Alcohol is the number one addiction after cigarette smoking. People who struggle with drinking develop health issues related to alcohol and experience alcohol withdrawals when they do not keep alcohol in their system. Alcohol withdrawals are severe, and alcoholics will not remain sober as they make them very sick, and only alcohol will relieve the symptoms of withdrawal. Alcohol detox programs provide medications and medical care to ensure sobriety and health. Detox is where and how most alcoholics begin their recovery.
Excessive alcohol use led to approximately 95,000 deaths and over 2.8 million years of potential life lost each year in the United States (CDC)
What Is An Alcohol Detox Program?
When someone is admitted to an alcohol detox center, they are immediately seen by a medical doctor who will prescribe them medication to stop the alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms include tremors, hallucinations, high blood pressure, severe anxiety, paranoia, racing pulse, insomnia, vomiting, diarrhea, and suicidal thoughts. Benzodiazepines are prescribed to reduce and control withdrawal symptoms from alcohol. Most patients require 7 to 10 days of acute care before progressing to a treatment program for alcoholism. Alcohol detox is, for many alcoholics, the answer to quitting drinking as they cannot do it without professional help.
What Are The Effects of Too Much Alcohol?
Alcohol is a toxic substance that the human body cannot process safely in large amounts. The recommended dose of alcohol is one drink or less per hour. People who drink heavily and alcoholically will consume five or more alcoholic beverages in one hour. Intoxication, blackouts, accidental overdose, and liver and brain damage occur from too much alcohol. The body metabolizes alcohol very slowly, and the desired effects from drinking take longer to work than people understand. Drinking too much alcohol will cause:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease, stroke, and liver disease
- Weakening of the immune system
- Learning and memory problems, including dementia
- Mental health problems, including depression and anxiety
- Alcohol use disorders and alcohol dependence
Why is A Special Diet Important in Alcohol Detox?
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism researchers recently published findings on how a ketogenic diet can reduce alcohol withdrawals compared to the non-keto diet. NIAAA describes the research in detail.
The distressing symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are thought to perpetuate alcohol drinking and contribute to relapse. In the current study on ketones and brain function related to alcohol, the researchers found that participants who received the ketogenic diet required less medication to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms during the first week of detoxification than participants who received a standard American diet. Over a 3-week treatment period, the ketogenic diet group also had reduced alcohol craving compared to the standard American diet group. (NIAAA)
Why is A Keto Diet Beneficial to Alcohol Detox?
Drinking alcohol increases the brain’s production of acetate and ketone bodies, which are metabolites of alcohol. The brain’s acetate levels decrease during alcohol withdrawal. Scientists believe that these falls contribute to the withdrawal effects caused by alcohol and neurotoxic effects. By increasing brain ketone bodies, including acetoacetate, via a ketogenic diet, it might be possible to reduce the impact of withdrawal-induced changes in the brain metabolism. Ketogenic diets are high in fat and protein and low in carbohydrates. Keto diets include fish, nuts, meat, eggs, cheese, vegetables, oils and fats, and minimal amounts of carbohydrate sources such as sugar, bread, dairy, or fruit.
Evoke Wellness in Coconut Creek Provides Same Day Admission to Alcohol Detox
Our alcohol detox unit allows patients to rest and sleep while recovering and are given safe and effective medications and a personalized diet to minimize their alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol detox is one of the most severe types of detox. Our patients receive around-the-clock medical care. Our medical doctors and psychiatric specialists regularly assess them. We provide counseling and therapy to detox patients as soon as they are stabilized. Alcohol is an emotionally charged addiction. Most alcoholics drink to numb trauma and other negative experiences. Don’t let alcohol ruin your life or health. We provide therapy, medications, and specialized diets to make your detox easy. Call now for same-day admission.
