Addiction, with respect to any substance, can be challenging and painful.

Alcohol addiction comes with its own unique experiences. While over 17 million people may currently have an alcohol abuse disorder, only a small fraction of these people will ever seek or receive clinical help to overcome their abuse or addiction. Alcoholism can last for a lifetime without being treated. However, there is a downside. The body and mind are affected with prolonged use. Cirrhosis of the liver is quite common among long-term alcoholics. The realization that help is needed is always the first positive step. Then, finding a good treatment center in Ohio is the next critical step.

Intake and Detox

Intake is the next step and attempts to uncover everything there is to know about a person’s substance abuse background, and if alcoholism runs in the family. Some people may be more genetically prone to substance abuse than others. Physical and psychological exams are conducted to determine a method of treatment, and to discover any co-occurring mental disorders that may exist. Mental disorders may include anxiety or depression. Thoroughness is required at this stage. Any missed disorders can resurface after the patient completes rehab. If this occurs, there is a likelihood that a patient will relapse. Then, the only solution may be to repeat rehab again.

How Long Will Detox Take?

It is important to remember that detox, its length of time, depends on the individual’s state of health and their addicted substance. Some people can detox in several weeks, while it takes others months, even a year in some cases. There is a note of caution for anyone attempting to detox alone. Never attempt it because it can be physically difficult, even deadly in some cases. Detox should always be attempted in a safe, clinical environment under the care and supervision of trained and qualified clinicians. Generally, the longer a person remains in detox the stronger the likelihood their program will be a success.

Minus any co-occurring disorders, detox will generally follow three phases:

1. Acute withdrawal can be accompanied by vicious tremors, seizures, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. Medications are given and adjusted according to how the doctor feels their patient is progressing.

2. During early abstinence, the patient may find it difficult to sleep while showing signs of mood swings and some irritability. Women may take longer to navigate this phase than men.

3. During protracted abstinence, the final phase, patients tend to skew toward a more normal and balanced disposition. Some anxieties may linger, but the patient shows a significant improvement.

Getting help for an alcohol addiction, sooner than later, is always preferable. The long-term effects on the body can impact the heart, blood, fatty live, and lead to cirrhosis. Prolonged use can also lead to cancer of the throat, not to mention depleted bodily health from not eating properly.

When a friend or loved one has an alcohol addiction, the best solution is to seek immediate rehab assistance. A life is a terrible thing to waste. If caught in time, the addiction can be properly treated and turned around.

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