Alcohol is a mind-altering substance found in wine, beer, and spirits. It’s classified as a depressant and reduces the major functions of the nervous system. Although it is a legal substance for those of age, alcohol addiction is common and can be detrimental to one’s mental and physical health. In severe cases, alcohol addictions can be fatal. Intrepid Detox Residential in Riviera Beach, FL, offers alcohol detox programs so that you can safely and comfortably begin your journey to sobriety.
What is Alcohol Addiction?
Addiction of any kind happens when the body becomes mentally or physically dependent on a substance for normal function. In the case of alcohol addiction, regular consumption can lead to physical dependence.
Binge drinking, which is when someone consumes a high quantity of alcohol in a short period, is a form of alcohol abuse that commonly leads to alcoholism. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, binge drinking happens when a woman has four or more drinks in a sitting or a male has five or more drinks. Over time, binge drinking forces the body to adjust to having high levels of alcohol in its system and forms a dependence.
Binge drinking causes high levels of intoxication and lowers cognitive function. Binge drinking also increases the chances of violent fights, car accidents, and puts those drinking and those around them at higher risk for health concerns. In many cases, alcohol treatment can help override physical and emotional dependence. Following a successful detox, residential treatment, also known as inpatient treatment, is an appropriate option.
Short-Term Effects of Alcohol on the Body
Call us today. 844.684.0795Although known to be harmful to the body, drinking alcohol is a common social activity. Alcohol is one of the most widely accepted drugs in the world. Even those under the legal drinking age become familiar with alcohol through family events, older siblings, and school.
Since alcohol is legal, it’s easy to access and overuse. For these reasons and more, it isn’t difficult to become addicted to alcohol. Usually, drinking starts as casual, and over time it becomes something a practice on which you physically and mentally depend.
Drinking alcohol affects the neurotransmitters in the brain, which are the chemicals that control dopamine, serotonin, and other mood stabilizers. Both binge drinking and casual drinking affect the way the body releases these chemicals.
Depressive states affect more than just the mood. They can interrupt every system in the body. Drinking alcohol, both occasionally and frequently may have the following short term effects:
- Brain: Alcohol impairs coordination and reduces control of the nervous system. This can result in slurred speech, erratic walking gait, decreased ability to make decisions, and difficulty thinking.
- Cardiovascular system: Alcohol is a depressant and interrupts the cardiovascular system. Drinking leads to a temporary increase in heart rate and sometimes irregular heartbeat.
- Digestive system: Alcohol takes a major toll on the liver, kidney, and pancreas. Since alcohol is a toxin, the quick influx of this harmful substance causes the digestive system to work overtime to flush the body and keep toxins from reaching other systems. Any amount of alcohol produces a strong inflammatory response and weakens the immune system as a whole.
Long-Term Effects of Alcohol on the Body
The short-term effects of alcohol on the body take a toll on individuals’ overall health, but long-term use can lead to more serious and permanent effects. Some of the long term effects of alcohol include:
- Addiction: When you have an alcohol addiction, your body physically and mentally depends on it. Once you’re addicted, abruptly stopping drinking may lead to intense withdrawal symptoms, severe illness, and sometimes death.
- Cancer: Alcohol abuse and binge drinking can result in many different cancers including, liver, heart, pancreatic, kidney, and blood.
- Stroke: Alcohol weakens the muscles of the heart and, over time, can cause a disruption of blood supply to the brain, resulting in a stroke.
- Liver: The liver filters out and breaks down harmful substances in the blood, including more than 90% of consumed alcohol. The constant overworking of the liver due to heavy drinking often leads to fatty liver disease or complete liver failure.
What is Detoxification?
Detoxification, commonly known as detox, refers to the process of filtering out harmful substances and toxins from the body. Alcohol detox is the initial period in addiction treatment where the body stops consuming these substances after prolonged use. This is the first step in recovery, before beginning alcohol or drug rehab.
Detox tends to be the most difficult phase in substance abuse recovery. Chronic drug and alcohol abuse causes the body to become both physically and mentally dependent. Withdrawal symptoms are the most intense during the first five to seven days. A combination of physical symptoms and the mental aspect of leaving substance abuse behind can lead to overwhelming emotions. This is the period when the organs begin to learn how to function without alcohol.
