Withdrawal from alcohol is a painful and often dangerous experience. This is why it’s crucial to get medically supervised detox treatment.

The process of quitting drinking involves three phases. First, withdrawal symptoms will start within 6-12 hours after the last drink. Then, symptoms will increase in severity. Finally, they will diminish in time.

Lemon Water

Drinking lemon water is a popular way to promote hydration and give your body a boost of vitamin C. It’s also known to improve digestion and help with halitosis, or bad breath.

It can also boost your immunity by increasing the production of white blood cells and antibodies. It has anti-inflammatory properties, so it may also help with arthritis.

Studies have also shown that lemon water can help prevent kidney stones (nephrolithiasis). Citrate, potassium and magnesium are known to help reduce the risk of stone formation.

To make lemon water, simply add lemon juice and slices to a glass of warm or cold water. You can even add ginger, cucumber or mint to liven up the flavor.

Healthy Diet

Alcohol Detox requires eating a healthy diet to support the body’s detoxification process and alleviate withdrawal symptoms. The right foods can also help a person replenish nutrient deficiencies that are common after chronic alcohol use.

During detox, a diet should include fruits and vegetables, which are full of nutrients and fiber. They’re also light on a person’s stomach, helping them feel more fuller and push alcohol out of the body quicker.

Berries, for example, are a great choice because they have natural sugars that satisfy cravings and balance blood sugar levels. They also contain vitamins and minerals that are important for recovery from alcohol abuse.

Protein is also essential for a successful alcohol detox. It can help build muscle tissue and stabilize blood sugar levels, reducing withdrawal symptoms and emotional side effects. Poultry, eggs, lean red meat, fish, seafood, soy and beans are all good sources of protein.

Sleep

Sleep plays a vital role in the body. It helps memory consolidation, and also supports your immune system by clearing cellular debris and protein buildup.

However, when alcohol use disorder interferes with sleep, it can have detrimental effects on your health. In fact, a lack of sleep has been linked to a number of diseases including depression, seizures, high blood pressure and migraines.

This is why it’s important to address sleep issues in alcohol detox and recovery. Not only can insomnia make it difficult to stick with a healthy eating plan, but it can also increase your chances of relapse.

To combat insomnia during alcohol withdrawal, behavioral therapies are recommended. These include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based interventions.

Medications

Alcohol detox is often treated with medications, which help reduce the painful symptoms of withdrawal and help prevent relapse. Medication is typically used as part of a treatment plan that includes counseling, support groups, and other therapies.

Naltrexone is a type of medication that works on the brain to reduce cravings and thoughts about drinking. It blocks the effects of opioids and alcohol on the endorphin receptors in the body, reducing feelings of euphoria and the desire to drink.

Another drug, acamprosate, helps to retrain the brain to think about alcohol in a more neutral way. It does not cure alcohol use disorder or remove the desire to drink, but it can help to combat cravings once you stop drinking.

The most effective drugs for treating alcohol withdrawal are benzodiazepines. These are the best drugs to treat severe withdrawal symptoms such as hallucinations, seizures, and delirium tremens. They are considered the “gold standard” for detoxification and should be taken only after the most severe withdrawal symptoms have subsided.