Adequate Nutrition During Alcohol Detox
Similar to hydration, staying properly nourished during alcohol detox can help prevent medical complications such as dehydration, delirium tremens , and electrolyte imbalances.
Do what you can to eat a varied diet of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and try to avoid highly processed foods that contain high sugar content.
Volunteering Is Great For Breaking The Alcohol Habit
Home remedies to stop drinking alcohol can also benefit your community. Volunteering is a great way to get your mind off what you are dealing with and think about others. Besides volunteering within your recovery community, you can also:
- Help the homeless
- Build homes for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity
- Help a local animal shelter
Home Remedies For Alcoholism
· Updated April 10, 2020
Alcoholism results when there is a mental and physical addiction to the consumption of alcohol. When the use of alcohol is continued for a long time, there will be resultant effects on an individuals mental and physical state. The implications of alcohol use show up in the digestive tracts, heart, pancreas, and the network of nerves in the human body.
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What To Do If Someone Suffers Alcohol Poisoning
If you notice any of these signs on someone, you must seek medical attention immediatelycall 911 or your local emergency number for medical help. Be ready to provide information about the type of alcohol and the amount of alcohol the person drank.
Because alcohol poisoning affects gag reflexes, you should never leave the person alone. The most important thing you can do is everything you can to prevent them from vomiting because they can choke. Ensure theyre always in a sitting position and keep them awake to avoid losing consciousness. Ways to keep someone experiencing alcohol poisoning safe until the individual can receive medical attention include:
You also need to beware of home remedies for alcohol poisoning that can do more harm than good. Remember, this is a life-threatening situation. Dont try to ease the signs of an alcohol poisoning episode by:
- Sleeping it off
How To Safely Taper Off Alcohol
Tapering off of alcohol involves gradually reducing the amount of alcohol use over time, eventually stopping use entirely. However, tapering is not a medically recommended form of quitting alcohol because it is very difficult to do. Alcohol addiction is characterized by an inability to control ones drinking, and a taper requires very strict control of how much alcohol is used. This makes it very difficult to successfully taper yourself off of alcohol.
For those who do wish to taper off alcohol, there is very little research on how to do it because alcohol tapers are not recommended. One study suggested a 10-day schedule, but there is no accepted tapering schedule since self-tapering typically does not work for alcohol detox.
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Internal Triggers For Alcohol Consumption
Internal triggers are thoughts, feelings, sensations, and beliefs inside you that feed your cravings for alcohol.
These thoughts, feelings, sensations, and beliefs are not necessarily negative. You may drink to avoid certain feelings, for instance, but you also may drink to enhance certain feelings.
As with external triggers, you may or may not be aware that an internal trigger is whats behind your urge to drink.
A few examples of internal triggers are:
– Anxiety and depression
– Negative emotions like anger, embarrassment, fear, loneliness, frustration, guilt, and sadness
– Positive emotions like happiness and a feeling of accomplishment
– Stress
– Fatigue
Acupuncture Is A Natural Way To Stop Alcohol Cravings
A traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is a needle-based natural way to stop alcohol cravings. It is also effective in relieving withdrawal symptoms while easing anxiety and depression. Putting the needles in specific areas can relieve particular symptoms when you are breaking the alcohol habit.
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Knowing Your Triggers Is Key To Breaking The Alcohol Habit
Alcohol cravings can be very intense, particularly up to 6 months after you stop drinking. So, if you want to make alcohol cravings easier to cope with, you should have a routine of natural ways to stop alcohol cravings.
Practice saying no to alcohol in social situations. But, the best way to avoid alcohol cravings is to avoid the people, places, and things that remind you of alcohol. This dramatically increases your chance of achieving and maintaining recovery from alcohol use disorder.
Seek Support From Others
Its never a good idea for anyone with alcohol dependence to try detoxing from alcohol alone.
If youre trying to detox from home, make sure you have a trusted family member, friend, or other loved one who can either stay with you or check in with you regularly throughout the day.
This way, youll have someone who can call for emergency assistance if necessary. In addition, this can help prevent relapse and provide a sense of comfort during the detox process.
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Eating A Healthy Diet Eases Alcohol Cravings
Great natural ways to stop alcohol cravings is eating a healthy diet. A healthy diet will include lean proteins such as chicken, eggs, and fish. It also contains lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, potatoes, beans, and whole grains.
Eating every three hours helps avoid hunger which can lead to alcohol cravings. And, once the shakes set in, the alcohol cravings become more intense. Avoiding sugary snacks can also help in easing alcohol cravings.
Tips For Finding The Best Addiction Treatment
Theres no magic bullet or single treatment that works for everyone. Everyones needs are different, so its important that you find a program that feels right to you. Any alcohol addiction treatment program should be customized to your unique problems and situation.
Treatment doesnt have to be limited to doctors and psychologists. Many clergy members, social workers, and counselors also offer addiction treatment services.