Inpatient alcohol detox needs to be highly supervised. Individuals are most vulnerable to experiencing health complications, and having medically trained staff available at all times ensures a successful and safe detox.
After the first few days of Florida alcohol detox, when clients are deemed medically safe, psychological therapy begins to help the individual establish new coping mechanisms. Dealing with the emotional aspects of addiction during substance abuse treatment will ensure that clients aren’t triggered once they leave the rehabilitation center, which lowers the chances of relapse.
Withdrawal Symptoms During Detox
Book an AppointmentThe symptoms and severity of alcohol detox vary depending on the intensity and duration of the substance use. Someone who has been drinking longer and in larger quantities will likely experience a more challenging detox. Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms of drug and alcohol addiction include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anxiety
- Lack of appetite
- Intense sweating, usually at night
- Rapid heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Feeling confused or disoriented
- Agitation
- Fever
- Irritability
- Sleep disturbances and nightmares
These symptoms are uncomfortable but don’t typically result in life-threatening conditions. There are, however, some more serious side effects that can cause permanent damage and should be closely monitored. The residential detox program at Intrepid Detox closely monitors all symptoms and is prepared to intervene whenever necessary.
Some of the more dangerous side effects that may need staff intervention include:
- Tremors: Tremors usually present themselves within a few hours after the last alcoholic drink and are most intense after 24 to 48 hours.
- Hallucinations: Hallucinations are rare but usually begin within 12 to 24 hours after the last drink. They can last anywhere from one to three days. Medications and alternative therapies can help alleviate these symptoms.
- Seizures: Seizures most often occur around 24 hours into detox and can range from moderate to severe. If not monitored, seizures can cause permanent damage. Anticonvulsant medications may be prescribed to alleviate alcohol or drug addiction-related seizures.
What To Expect During Residential Detox
When looking for alcohol rehab centers in Florida, it’s important to make sure that the treatment program offers professional medical and psychological services. Florida alcohol detox programs allow for more comfortable and safe detoxification. Trained staff are available at all hours to monitor the health and vitals of the individual, and to offer psychological assistance, relaxation techniques, and medicated assistance as needed.
Evaluation
Upon entering Intrepid Detox Residential, staff will take a full intake of clients’ personal and family history. This will include information regarding physical health, their substance abuse and mental health history, pre-existing medical conditions, co-occurring disorders, and any other relevant information. From there, clients stay in a room for the duration of their detox. We give you a full tour of our facility so that you feel at home while receiving the best care.
Intrepid Detox Residential follows the protocols of standard South Florida detox centers. Our rehab facility tailors the treatment program to meet each individual’s needs. We know that just as no two addictions are the same, neither are recoveries. Intrepid Detox aims to individualize psychological, nutritional, and physical therapy for each client so they can have the most comfortable and effective recovery.
As you make your way through the detox process, staff will closely monitor your physical health and any co-occurring mental health conditions. Signs of discomfort may suggest that things aren’t progressing as they should. In these situations, our staff helps to make any changes necessary to our clients’ detox plans.
Medicated assistance is available for those who need it, and corresponding therapies are always available. We ensure that there will always be someone nearby to provide support and care. We encourage and practice open communication so you always feel attended to.
How Much Do South Florida Detox Centers Cost?
Inpatient alcohol detox and other treatment programs range in terms of cost. This will depend on several factors, including insurance coverage, the specific program being attended, and location. Most addiction treatment centers in Florida work with insurance companies to offer lower prices for those in need of alcohol rehab and detoxification.
Intrepid Detox Residential works with multiple coverages and it’s likely your coverage is accepted at our facility. For more information regarding cost and insurance, please reach out to one of our staff members.
Why Choose Florida Alcohol Detox at Intrepid?
Here at Intrepid Detox Residential, we offer both, inpatient and outpatient treatment facilities in Florida. We’ll lead you on the right path and keep you there every single step of the way. Our team of experienced and dedicated professionals will offer you the guidance and support you need to stay on track.
From 24-hour assistance and our medically trained staff to a calming and relaxing environment that will make you feel comfortable during your stay, we do everything in our power to be the highest quality Florida rehab center. For more information, call us anytime. We are excited to help you on your journey to recovery!
Contact Us