Alcohol Detoxification — The First Step to Sobriety

Alcohol detoxification is aimed at removing toxins from the body — primarily acetaldehyde, a byproduct of ethanol breakdown. This is a mandatory first step in the treatment of alcohol addiction, which must precede psychosocial rehabilitation.

Thanks to detox therapy, withdrawal symptoms can be significantly alleviated and shortened, helping patients safely come out of binge drinking and stabilize their condition.

Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

Alcohol withdrawal is a set of painful symptoms that occur when a person stops drinking. The discomfort can be so severe that the individual returns to alcohol use just to relieve the suffering.

Severe withdrawal symptoms are typical of stage II–III alcohol dependence and may include:

• Autonomic symptoms: sweating, rapid heartbeat, thirst, hand tremors.
• Somatic symptoms: nausea, vomiting, unsteady gait.
• Neuropsychiatric symptoms: anxiety, irritability, depression, insomnia.

Severity levels:

• Stage II, Level 1: weakness, dry mouth; the person is still able to resist drinking.
• Stage II, Level 2: tachycardia, hand tremors, dizziness; cravings become nearly irresistible.
• Stage II, Level 3: mood disturbances develop — sadness, aggression, depressive thoughts.
• Stage III: a full set of symptoms, including alcohol-induced psychosis.

Detoxification Methods

Eliminating alcohol and its toxic metabolites is the cornerstone of effective treatment. A patient in withdrawal is often unable to assess their condition rationally, which is why the detox process is prioritized.

Main methods:

• Rapid detoxification.
• Creating conditions for natural cleansing.
• Toxin neutralization.

Rapid Detoxification

Used in cases of acute alcohol intoxication. Techniques include:

• Gastric lavage — removes unabsorbed alcohol from the stomach.
• Hemodialysis — purifies the blood when kidneys are compromised.
• Plasmapheresis — filters plasma to eliminate toxins quickly.

These procedures are carried out only in clinical settings and for patients in critical condition.

Creating Conditions for Natural CleansingThis usually includes:

• Metadoxine administration — accelerates acetaldehyde breakdown.
• IV therapy — saline, glucose, potassium and calcium chloride infusions.
• Restoring fluid and electrolyte balance — especially important after prolonged binges.

Toxin Neutralization

Medications that bind and eliminate toxins are used, such as:

• Lignin-based enterosorbents.
• Colloidal silicon dioxide.

These substances act like sponges, absorbing toxic compounds and helping the body excrete them naturally.

Other techniques may include:

• IV laser blood irradiation (ILBI) — boosts metabolism, reduces swelling and pain.

Stages of detoxification:

1. IV therapy.
2. Medical detox.
3. Symptomatic treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does alcohol detox take?

It depends on how long the person has been drinking and their overall health. Typically, it takes 3 to 7 days.

Is home detox possible?

Yes, but only if alcohol was consumed for no more than 2 consecutive days. Longer binges (over 3 days) require inpatient care due to the risk of complications (delirium tremens, kidney/heart failure, etc.).

What’s better — a detox clinic or a rehab center?

A detox clinic provides only short-term cleansing. At IsraRehab, we offer a complete program: psychological support, recovery, and reintegration — significantly reducing the risk of relapse.

Our Advantages

21 Years of Successful Medical Care

Our clinic comes to the aid of everyone who addresses us in an effort to overcome their addiction.

Clinic Professionals in All Directions

Each of our employees is a qualified specialist with extensive experience. And everyone is interested in helping patients.

Individual Approach to Each Problem

We do not practice stereotyped solutions to problems of different people. Assistance programs are drawn up individually after examining the problem from the inside.

Proven Authoring Methods

We use techniques that have positively proven themselves in world practice, and which effectiveness has been proven.

Effective Rehabilitation Program

The rehabilitation period is an indispensable part of the fight against addiction and takes place in the mildest possible conditions.

Home
Atmosphere

Our center has a pleasant homely atmosphere, and there is no language barrier: all our staff speaks Russian.

Detox is only the beginning. To truly overcome addiction, it’s essential to work deeply on one’s mindset, emotions, and lifestyle.

If your loved one is struggling with alcohol dependency, reach out to us. At IsraRehab, we’ll help you or your family member return to a sober, fulfilling, and healthy life.