Objectives

• The objectives of detox are two-fold. The initial objective, and the objective most commonly associated with the word "detox" is to simply allow the patient to withdraw from alcohol, while treating any medical issues that arise as a result of that withdrawal. Once the initial detox period is complete and the alcohol has left the body, the objective becomes overcoming dependence and learning to manage the addiction. These steps can be done on either an in-patient or out-patient basis.
  
  

Inpatient Detox

• Treatment programs for a full detox vary, if a patient chooses residential detox. Generally, the initial detox phase that involves ridding the body of alcohol takes between three and seven days. During this time the toxins all leave the body, so the patient can begin the long-term recovery program free of chemicals and toxins. The actual rehab period following the "detox" time varies, but usually lasts about six weeks on average.
  
  

The Detox Process

• The detox process usually begins with the patient recognizing that he needs detox, and deciding to give up alcohol. In an inpatient program, a psychological evaluation is usually the first step in the detox process, to uncover the extent of the patient's addiction and the patient's feelings toward detox and treatment. The detoxification period follows, which is the period most people associate with the word "detox" in which all of the toxins accumulated in the body from the alcohol consumption leave the body. This is followed by classes, therapy and learning to abstain from alcohol on a more permanent basis. Alcohol addiction is a lifelong process, and patients who undergo this initial detox session will need to continue to remain free of alcohol for life in order to avoid a relapse of the alcohol addiction.
  
  

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

• The detox period in which the alcohol leaves the body may carry with it many physical symptoms. The symptoms vary by patient, but common symptoms include sweating, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, tremors, convulsions or seizures. In some cases, the patient may also experience hallucinations, disorientation, high blood pressure, tachycardia or a fever.
  
  

Drug Therapies to Aid Detox Symptoms

• Certain drugs have been proven to help with withdrawal symptoms. These include Benzodiazepines, Carbamazepines, beta blockers, haloperidol, phenytoin and clonidine. Each of these medications can help prevent some of the symptoms associated with withdrawal, including nausea, vomiting, tremors and seizures.