Drug and alcohol addiction affect over 20 million Americans each year. It is a seductive disease that develops over time, and through combination of lifestyle factors, genetic predisposition, and physical and psychological dependence, many find themselves deep in addictive cycles that are almost impossible to break on their own.

With the consequences of addiction being so severe, it is imperative that one seeks support and structure as they begin the process of recovery. Realizing the problem is the first step; making the decision to enter rehab is a courageous step toward getting your life back and regaining your mental, physical, and emotional health.

Alcohol addiction

Of all the substances used and abused as part of addictive cycles, by far the most common is alcohol. It is the most easily obtained, it is the most socially acceptable mind-altering substance, and even children can find their way into addictive patterns with this substance present in their homes. Often times, a person with “addictive” behavior can function at work and at home for years, but the patterns of chemical and physical dependency root themselves firmly in the body and the brain, making it more difficult with every passing year to break free from the cycle. The damage is done.

Alcohol detox

As you enter rehabilitation, there are several steps that you will go through to successfully complete treatment. The initial phase of treatment is known as detox. During alcohol detox, the body is forced to withdraw from dependency on alcohol, causing some very unpleasant and possibly life-threatening symptoms that can cause the most firm resolve to crumble. Relapse into old behavior is most common during the process of detox, for the body cries out by creating such a state of discomfort that an individual seeks to relieve symptoms by drinking once more. As you contemplate this initial stage of recovery, it is important to understand that this is a chemical dependency, a brain disease that can be managed, but not cured. Have a little compassion for yourself, rally the support of family and friends, and look forward to easier, smoother times ahead once you pass the initial storm of symptoms.

Managing symptoms

The good news is, an inpatient treatment program will provide you with tools and support to manage symptoms. Your medical team will provide you with strategies, medications, and other methods of care that will hopefully minimize your discomfort and set you up for success. While there is no shortcut for detox and you will likely experience some symptoms, it is important to keep the lines of communication between you and your caregivers open so that you can co-create conditions for your healing that work for you. Unexpected symptoms and conditions can develop during this process that necessitate medication and protocol changes; in communicating your symptoms to your care team, you’ll be able to better manage your comfort level and make conditions more favorable for healing and health.

Why is the detox process so difficult?

Alcohol abuse over time has a profoundly negative effect on the brain. Ingesting alcohol triggers the brain to release a flood of happy, calming chemicals such as dopamine into the body, which is a highly addictive process. The brain attempts to counteract and balance this excess dopamine by releasing excitatory neurotransmitters. The addictive cycle has begun.

As one begins to cut back or eliminate alcohol, the brain “freaks out”, attempting to rebalance brain chemistry with damaged tissues. Neurotransmitters that promote anxiety, stress, and an attempt to problem solve are working overtime, and they have no dopamine to fall back on to provide that calm that they have come to expect. As a result, your detox symptoms become very uncomfortable until the brain can balance its own signals once more and begin acting as master and commander of all of your systems. Any successful detox is dependent on your ability to manage symptoms and keep you moderately comfortable while allowing the body to shed its chemical dependence on alcohol.