Is your body may be sending you signals that you need to take a break from alcohol?
It might be a good idea to detox alcohol from your body if
- you are feeling run down and tired
- having digestive problems
- experiencing achy muscles.
If you drink and party on a regular basis and you’re having any of these symptoms, a simple alcohol detox may be for you.
With repeated or long term use, alcohol can cause liver and kidney problems, addiction and weight gain. Even abnormal weight loss.
While drinking and partying often seem harmless, putting alcohol into your body regularly can lead to the build up of toxins. And eventually to alcoholism or addiction to alcohol.
Overuse and dependence on alcohol can have serious health risks, too.
Even though most alcohol users are social drinkers and don’t have a serious problem, alcohol is still a toxin that must be neutralized, broken down, and expelled from your body.
What can you do to limit the long term effects of using alcohol?
In its simplest form, an alcohol detoxification program simply involves not having alcohol for a period of time. Assuming you have generally healthy habits otherwise – nutritional meals, sensible exercise, plenty of pure water, and not a huge amount of stress in your life – your body is designed to eliminate all traces of this toxic substance from your tissues and blood stream.
Most healthcare professionals recommend at least one to four weeks of no alcohol. It takes at least three weeks to totally break a habit, even if there were no physiological factors involved. Which there are.
If you’re a heavy drinker or suspect that you may be an alcoholic, you might believe that cutting back or switching from hard liquor to wine for awhile may be easier for you to handle. I don’t blame you for wanting to avoid the alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Sweating, trembling, an overwhelming craving for alcohol. NOT FUN.
I suppose it would be possible to cut back gradually, if you are EXTREMELY disciplined.
But experts and non-imbibing alcoholics would tend disagree with you.
The good news is that doing some sort of detox cleanse (that rids your body of the alcohol and its metabolic wastes) goes a long way in reducing cravings. But quitting ANY addiction requires emotional support.
Some people get what they need in 12 Step programs. Others may find help in spiritual circles. Some do better in psychotherapy. Holistic Mind-Body treatments from alternative health practitioners are also very popular.
Everyone is different, and has unique needs.
Allowing your body a “vacation” from drinking may eventually lead to healthier habits overall, a very desirable side effect. Consider a colon, liver, and kidney cleanse, even a blood cleanse to give yourself a great head start.
As your body begins to recover from the excessive poisons, you should begin to experience increased energy and vitality. Many report an increase in energy, sexual drive and function, and a decrease of appetite after they’ve had a good detox.
Allow your body to recover and rest. Take a break from alcohol for a month and you may be surprised at how great you feel!
Photo credit: ambernambrose
