Alcohol is one of the most common addictive substances. According to research, over 140,000 Americans die from alcohol-related causes every year. 1 in 10 Americans over the age of 12 have an alcohol abuse disorder. 

The good news is that many facilities specialize in the treatment of alcoholism. But what exactly is involved? For example, does alcoholism require detox? This article will tell you all you need to know. 

Can Alcohol Cause Withdrawal Problems?

Withdrawal is a common characteristic of every addiction. It occurs when the body becomes so used to having the drug in its system that it is unable to function properly without it. 

When a person is sober long enough, they will begin experiencing unpleasant withdrawal symptoms that can only be treated short-term by going back to using. This is the main factor in promoting the cycle of addiction. 

Alcohol is one of the many drugs that cause withdrawal problems. That is part of what makes it such a common source of addiction.  

What are Common Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?

Alcohol withdrawal is known to produce the following symptoms:

• Anxiety
• Shaking hands
• Nausea and vomiting
• Insomnia
• Excessive sweating
• Headache
• Irritability 
• Racing heart
• Seizures 
• Hallucinations
• Delirium Tremens

Note that seizures and hallucinations are more serious issues that may occur in some cases during the peak of withdrawal symptoms. 

Delirium Tremens are extremely rare and only occur in 3% – 5% of people with alcohol withdrawal. Symptoms include confusion, racing heart, high blood pressure, fever, and excessive sweating. They are more likely to appear in heavy drinkers and they will go away in time.

Does Alcoholism Require Detox? 

Detox is a necessary part of the alcohol recovery process. It involves allowing your system to get rid of alcohol and adjust to sober living. 

You can detox at home, or you can detox at a rehab facility. However, detoxing at a rehab facility is likely to produce a higher success rate for the following reasons:

You Will Be Kept as Comfortable as Possible: A medical professional is aware of what occurs when a patient goes through detox. They will create an atmosphere that is as comfortable as possible. They will provide medications to treat withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. 

Common medications used to treat withdrawal are benzodiazepines which reduce anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. Anti-seizure meds and antipsychotics may also be beneficial. There are also meds that reduce the brain’s dependence on alcohol. 

It Will Minimize the Chance of Relapse: When you detox on your own, you may be tempted to start doing drugs again to reduce your symptoms. A medical professional will supervise the detox process to ensure relapse doesn’t occur. 

It Will Keep You Healthy: Some withdrawal symptoms are potentially fatal. A professional will be able to administer treatment to reduce dangerous symptoms and may even be able to save your life. 

It Will Allow You to Transition into a Treatment Program: Most rehab facilities offer detox as the first step of their treatment programs. This is followed by therapy and aftercare. If you detox at home, you will not be enrolled in a treatment program and may not get the therapy and aftercare you require. This increases the chance that you may relapse at some point in the future. 

It is Combined with Therapy: As withdrawal symptoms dissipate, you will move on to therapy. This will provide the professional and peer support you need to make it through.

How to Find an Alcohol Detox Program in Florida

Many outpatient rehabs in Florida offer an alcohol detox program. But how can you find the one that’s right for you? If you do a bit of research, you will find that Principles Recovery Center checks off all the boxes.

Principles Recovery Center is a rehab center in South Florida. We pride ourselves on treating our clients like family. We are backed by 30 years of substance abuse experience. 

We offer a wide range of programs, ensuring you will find the treatment that’s right for you. We provide partial hospitalization, outpatient, detox, and we even treat children and teens. We take a dual diagnosis approach in South Florida that ensures long-term recovery. 
Don’t let addiction rob you of the best years of your life; call Principles Recovery Center today. We will help you find the happiness you deserve.

Dr. Carlos Satulovsky( Medical Director )

Dr. Carlos Satulovsky is a board-certified psychiatrist and has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Facultad De Ciencias Medicas/Universidad Nacional. He is affiliated with medical facilities North Shore Medical Center.