Is the Detox Portion of Alcohol Rehab Dangerous?
Detox from alcohol can be extremely dangerous, but as long as you attend treatment in a professional detox center, you will be able to recover safely and receive the help you need. Call 800-481-6965 (Who Answers?) now to find treatment programs that will guide the way to your recovery.
The Dangers of Alcohol Detox
One should never detox at home from alcohol abuse. Even the mild withdrawal symptoms associated with alcohol can be problematic, including:
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Nightmares
- Confusion
- Anxiety
Delirium tremens can cause agitation and severe confusion.
However, according to the National Library of Medicine, “A severe form of alcohol withdrawal called delirium tremens can cause:”
- Agitation
- Fever
- Seeing or feeling things that aren’t there (hallucinations)
- Seizures
- Severe confusion
Delirium tremens can be deadly, causing individuals to become a danger to themselves or others. It is absolutely essential that a person experiencing these symptoms be taken to a hospital or treatment facility right away, but even someone who does not seem to be exhibiting signs of delirium tremens may begin to do so during the course of their withdrawal. Therefore, whether or not the syndrome will occur––and when––cannot be fully predicted, so it is much safer for the individual to be in a treatment center.
Alcohol detox can also be dangerous because those who are not medicated and given the right types of treatment often relapse back to abusing the substance. Especially if relapse is likely, it is not recommended that someone go through alcohol detox without professional help.
Is Detox Dangerous in a Treatment Center?
Detox from alcohol is much safer in a professional treatment or rehab center than it would be for someone at home. According to the NLM, the goals of treatment are to:
- Save the person’s life
- Relieve symptoms
- Prevent complications
This is done by giving the patient the right treatment options for their needs. For example, someone experiencing a more mild case of alcohol withdrawal may be given sedative drugs to minimize their symptoms, but they will be constantly monitored for any signs of delirium tremens.
Those who are already experiencing the severe syndrome will often be sedated until withdrawal is over, given fluids by IV, and monitored closely for any changes in bodily chemicals or functions.
It can be very dangerous to go through alcohol withdrawal, but it is much less dangerous when one attends a rehab program that provides safe, reliable care and allows the patient to transition easily into addiction treatment. This sort of care is essential to a safe and successful recovery from alcohol abuse and for an individual to avoid any complications associated with detox.
Find Alcohol Abuse Rehab Now
We will help you find a rehab center that provides the options you require for your alcohol abuse treatment. Call 800-481-6965 (Who Answers?) to learn about your options as well as to ask any questions you may have about alcohol abuse and treatment. We can inform you of the particular program you choose and what it offers, including whether or not your insurance will be accepted and if family can visit you. Call today to begin your journey of recovery.
How to Cope with the Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
