Not everyone who drinks alcohol is a drug addict, but for others the drinks are required to avoid alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol detox is the first part of recovery and it’s also the most physically demanding from an addict. Alcohol works on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain, which is what relaxes the body and lowers excitability. When these inhibitory receptors are flooded by constant drinking, the long-term use leads to a decrease of GABA neurotransmitter response, creating tolerance in the drug user.
Initial Alcohol Detox and the Kindling Effect
The kindling effect is still studied by scientists, but it’s a term given to recurring cravings and obsessive thoughts that occur in drug addiction. Multiple attempts at alcohol detox create more severe cravings for the drug, which makes the rehabilitation process mentally exhausting.
The sudden cessation of alcohol has severe physical withdrawal symptoms. Because the GABA neurotransmitters are affected, as the alcohol leaves the body, the brain returns to a hyperexcited state. The increase in excitability causes the irritability, anxiety, and tremors seen during alcohol detox. Alcoholics who drink heavily may also experience seizures during alcohol detox. These physical withdrawals add to the obsessive thoughts observed during the kindling effect.
Severe Withdrawals during Alcohol Detox
More severe withdrawal symptoms are observed in patients who have a history of alcohol detox attempts. Heavy drinking with failed recovery attempts make it more physically and mentally difficult for future attempts. This is why alcohol detox success is important the first time, although most drug addicts return to old habits due to their living environment and psychological cravings.
While seizures are a main concern during initial alcohol detox, alcohol delirium is a secondary withdrawal concern. Heavy drinkers may experience hallucinations that convert to a longer term alcohol delirium withdrawal symptom. The side effect has up to a 5% mortality rate, but it’s exhibited from underlying medical conditions such as poor immunity and liver damage.
Medication and Care during Alcohol Detox
If the patient decides to go through alcohol detox without the supervision of a medical professional, some basic care helps keep the withdrawals at bay. Fluids and electrolytes need to be constantly available. Diarrhea, vomiting, and sweats may affect the patient, so returning fluids to the body is essential. For patients who seek psychotherapy, the use of benzodiazepines like Xanax or Valium is not uncommon. These drugs increase the seizure threshold, so patients are less likely to have seizures during withdrawals. They also help with anxiety and tremors, making the patient more comfortable.
After Alcohol Detox
Once physical withdrawals subside, patients need psychotherapy to increase the chance of continued recovery. Depression, cravings, and obsessive thoughts continue for many patients, so a secure environment with family and friends along with psychotherapy are standard for recovery. Alcohol detox is only the beginning for a long road to recovery, but patients who strive to quit the drugs and get healthy can have a better quality of life.
References
American Academy of Family Physicians
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