Treatment should address more than just your alcohol abuse. Addiction affects your whole life, including your relationships, career, health, and psychological well-being. Treatment success depends on examining the way alcohol abuse has impacted you and developing a new way of living.
Commitment and follow-through are key. Recovering from alcohol addiction or heavy drinking is not a quick and easy process. In general, the longer and more intense the alcohol use, the longer and more intense the treatment youll need. But regardless of the treatment programs length in weeks or months, long-term follow-up care is crucial to your recovery.
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Talk To Your Family Members
Drinking alcohol is the worst problem that many people face today. It is necessary to discuss this problem with your family members, friends, and close ones. Your loved ones are concerned about you and will give useful tips on how to stop drinking beer easily. There are many benefits of talking to your loved ones. It might happen that your cousin also wants to stop the drinking problem. Both of you can share your problems and find new ways on how to stop being drunk.
Getting Help For Alcohol Abuse At Lighthouse Recovery Institute
While doesnt mean someone is an alcoholic, it might be a warning sign. If you or someone you know recently experienced alcohol poisoning after a night of binge drinking, it might be time to consider getting help.
Consider staging an intervention to discuss your loved ones alcohol abuse. If youre the one struggling with alcoholism, consider speaking to a therapist about your alcohol use. Alcoholism is more common than most people think. After all, alcohol is widely accepted by our society.
If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse, dont wait until its too late contact us at today. At Lighthouse Recovery Institute, we can help you conquer the battle against alcohol addiction and start walking towards recovery. Our personalized and comprehensive treatment programs give you the tools you need to leave alcohol behind and start walking the path towards a sober life filled with happiness and progress.
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Using Herbs In Home Remedies To Stop Drinking Alcohol
There are several herbs useful in home remedies to stop drinking alcohol. While the benefits of herbs in breaking the alcohol habit vary from person to person, they can be highly beneficial and natural ways to stop alcohol cravings.
Besides fighting alcohol cravings and breaking the alcohol habit, herbs can help the body repair itself. The following herbs are just a few natural ways to stop alcohol cravings.
Can You Prevent It
Treating alcohol withdrawal is a short-term fix that doesn’t help the core problem. When you talk to your doctor about symptom relief, it’s a good idea to discuss treatment for alcohol abuse or dependence. The doctor can give you advice to help you stop drinking.
Show Sources
Royal College of Physicians: âAlcohol Use Disorders: Diagnosis and Clinical Management of Alcohol-Related Physical Complications. NICE Clinical Guidelines, No. 100.”
American Academy of Family Physicians: “Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome.”
Alcohol Health & Research World: “Complications of Alcohol Withdrawal,” “Introduction to Alcohol Withdrawal,” “Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal.”
State Government of Victoria: “Withdrawal.”
Cleveland Clinic: “Care of the Patient Undergoing Alcohol Withdrawal.”
UpToDate: “Patient education: Alcohol use — when is drinking a problem? .”
Industrial Psychiatry Journal: âClinical management of alcohol withdrawal: A systematic review.â
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Detox And Withdrawal Symptoms
If you’re dependent on alcohol to function, it’s recommended you seek medical advice to manage your withdrawal.
Some people may be prescribed medication to help achieve abstinence. You may also choose to attend self-help groups, receive extended counselling, or use a talking therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy .
How Long Does Bcbs Of South Carolina Insurance Cover Alcohol And Drug Rehab Programs
Mental health professionals agree that longer treatment times are the most effective in promoting long-term recovery. Everyone is different, and certain treatments will be more effective than others, but the length of time you spend in treatment can greatly determine the outcome.6 Points to Remember Taking as much time as you need to focus on yourself and work through your underlying issues will set you up for a successful long-term recovery and lessen your likelihood of relapse.
You may be wondering how long your insurance policy will cover treatment services. Since there are so many different types of policies and tiers of coverage, the length of time covered by your insurance provider will vary depending on your specific plan. To find out more information on what your plan covers, call the number on the back of your insurance card or reach out to AAC online or by phone for assistance.
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Timeline Of Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can range from mild to serious. What yours are depends on how much you drank and for how long.
6 hours after you stop drinking: Mild symptoms can start as early as 6 hours after you put down your glass. They can include:
12-48 hours after your last drink: More serious problems, including hallucinations, can start in this timeframe and may include hallucinations and seizures within the first 2 days after you stop. You can see, feel, or hear things that aren’t there. Learn more about the timeline of alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
48-72 hours after you stop drinking: Delirium tremens, or DTs as youâre likely to hear them called, usually start in this timeframe. These are severe symptoms that include vivid hallucinations and delusions. Only about 5% of people with alcohol withdrawal have them. Those that do may also have:
- Heavy sweating
Is It Safe To Withdraw From Alcohol At Home
It can be safe to withdraw from alcohol at home in some situations. However, it is absolutely essential to speak with a doctor about your situation before you try this. Detoxing at home works best for people who are trying to quit alcohol for the first time and are likely to only have mild withdrawal symptoms.
