make the risk of relapse a real problem both during and after detox. The temptation becomes high to alleviate the discomfort you may be going through, while at this stage various trigger points can also be more difficult to navigate with you not necessarily having the right coping mechanisms in place.
That’s why it’s so important to have aftercare in place after detox, where you can get counselling and support to manage triggers as well as gain advice, guidance and motivation for moving forward.
Medical Complications
For those with severe alcohol dependency, detox can pose serious medical risks. Conditions such as seizures, heart palpitations, and electrolyte imbalances may arise during the process. Without proper medical supervision, these complications can lead to significant health issues or even be fatal.
In the UK, it is strongly recommended that individuals undergoing alcohol detox seek professional help through the NHS or private treatment centres. Medically supervised detox provides access to trained professionals who can administer medications like benzodiazepines to ease withdrawal symptoms and address any complications promptly.
Social and Practical Challenges
Detoxing from alcohol often requires a significant adjustment to daily life. Individuals may need to take time off work, distance themselves from social circles that encourage drinking, or rearrange family responsibilities. These changes can create additional stress and feelings of isolation.
For some, stigma surrounding alcohol addiction can make it difficult to seek help or openly discuss their struggles with friends and family. This can exacerbate feelings of shame or guilt, further complicating the detox process.
Lack of Immediate Results
Recovery is a long-term journey, and many individuals find it challenging that detox does not provide instant relief from addiction. While detox clears alcohol from the body, it does not address the underlying causes of dependency or equip individuals with the tools needed to maintain sobriety. This realisation can be disheartening and may lead to feelings of frustration or hopelessness.
