Alcohol detoxification
Alcohol Detoxification
Alcohol detoxification (pronunciation: /ˈælkəhɒl, dɪˌtɒksɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/), also known as alcohol detox, is a process that involves the removal of alcohol from the body and managing withdrawal symptoms in individuals who have developed dependence on alcohol.
Etymology
The term "detoxification" comes from the Latin "de-" meaning "from" or "out of" and "toxicum" meaning "poison". The term "alcohol" is derived from the Arabic "al-kuhl" which means "the kohl", in reference to the powdered antimony used in ancient cosmetics.
Process
Alcohol detoxification is a medically supervised period of alcohol withdrawal. During this process, the body is allowed to rid itself of the toxic effects of chronic alcohol use. The patient's withdrawal symptoms are monitored and treated as necessary to ensure safety and comfort.
Related Terms
- Withdrawal: The body's reaction to the absence of a substance it has become dependent on.
- Dependence: A state in which the body has adapted to the presence of a drug, requiring more of it to achieve a certain effect (tolerance) and eliciting drug-specific physical or mental symptoms if drug use is ceased or drastically reduced (withdrawal).
- Addiction: A chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes in the brain.
- Rehabilitation: A set of interventions designed to optimize functioning and reduce disability in individuals with health conditions in interaction with their environment.
See Also
References
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Alcohol detoxification
- Wikipedia's article - Alcohol detoxification
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