How to Detoxify Alcohol from the Body

If you are having a hard time controlling your alcohol use, chances are you have recognized that enough is enough and you need to finally quit. Frequent hangovers during the day, blacking out, saying and doing embarrassing things, and letting down the people around you can be a terrible feeling. One of the first steps to recovery is getting your body healthy, which means taking the steps to detoxify alcohol from your body and learning how to stay sober. This process isn’t always easy, but the good news is that it is only a small inconvenience in the long, healthy, wonderful life that awaits you after you become sober.

Lean On Your Support System

One of the most important things an individual can do while in early recovery is to lean on their support system. As such, make sure that you talk to your loved ones to let them know you are ready to detoxify alcohol from your body and begin the recovery process. Chances are, your loved ones will be happy to hear this news and do what they can to support you.

If the people in your life do not support your decision to quit alcohol, it is important for you to do what is best for your well-being. Not everyone is lucky enough to have strong support in their lives, which means you will have to find like-minded people to help you along this journey. By finding an addiction recovery meeting near you, a sober meet-up, or enrolling in a treatment center, you will be able to find support while you detoxify alcohol and begin your recovery journey.

Abstain from Alcohol

One of the key elements in preparing to detoxify alcohol from the body is to abstain from alcohol. This is easier said than done, especially for an individual suffering from alcohol use disorder. However, there are a few ways you can prepare your life and surroundings.

  • Set a date. There will always be barriers on the road to recovery — an upcoming celebration, the holidays, or a business trip — which means you have to pick an upcoming date a stick to it. If possible, clear your schedule for a few weeks so that you can focus on your recovery, especially if that includes starting a treatment program.
  • Remove alcohol from your home. This is one of the critical first steps to detoxify alcohol from the body. Removing alcohol from your home takes out the immediate relapse danger and temptation when you begin experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
  • Get support. Now is the time to lean on your support. Whether that is family, loved ones, a therapist, sober companion, or treatment center, it is essential that you do not try to detoxify alcohol from your body alone.

Risks of Detoxing Alone

There are substantial risks to detoxifying alcohol from the body alone. Some of these risks are deadly and require medical intervention, making it important to detoxify alcohol from the body safely under the supervision of medical professionals. Some of these risks include:

  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Severe cravings
  • Heart palpitations
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures
  • Delirium tremens (DTs)

Self-Care

An important aspect of the recovery process is keeping self-care a priority. This is especially true during the detox period when discomfort and cravings are at an all-time high.

  • Eat healthily. Alcohol abuse and the detox period can deplete the body of essential nutrients. This causes damage to organs, sleep patterns, hygiene, and much more. Eating unhealthy foods can lead to further stress, anxiety, and insomnia that is difficult for the body to process during the detox period. As such, make sure you are eating a healthy diet to replenish your body.
  • Stay hydrated. Alcohol abuse and detox can cause dehydration. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water during this period to help flush out bad toxins and get your hydration levels back to a healthy place.
  • Exercise. Keeping stress levels low is an essential part of recovery. An easy way to do that is by exercising regularly. Exercising dispels the body of anxiety and stress and releases natural dopamine and endorphins, making you feel great and relaxed afterward. You don’t have to begin a rigorous regimen — even just a 20-minute walk every day can make a difference.

Try Professional Help

If you find that you cannot control your alcohol use and keep giving in when you try to detoxify alcohol from your body, it is time to seek professional help. Taking advantage of medical detox with an on-site addictionologist is the safest, most comfortable way to detoxify alcohol from the body.

With professional help, you will be able to take medications for your uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and the intense cravings that are experienced during early recovery. This will help you to focus more clearly on mastering the tools of sobriety.

About Cliffside Malibu

Not everyone is able to detoxify alcohol from the body alone and stay sober alone. Cliffside Malibu offers round-the-clock care to help you safely and comfortably detox from alcohol while starting you on the right path to recovery.

Since no two addictions are the same, Cliffside Malibu offers an individualized treatment plan for every client. We are committed to providing evidence-based treatment through a continuum of care model including medically supervised detox, residential treatment, day treatment, and outpatient services. Our program also includes family therapy and holistic therapy, as well. Whether an individual is suffering from substance abuse and/or alcohol addiction, our programs are structured to create a supportive environment where healing can begin.

In addition to world-class treatment, Cliffside Malibu offers luxury accommodations, a serene environment, five-star dining, and plentiful amenities. We understand that addiction treatment is a rigorous process. Therefore, we provide for your comfort and relaxation at every turn, allowing you to rejuvenate, and meet the demands of treatment with your greatest energy and attention.

For more information on Cliffside Malibu, visit cliffsidemalibu.com