Alcohol is one of the most dangerous substances to detoxify, and it can cause severe withdrawal symptoms. But how does the body process alcohol? About 90 to 98 percent of the alcohol you drink is broken down in your liver, with the other 2-10 percent eliminated in the urine, exhaled through the lungs, or excreted in sweat. The main site of metabolism is in the liver, where an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) catalyzes the oxidation of ethanol to acetaldehyde. This oxidation occurs when ethanol binds to a site of the ADH enzyme and loses some electrons in the form of H atoms.
In reality, ethanol gives up two H atoms to another molecule that also binds to ADH. This electron-receiving molecule is called a coenzyme. Without it, the ADH enzyme will not work very well. When you drink, your liver detoxifies and removes alcohol from your blood through a process called oxidation.
After this process is complete, the alcohol is converted to water and carbon dioxide. However, if alcohol accumulates in your system, it can destroy cells and even organs over time, including the liver itself. Detoxifying your body from alcohol is the first and most essential step to reversing liver disease and improving your overall health. If you have been diagnosed with fatty liver disease or alcoholic hepatitis, stopping drinking is the only way to reverse liver damage and prevent the disease from progressing.
Reducing alcohol consumption is not enough, since even small amounts of alcohol can contribute to scarring of the liver and cause stress on the liver. Total alcohol detoxification allows the liver to process all the alcohol left in the system, releasing toxins from the body and allowing it to function effectively again. We offer 100% confidential and individualized treatment for those who are ready to take the next step in their recovery from alcohol dependence or addiction. Professional health monitoring is provided during the detoxification period to ensure safety during alcohol withdrawal.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, long-term alcohol use is the most common cause of illness and death from liver disease. In addition, a person usually does not qualify for a liver transplant until they have completed alcohol detoxification and have abstained from alcohol use for a long period of time. Environmental factors such as smoking and eating habits, as well as genetic differences in how alcohol is metabolized, may also contribute to alcoholic pancreatitis. The “feel good” effects of alcohol consumption depend on many elements such as birth, sex, age, weight measurements, ethnicity, absorption of food and amount consumed, as well as time frame in which it is ingested. Therefore, it is important to be aware of how much you are drinking and how it affects your body. If you are struggling with an addiction to alcohol or any other substance, contact Diamond House Detox today for help.
