Alcoholism is a widespread issue that affects millions of people across the globe, creating physical, emotional, and mental challenges that can be difficult to overcome without professional support. People seeking alcohol detox in Nashville should be aware detox is the first step to living a sober and happy life.
Detox allows individuals to cleanse their bodies of alcohol while receiving the care needed to manage withdrawal symptoms safely. Understanding the benefits of detox, the dangers of severe alcohol abuse, and what to expect during the process can help someone make an informed decision about their recovery.
Alcoholism: Dangers and Complications
Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic disease characterized by the inability to control or stop drinking despite negative consequences. It develops over time and can lead to severe health issues, including liver damage, heart problems, and cognitive issues. Alcohol addiction affects not only the person struggling but also their loved ones, often damaging relationships and creating emotional scars.
Additionally, severe alcohol abuse brings more complications. For example, it can lead to risky behaviors such as:
- Driving under the influence
- Poor judgment
- Violent outbursts
- Financial problems
- Relationship issues
- Health decline
Over time, alcoholism alters the brain’s chemistry, making it even harder to stop drinking without professional help. Therefore, detoxing from alcohol is necessary to break the physical dependency and begin treatment.
What Are The Short and Long-Term Effects of Alcoholism?
Alcohol abuse can be a sneaky addiction to notice. The availability of it can encourage some to downplay the damage alcohol can create, dismissing its dangers. Additionally, people can binge drink, unknowingly increasing their alcohol tolerance.
Over time, this can result in someone developing a dependence, especially if they use alcohol to feel normal, to manage anxiety, or to ease depression. Thus, it’s vital to recognize if someone’s drinking is problematic, and if alcohol detox is best. The effects of alcoholism manifest in both the short and long term, each with its own set of risks.
Short-term effects include:
- Slurred speech and impaired coordination
- Memory lapses and blackouts
- Feeling nauseous, dizzy, or vomiting
- Mood changes
- Volatility or reckless behavior
- Poor decision-making and risky behavior
- Increased likelihood of accidents and injuries
However, the long-term effects of alcohol abuse can be even more severe and include:
- Liver disease, including cirrhosis and fatty liver
- Heart problems, including high blood pressure and cardiomyopathy (diseased heart muscle)
- Cognitive decline and memory issues
- Mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety
- Increased risk of cancer, particularly in the mouth, throat, esophagus, and liver
These long-term effects are dangerous, as they can result in permanent damage or even death if left untreated. Fortunately, Live Again Detox provides expert care for those in need of alcohol detox in Nashville.
What to Expect During Alcohol Detox in Nashville
For those seeking alcohol detox in Nashville, understanding what to expect during the process can encourage individuals to take the first step toward recovery. Additionally, it can help them feel confident in making a decision that can positively impact their lives.
During alcohol detox, medical professionals closely supervise and monitor patients. Some offer emotional support along with medication to ensure their safety and comfort as their body adjusts to the absence of alcohol.
In the first 24 hours after the last drink, individuals may experience mild symptoms such as headaches, anxiety, and restlessness. These can intensify over the next 48 to 72 hours, particularly for those with a history of severe alcohol abuse, when symptoms like hallucinations, seizures, and Delirium Tremens may appear.
Delirium Tremens is a condition requiring medical assistance, and can include symptoms such as:
- Severe confusion and agitation
- Hallucinations and delusions
- Rapid heartbeat and high blood pressure
- Seizures
The detox process generally lasts anywhere from 3 to 10 days, depending on the severity of the addiction.
At Live Again Detox, individuals can expect compassionate care and medically supervised detox to manage these symptoms effectively for alcohol detox in Nashville. Our experienced medical staff provides support around the clock. Additionally, they use medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to ease discomfort and prevent complications.
Why Severe Alcohol Abuse Is Dangerous
Severe alcohol use poses numerous risks to both the body and the mind. Over time, excessive alcohol consumption can weaken the immune system, leaving the body more vulnerable to infections and diseases. One of the most dangerous aspects of alcohol addiction is its effect on the brain. Alcohol enhances the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which slows down brain activity and creates a sense of calm or relaxation. At the same time, it reduces the activity of glutamate, a neurotransmitter that increases brain activity and energy levels.
As alcohol alters the brain’s chemical balance, it can lead to dependence, making it harder for the person to function without drinking. Additionally, going cold turkey is extremely difficult since the brain craves alcohol with a different chemical pattern. The altered brain chemistry makes it increasingly difficult for someone with AUD to stop drinking without experiencing withdrawal symptoms, which can range from mild to life-threatening.
Overall, alcohol can create a vicious cycle where a person drinks to cope with withdrawal, only to have that pain worsen due to the effects of alcohol. As a result, this creates a damaging cycle that is hard to stop. However, getting help at a state of the art facility for alcohol detox in Nashville like Live Again Detox can save a life.
Stages of Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol addiction progresses through distinct stages. If someone is in the first stage of drinking, treatment can be quick and highly effective. End-stage alcoholism on the other hand may need more intense levels of care. Stages include:
- Early-stage addiction involves casual drinking that gradually becomes more frequent. The individual may begin to drink in social settings or to relieve stress but is still able to function relatively normally.
- Middle-stage addiction is marked by increased tolerance, where the person needs more alcohol to feel the effects. They may begin drinking alone or in secret, and withdrawal symptoms start to appear when they try to cut back.
- End-stage addiction is marked by physical and psychological dependence. The individual may prioritize drinking over other responsibilities and relationships, at the expense of their mental, emotional and physical health. At this stage, professional detox is required. Thus, getting quality care for alcohol detox in Nashville offers a safe environment for healing, with effective treatments.
During end-stage alcoholism, someone’s brain has become so used to alcohol, to the point of developing mental health disorders like anxiety, depression. In some cases, they can even develop suicidal thoughts.
Alcohol Detox in Nashville: Our Treatments for Alcohol Addiction
Treating alcohol addiction requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both the physical, emotional and mental factors. At Live Again Detox, we offer a wide range of evidence-based treatments designed to support individuals at every stage of their recovery, including:
- Medically supervised detox to manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure safety during the initial phase of sobriety.
- Dual diagnosis treatment to address co-occurring mental health conditions that may be contributing to addiction.
- Trauma therapy to help individuals process past events that may have led to substance abuse.
- Family therapy to repair relationships and create a supportive home environment for recovery.
- Holistic therapies like meditation and yoga to promote overall well-being.
- 12-step programs tthat provide accountability for addiction and sobriety along with peer support.
Our personalized care plans help individuals get the care they deserve. Additionally, our staff offers them the support and resources necessary for long-term success.
Take the First Step—Free Yourself from Addiction
Choosing alcohol detox in Nashville Live Again Detox is the first step toward an alcohol-free life. Our facility offers a safe, comfortable environment where individuals can focus on their recovery without distractions. With 24/7 medical supervision, compassionate care, and a wide range of therapeutic services, Live Again Detox provides everything needed to successfully navigate detox and begin the recovery journey.
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, seeking help is a courageous first step. Our experienced team in Nashville, Tennessee, provides quality care in a comfortable setting, offering the tools and guidance needed to achieve lasting sobriety.
Reach out to us today to get sober.
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