Owl's Nest Recovery Blog

10 Signs Your Liver is Detoxing - The Owl’s Nest | Florence, SC

Written by The Owls Nest | Jun 22, 2021 10:07:23 AM

The liver is the major organ involved in eliminating toxins from the body. When a person stops drinking, he or she experiences some physical and emotional effects. Therefore, it is essential to understand liver detox symptoms.

In fact, the liver must work overtime to help the body get rid of dangerous chemicals after binge drinking. When a person misuses alcohol, it is vital to comprehend how this organ helps to sustain life. At The Owl’s Nest in South Carolina, we have a variety of treatment programs to help individuals live sober lifestyles and enjoy long-term recovery from alcohol use disorder.

Symptoms of a Detoxing Liver

Indeed, when an individual makes the decision to eliminate alcohol from his or her daily life, it is essential to have a number of resources available. The Owl’s Nest provides people with insight and support so that recovery can become a reality. It is vital to make sure that symptoms of a detoxing liver are treated safely and effectively. In fact, it only takes hours of abstaining from alcohol to begin the detox process.

However, a person’s liver detox symptoms vary according to his or her health and the severity of the alcohol misuse problem. Markedly, there are a number of steps to detox. Knowing what to expect prepares an individual for a healthy journey toward sobriety.

How Long it Takes to Detox Your Liver from Alcohol

There is a timeline involved with understanding how long to detox your liver from alcohol.

First few hours: To be sure, symptoms of a detoxing liver start approximately 10 hours after alcohol abstinence. It is common for a person to experience nausea and abdominal pain. Psychological symptoms begin to appear, including anxiety. In general, a person feels tired but restless.

First day after detox starts: Fatigue continues the next day. Also, a person feels confused and finds it difficult to focus. In fact, the body works hard to eliminate all chemicals. A person’s reaction time is lowered, which makes certain activities dangerous. To be sure, a person’s body is under considerable pressure at this time. 

Therefore, his or her temperature rises. Also, blood pressure increases. In other words, it is common to feel anxious. This is a critical period. It is common for individuals to be tempted to reach for a drink in order to curb anxious feelings. However, a person must have support to stay on the right path.

First week after detox: Two to four days after taking a drink, a person will notice increased irritability and agitation. Also, cravings increase. Frequently, a person may experience hallucinations. Tremors may occur as well.

10 Signs Your Liver is Detoxing

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Anxiety
  • Tremors
  • Headache
  • Confusion
  • Insomnia
  • Restlessness
  • Increased heart rate
  • Increased blood pressure

How Excessive Alcohol Abuse Affects Liver Detox

Binge drinking and heavy alcohol consumption harms a person’s body and worsens liver detox. As a result, a person may suffer fatal consequences. When a person has a long-time alcohol misuse disorder, withdrawal without professional assistance can lead to deadly consequences.

  • Depression
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Imbalanced hormones
  • Increased risk of stroke
  • Cirrhosis of the liver
  • Suicidal thoughts

The Process of Detoxification

In fact, a healthy liver always works to eliminate various toxins from the body. All sorts of items, including sugar, protein, and caffeine, are removed as waste. Besides detoxification, the liver stabilizes nutrients and pollutants that run through the digestive system. When alcohol elimination becomes a priority, the rest of the body suffers.

When a person suddenly quits “cold turkey,” the liver begins the detox process but can become shocked and suffer from sudden withdrawal symptoms. On the other hand, a person may choose to wean off of alcohol in a slower manner. To prevent shock to the system, it is best to have medical assistance.

The Importance of Seeking Professional Help for Alcoholism

In a professional rehab facility, a person receives a number of advantages that minimize withdrawal symptoms and heighten safety throughout the process. Also, a treatment facility offers a number of programs that encourage a person to live a life of sobriety in the long term. After a person realizes the importance of seeking professional help, it becomes easier to receive treatment.

Medical Supervision

To repeat, a person suffers withdrawal symptoms after he or she quits drinking. To be sure, the symptoms may be dangerous. Beyond detox, a person is watched to make sure that nothing bad happens. Also, it is possible to receive attention for other underlying mental conditions.

Relapse Prevention

A person with a substance misuse disorder can relapse at any time. Besides turning a person back to old habits, relapse prolongs the recovery process. In a treatment facility, individuals learn healthy ways to deal with triggers that do not involve turning to alcohol.

Therapy

Most treatment facilities offer a number of therapy options to individuals who seek help. In fact, it is essential to get to the root of the drinking problem in order to enjoy long-term success. Frequently, a person receives a personalized approach to treatment that deals with his or her unique needs.

Support

Certainly, recovery is not possible without a solid support system. A professional treatment facility provides a system of support that keeps a person on the right path. Also, friends and family learn how to encourage a loved one who suffers from an alcohol misuse disorder to avoid relapse.

Peaceful Environment

It is essential to have a calm and peaceful environment during the recovery process. This helps the mind remain focused on sobriety. At The Owl’s Nest, we offer a relaxing atmosphere in South Carolina that encourages recovery.

How The Owl’s Nest Helps People Overcome Alcohol Misuse Disorders

The Owl’s Nest offers a variety of programs that are client-centered. Our goal is to help people overcome problems so that they can enjoy long-term sobriety.

Outpatient Programs

General outpatient programs involve a lower amount of time in therapy. For example, a person maintains a full-time job and other regular daily activities while attending therapy programs. To clarify, these programs are quite flexible. They are most effective for individuals with less severe problems and who require less supervision and structure.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)

Intensive outpatient programs offer a more structured environment than general outpatient programs. However, a person still returns to certain regular activities outside of a residential facility. During an IOP, an individual engages in both individual and group therapies.

In this manner, the person continues to learn about addiction and recovery and receives support and assistance along the way. IOPs may include recreational therapies as well. These encourage a person to develop healthy coping mechanisms so that relapse is avoided.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)

Partial hospitalization programs offer intensive treatment for behavioral health issues, including alcohol misuse. During treatment, a person is medically monitored and participates in multiple evidence-based therapies. For example, an individual may receive behavioral therapy, individualized counseling, and group therapy. Support group meetings are helpful as well.

A PHP differs from inpatient treatment with the amount of time spent in the facility. Inpatient treatment involves living in a facility day and night and provides 24-hour care. The benefit of a PHP is that a person can enjoy an easier transition back to normal life.

Receiving Outpatient Treatment for Alcoholism

Although certain people benefit from intensive inpatient treatment, outpatient therapy provides a number of benefits.

  • Flexibility: When a person has an important job or a family that requires care, outpatient treatment allows a person to receive treatment while living at home. Therapy is scheduled around a person’s daily activities.
  • Increased Support: Indeed, when a person remains at home, he or she is close to his or her loved ones. Therefore, he or she has the comfort and knowledge that support is nearby. This increases morale and encourages an individual to continue with treatment.
  • Put Theory into Practice: When a person enters alcohol misuse treatment on an outpatient basis, he or he must deal with the outside world. Through therapy, an individual learns ways to cope and deal with cravings. These theoretical measures must be put into practice. When an individual encounters an uncomfortable situation that causes anxiety or cravings, he or she can be confident that he or she knows ways to handle the situation in a healthy manner.

At The Owl’s Nest, we offer a way to create a new beginning for anyone seeking help with addiction. We understand how alcohol can affect a person’s physical and mental health. Let us help you find a way to battle your issues and enjoy a sober lifestyle in the long term. For more information, contact us today.