Medically Assisted
Alcohol Detox

Are you or someone you love considering an alcohol detox? If you or your loved one has been abusing alcohol for any extended period of time, medically monitored detox is going to be a necessary first step on the road to recovery. The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can be severe, even life-threatening, if left untreated. At CuraSouth we offer a comprehensive and highly individualized program of alcohol detox — one that cannot be found in any state-funded detox facility or traditional hospital environment. Our program focuses on much more than physical stabilization and a safe, pain-free alcohol withdrawal. We work hard to teach clients how to continue the recovery process, from intensive therapeutic intervention to 12-step program education.

The length of the detoxification process depends heavily on a number of factors, including the severity of alcohol abuse, the amount of alcohol being consumed on a daily basis, the presence of any underlying psychiatric disorders and whether or not additional substances were being simultaneously abused. To learn more about our alcohol detox program or to get you or your loved one started on a long-term journey of healing contact us today.

More About Alcohol Addiction

Since alcohol is so socially acceptable, it is sometimes hard to identify the difference with habitual use, abuse and addiction. Most individuals have some degree of familiarity with moderate and heavy drinking. According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 85.6 percent of all men and women over the age of 18 reported drinking alcohol at least once over the course of their lives. The same survey suggests that 69.5 American adults reported drinking alcohol at least once within the past year, and 54.9 percent reported drinking alcohol at least once over the course of the past month. Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with a wide range of short and long-term health effects, ranging from an increase in risk-taking behaviors to the development of cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer. It has been scientifically proven that even moderate drinking can lead to lasting health effects. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, “Emerging evidence suggests that even drinking within the recommended limits may increase the overall risk of death from various causes, such as from several types of cancer and some forms of cardiovascular disease. Alcohol has been found to increase risk for cancer, and for some types of cancer, the risk increases even at low levels of alcohol consumption (less than one drink in a day).” If you or someone close to you has been suffering from a mild, moderate or severe alcohol use disorder, CuraSouth is available to help.

Alcohol Abuse & Addiction
Facts & Statistics

NIDA reports that diagnosable alcohol use disorders (AUD) are extremely prevalent among adults, with more than 14.1 million Americans over the age of 18 currently suffering at the hands of an AUD. While alcohol abuse and addiction affects 5.6 of all American adults, only 7.6 percent of AUD sufferers seek the professional treatment they so desperately need. There are many symptoms and signs associated with alcohol abuse and dependence, the most consistent being:

• Attempting to limit the amount of alcohol being consumed but being unable to do so
• Experiencing intense psychological alcohol cravings
• Spending an ample amount of time seeking alcohol, consuming alcohol and recovering from the effects of alcohol
• Failing to meet personal obligations or fulfill personal responsibilities because of excessive alcohol consumption
• Continuing to drink despite an accumulation of personal consequences
• An increase in risk-taking behaviors, like getting behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated
• Developing a physical tolerance, meaning that a greater amount of alcohol is required in order for intoxication to be achieved
• Experiencing symptoms of withdrawal when alcohol use is stopped suddenly

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Men and women who engage in regular and heavy drinking almost always experience some degree of withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms tend to take hold between 24 and 72 hours after the final use, and last between one and two weeks depending on the severity of the AUD. The most common symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal include:

• Anxiety and nervousness
• Depression
• Irritability and agitation
• Fatigue and tiredness
• Shakiness and body tremors
• An inability to think clearly
• Persistent headaches
• Night sweats/profuse sweating
• Nausea and vomiting
• A loss of appetite, which can lead to weight loss
• An increased heart rate/heart palpitations

These withdrawal symptoms can often be treated with a combination of non-narcotic medications and intensive therapy. However, there is one alcohol withdrawal-related syndrome that results in more serious – and potentially life-threatening – symptoms. Between 3 and 5 percent of all individuals who experience alcohol withdrawal undergo Delirium Tremens, a disorder characterized by:

• Increased blood pressure
• High fever and a sharp spike in body temperature
• Extreme agitation
• Confusion and a loss of motor function
• Hallucinations and delusions
• Extreme paranoia
• Seizures

If you or someone you love has been abusing alcohol for any length of time, medically monitored detox is necessary. To learn more about CuraSouth and the alcohol detox services we provide contact us today.

Why is Alcohol Detox Necessary?

Alcohol detox is necessary because the symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal can be unpredictable and severe. In most cases a combination of treatment methods is required. At CuraSouth we utilize a range of evidence-based treatment options, including medication assisted treatment, intensive group and individual therapy, psychiatric care, relapse prevention training and a thorough introduction to the 12 steps of recovery.

Alcohol Detox
Treatment Options

Inpatient detox is always the best option as far as alcohol withdrawal is concerned. In the case of severe withdrawal we utilize a mild benzodiazepine called Librium to calm the central nervous system. If a client is liver compromised, we use a different medication called Serax. In the case of hallucinations and delusions caused by Delirium Tremens, antipsychotic medications might be necessary. More commonly, however, we treat symptoms of withdrawal using a combination of non-narcotic pain relievers, safe and non-addictive sleep aids and a range of amenities geared towards client comfort.

Begin Your Recovery Journey

At CuraSouth we are dedicated to providing men and women of all ages with the most comprehensive and accessible detox program available. In order to make our services accessible we have developed an admissions process that is simple and straightforward. The moment you or your loved one picks up the phone and gives us a call we begin by completing a brief clinical assessment. This assessment can be completed over the phone in a matter of minutes, and helps our clinical and medical team determine which detox services are going to be the most beneficial for each unique case. Once the assessment is complete we begin exploring coverage options. At CuraSouth we work closely with most major regional and national health insurance providers, meaning that if you or your loved one is currently insured there is a good chance that some or all of our alcohol detox services are covered either partially or in full. Finally, we set a date and a time for intake and help arrange transportation whenever necessary.

Alcohol abuse and addiction can be extremely devastating. To begin your journey of alcohol addiction recovery, or to learn more about our integrated and personalized detox program, contact us today. Our team of dedicated professionals is standing by to answer any additional questions and help in any way possible.