Alcohol can cause some of the most dangerous withdrawal symptoms of any substance and can be fatal in some cases. For this reason, withdrawing from alcohol at home is highly discouraged for anyone who could experience moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms.
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What Should Treatment Be Like
For the safest and most successful outcomes, alcoholism treatment should take place in a safe, controlled environment away from the distractions and temptations of life. During medical detox, a person has a team of experienced medical professionals to identify and manage issues that arise during withdrawal and treatment.
When detoxing from alcohol at home, alcohol may be on hand or quickly obtainable, making the process more challenging and likely to fail. The home may also have several addiction triggers that sabotage the process.
Addiction professionals can prescribe medications to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms, which can be uncomfortable and sometimes life-threatening. Some examples of alcohol withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Anxiety and nervousness
- Tremor of the hands or other body parts
- Trouble sleeping
Prescription medications have the advantage of evidence to support their usage. Home remedies often are promoted by word-of-mouth or weak evidence.
In treatment, the right environment is vital. People may not realize that something as simple as sitting in the same chair they used to drink in may sabotage their detox. The brain is designed to create associations and the things a person used to do while drinking will remind them of the positive feelings they had at the time.
Detox in a controlled environment can improve the chances of treatment success because there are no learned habits in a treatment setting.
Objective Assessment Of The Severity Of Alcohol Withdrawal The Clinical Institutes Withdrawal Assessment
In a patient diagnosed to have alcohol withdrawal syndrome, the CIWA-Ar can be used to measure its severity. The scale is not a diagnostic tool as it has not been found to be useful in differentiating between DT and delirium due to medical illnesses. The scale includes 10 common signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal with the notable exceptions of pulse rate and blood pressure, which must be a part of the assessment of alcohol withdrawal states. It has also been found useful in Indian setting. It can be administered bedside in about 5 min. Scores of 0-9 indicate absent to minimal withdrawal, scores of 10-19 indicate mild to moderate withdrawal and scores of 20 or more indicate severe withdrawal . It can be used to monitor the severity of withdrawal and in titrating pharmacotherapy. The score on CIWA-Ar remains high even after adequate dosing with benzodiazepines in cases with comorbid medical illness .
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Medication Of Choice For Detoxification
In 1969, a landmark study by Kaim et al., proved beyond doubt that chlordiazepoxide was far better in preventing seizures and DT in patients with alcohol withdrawal compared to chlorpromazine, hydroxyzine, thiamine or placebo. Evidence is strongly in favor of the use of benzodiazepines to treat alcohol withdrawal states. They unequivocally reduce the risk of severe alcohol withdrawals like seizures or DT. Among the benzodiazepines, chlordiazepoxide has a slight advantage over the other benzodiazepines or anticonvulsants. Anticonvulsants have not been proven to be better than benzodiazepines. They may be considered in mild withdrawal states due to their advantages of lower sedation and lower chances of dependence or abuse potential. However, they may not have the expected advantage of preventing seizures or DT in alcohol withdrawal states and their use is not recommended in severe withdrawal states.
The dose of benzodiazepine required per day is calculated according to the average daily alcohol intake. An estimate of the amount of alcohol consumption is given by the following formula:
Alcohol = Volume of liquor × 0.008 × ethanol content in the liquor .
The percentage of alcohol in various liquors is: Beer 3-4%, Beer 8-11%, Wines 5-13%, Fortified wines 14-20%, Spirits/Indian Made Foreign Liquor like 40%, arrack 33%. One standard drink contains about 10 g of absolute alcohol or ethanol.
How To Verify Bcbs Of South Carolina Insurance Coverage Of Drug Rehab Centers
AAC can also assist you with verifying your insurance coverage. Call our helpline to speak directly with a representative who can check your benefits while youre on the phone. Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina finances rehab for hundreds of people every year.
AAC offers access to some of the leading treatment centers in the nation. To find out more about beginning your journey to recovery and how to personalize your experience to best fit your needs, dont hesitate to reach out.
Helpful resources:
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How Much Does Bcbs Of South Carolina Cover
Depending on your specific insurance plan and the treatment program you choose, some, if not all, of the costs for treatment will be covered under your Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina policy. Because everyone is unique and has different needs, there are many options for addiction treatment. Addiction services that are at least partially covered by BCBS South Carolina include:5 What types of treatments are available?
Risks Of Home Remedies For Alcohol Withdrawal
Some individuals opt to detox at home for reasons that come down to comfort. Keep in mind that this comfort is usually more psychological than physical, however. Safety and physical comfort are often better achieved with medical detox, as medications can be administered that mitigate many of the worst effects of withdrawal.
Unfortunately, there is some unpredictability associated with detoxing from alcohol. In addition to the possibility of immediate relapse, there is also a very real potential for severe depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideations. Finally, a complication known as delirium tremens can occur. This condition is characterized by confusion, hallucinations, and seizures, and can ultimately result in death.
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