Every coin has a flip side, and this is about the other side of addiction. We’re all just having a grand ole time until the clock strikes twelve, Cinderella loses her glass slipper, and everything’s turning back into a pumpkin. Excuse my analogy, but my point being is that addiction and alcoholism always rear their ugly heads at some point. Everything is all hunky dory, and then in the blink of an eye, it all comes crashing down. Some try to weather the storm for a while, and others seek help to end the nightmare. One way or another, if you’ve been at it for while, your mind and body are going to have become dependent on the substance du jour. When in active alcoholism, our entire being is wrapped up in the chemicals. We beat ourselves up to the point of no return and still expect to keep going. The human body can take quite a bit, but you’re bound to lose at some point playing Russian roulette like we love to do. The thought of detoxing from alcohol or the other conglomeration of chemicals is a scary one.
As most of us know, alcohol is an over the counter beverage that you can acquire at most any grocery, gas, or convenient store if you are of legal age. Age is just a number for most alcoholics. Nothing will prevent us from wrapping our lips around the bottle if that’s what we crave. Alcohol is known to be sold in many different shapes and sizes and strengths. Too much variety opens the door for too many problems. The devil’s elixir is known to be an antidepressant and is used in most celebratory occasions, but at some spot on the timeline, the body becomes dependent upon it when having been drank in excess for periods of time. Alcohol cravings become a real thing and the mind starts getting clingy before the body decides to. Alcoholic thinking and dependency will take over and become this haunting trouble that lingers. The mind may be ready to “just say no” but the human body will be in pain without it. So the user finds themselves in this perpetual revolving door of needing to drink more and more because of the dependence developed. If our person in question stops drinking, they will begin detoxing from alcohol, and it will not be an enjoyable experience in most cases. It’s never an easy step to cut off usage, but one that becomes necessary for some to maintain life on this planet.
No Pain, No Gain
Once we get to the jumping off point is where the changes begin. Either we continue on the same slippery slope, or we get help and do something about it. The latter of the two is preferable of course. So once we agree to help, now comes the cleaning up act. Coming off of any set of chemicals is never enjoyable. For some it’s opiates, others it’s benzos, but today we’re specifically addressing the age-old drinking problem here- detoxing from alcohol. There’s no way around it, that is just an ugly phrase right there. I wouldn’t wish any form of detoxification on my worst enemies. It’s an uncomfortable experience that can last anywhere from days to weeks, this is, of course, depending on how long you were actively using. Naturally, the more you were putting in your body is the longer it’s going to take to rid the garbage out your system.
Everyone’s body handles the withdrawals a little differently, but most experience similar side effects as the time passes on. Some of the symptoms that pair along with detoxing from alcohol can include but are not limited to:
- hot and cold flashes
- nausea and vomiting
- upset stomach
- loss of appetite
- loss of ability to control using the bathroom
- insomnia
- migraines and other body aches
- even the shakes coupled with delirium tremens
These were all things that I would usually be prone to dealing with at some point in my detoxification process. There will be no sugarcoating the fact that once the progression begins- the body will feel like it’s dying. Everything in your mind will shout out that this is the end. Time will seem to come to a standstill as you feel not only poorly but just genuinely uncomfortable. Rest completely assured that it’s not the end. Working in synchronicity with our bodies while detoxing from alcohol is crucial.
Seeking Help
The harsh reality is that is not always possible to detox yourself from a home setting. It can be done, but the withdrawals can get so intense that even the strongest willpower won’t be able to stay away from the cravings. If this is the case, it is recommended to search for help in various forms.
Often times, detoxing from alcohol is done at some sort of detoxification facility. These establishments can be found in treatment centers, some hospitals, and many are freestanding on their own operation. This can be a safe place to detox away from the sight and smell of alcohol while being monitored by a trained professional. I would recommend attending somewhere along these lines if the possibility is available. Having someone there to help assist you through the discomfort will make your life that much easier. Keep in mind that our bodies are depleted and at their wits end as we go through this, so staying hydrated and being fed are vital to the role of rejuvenation. Having somebody there for you will ensure that you’re taking in the nutrients you’re losing thru the different bodily fluids pouring out of you. Medical professionals will be able to monitor blood pressure, fevers, and other potentially threatening things that will occur while the mind and body are readjusting. They will be there to give you advice and talk you through the worst of times. If an institution as such is not financially feasible, do your research and look for some places that may be state ran. There are always options to better ourselves if you look hard enough.
It’s Only the Beginning
You may be thinking to yourself that it’s not worth the effort, but don’t be fooled. Making it through the detoxification off of alcohol is one of the most rewarding things you can do. All the drugs and booze will bring is certified misery and torture to your mind, body, and soul. If you or a loved one has been struggling to make the next step towards drug or alcohol recovery please call 866-433-1992 or visit www.anylength.net. We have trained specialists on standby ready to help you start sending your life in a direction that will have you come out on top feeling healthy and happy with the outcome of your future. The time to love yourself is now.