If there is one thing we can say for sure about alcohol detox, it is the fact that not every programme works for every individual. With that in mind, it would be foolish for Addiction Helper to suggest there is no room for natural alcohol detox among the different therapies we suggest. Quite the contrary, there is room for it.
We know that not everyone who tries medicated detox or the cold turkey method is successful. Neither does everyone who attends an NHS or private clinic detox programme permanently succeed in coming clean. For some people, a natural programme is the only way to go. The main advantage of natural alcohol detox is that it can be conducted at home.
What Is Natural Detox?
A natural alcohol detox programme is one that takes advantage of vitamins, minerals, herbs, and very specific foods to help the recovering alcoholic through the withdrawal process. It is designed to make detox possible without having to use prescription drugs.
Why would someone want to do this? Consider the following reasons:
- Side Effects – There are no manufactured drugs that can be said to be 100% free of potentially negative side effects. Even the three common drugs used for alcohol detox and recovery may present side effects recovering addicts find unpleasant. Those who want to avoid such side effects may choose to go with a natural programme.
- Lifestyle Choices – Some recovering alcoholics are attempting to alcohol detox as part of a broader adoption of a healthier lifestyle. They figure that as long as they are going that way, they might as well include the healthier attitude in their detox programme.
- Additional Dependence – Although this might not apply to alcohol detox, some of the drugs prescribed for other types of addictions do not really lead to complete detox. They simply substitute one drug for another. People who use a natural detox programme might be trying to avoid that additional dependence.
The choice to undergo natural alcohol detox rests with the recovering alcoholic him or herself. However, it is always wise to get the advice of an experienced professional. If you would like to discuss the possibility of a natural alcohol detox, an addiction recovery specialist is waiting to hear from you at Addiction Helper.
How Does Natural Detox Work?
A broad overview of natural alcohol detox dictates the elimination of alcohol from the system and the ingestion of essential minerals and vitamins to help the body repair itself after alcohol addiction. There are two primary strategies from which to choose:
- Immediate Separation – The first strategy is to immediately cease from all alcohol consumption at the start of detox. This strategy means the alcoholic is deciding, once and for all, to never drink again. Going this route means withdrawal symptoms will be present in full force; be prepared. Some of those withdrawal symptoms can linger in a mild form for several weeks afterward.
- Gradual Separation – The other strategy involves a gradual reduction in alcohol consumption over a given period of time. You may choose to gradually reduce over one week or several, depending on your tolerance for alcohol and your discomfort level. A good option for gradual separation is to use beer, as it presents a lower risk of intoxication.
Regardless of the chosen strategy, the essential element of natural detox is to eat the right sorts of foods and supplements to replenish your depleted body. According to experts, you will need to get plenty of vitamins A through E, magnesium and glutamine. You can get these vitamins and minerals through your regular diet or by taking supplements.
Experts also recommend taking supplemental:
- milk thistle
- beta-carotene
- primrose oil
- kudzu.
If you want to know more about how these supplements can help, there is plenty of information online. Needless to say that each one provides something your body needs to help make the recovery process easier. The fact that all of the supplements are natural makes them completely safe for just about anyone to use.
In terms of things you should not consume during detox, concentrate on caffeine, sugar and foods high in fat. All three substances can increase your alcohol cravings by providing a temporary boost to your metabolism and blood sugar levels. You do not need anything that is going to make staying away from alcohol more difficult.
Withdrawal Symptoms
There are specific withdrawal symptoms recovering alcoholics tend to experience. They include increased heart rate and blood pressure, excessive sweating, headache, nausea and vomiting, involuntary muscle movements and, in some cases, hallucinations.
A bland and simple diet can help ease many of the symptoms. For example, unsalted crackers and bottled water are good for settling an uneasy stomach. Fresh fruits and vegetables are also helpful for easing withdrawal symptoms and speeding up the detox process. In either case, only eat enough to satisfy your body’s desire for food. Eating too much will only make detox more difficult.
The last thing to know about withdrawal symptoms is when to get professional help. If more serious symptoms, like hallucinations and convulsions, approach a level that frightens you, that is the time to seek professional help. Detox can be a serious situation requiring medical intervention.
For the safest detox possible, it is best to undergo natural alcohol detox under the supervision of a professional. That way there will always be help available should the process not go as anticipated.
Natural alcohol detox is but one option you can use to break free of an alcohol addiction. The specialists at Addiction Helper would be more than happy to discuss this option with you, along with the other available options. Our ultimate goal is to make sure you get the help you need as soon as possible. We care less about the option you choose and more about making sure you do whatever it takes to come clean.
If you are ready to take back your life, get in touch with us at Addiction Helper today. Your road to recovery begins as soon as you make the commitment.