Alcohol Detox and Rehab
When someone begins the detox process, it is essential to clear their schedule for the duration of treatment. They will require support from family and friends.
Most often, medications are prescribed to reduce the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines (like diazepam and chlordiazepoxide) are the most popular.
Medicines
Medications can be used to suppress and reduce withdrawal symptoms. However, these drugs don't treat the root of the addiction, they only assist you in navigating the initial stages of withdrawal. During this time it is crucial to remember that despite the medication, you will still require alcohol treatment to get rid of your drinking problem.
A medical professional will prescribe you the correct medication for your condition. This includes a thorough review of your health and drinking habits. They'll also consider any other medications that you may be taking in addition to an exhaustive physical exam. They'll then create an alcohol detox plan that's tailored to your individual needs and goals.
Alcohol withdrawal can be hazardous and even fatal, especially when symptoms like seizures or delirium are evident. This is why it's always recommended that you seek medical assistance when you first begin to stop drinking. Attempting to stop cold turkey can put you at risk and should only be done under the supervision of a physician or a certified therapist.
Benzodiazepines are the most commonly used medicine prescribed for withdrawal from alcohol. These are sedatives that can be prescribed in different forms, including Librium (chlordiazepoxide) and diazepam (Valium). These drugs differ in their potency, duration of action, and time of onset. Barbiturates as well as other sedatives can be prescribed to treat alcohol withdrawal but they are not as common because of their high toxicity.
Disulfiram is another medication that is used to detoxify alcohol. detoxing from alcohol works by interfering with the enzyme acetaldehyde-dehydrogenase. This causes a violent and unpleasant physical reaction to any alcohol consumed while taking this medication. This is also known by the brand name Antabuse.
Inpatient alcohol detox programs usually involve a stay in hospital or other care facility for the duration of the program. Outpatient alcohol detox is performed if your home and support system are stable and you're able to commit to regular visits to the clinic for treatment. Outpatient detox is a great choice for those who are less likely to relapse, and are in good mental and physical health.
Monitoring
Many people with an alcohol addiction have a mental health condition. Your treatment provider can monitor your drug and alcohol consumption during the treatment process. Monitoring can take many forms, such as self-reporting, breathalyzers, urinalysis, and so on. It is essential to understand how monitoring works to be able to participate effectively in your treatment plan.
Most people begin alcohol detox by quitting drinking. Some people can do this by themselves, but most require medical assistance. Your doctor will assess your situation and suggest the most appropriate method for detox. You might be prescribed the sedatives to help you stay calm and reduce the severity of your withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor will monitor your vital signs to ensure that you comfortable and calm through this challenging period.
Following the detox phase you'll move into the rehab phase of your recovery. In this phase, will be supported by your treatment team to learn about the causes of your alcoholism and develop new healthy behaviors. They'll also show you how to manage your addiction and avoid the possibility of relapse.
A large part of rehab is learning to deal with triggers and stressors that can trigger you to go to relapse into drinking. You'll build a support system and learn new coping techniques which will allow you to remain sober. You'll be able to recognize the onset of your alcohol cravings and how to take action before things get out of control.
Monitoring is an essential component of recovery since it helps you remain accountable to your sobriety goals. It can help you keep track of your progress and identify obstacles to your success. You can also improve your ability to cope and manage stress by connecting with other recovering addicts through an online community.
You'll also need to be aware of your alcohol consumption, track your daily activities, and eat nutritious meals to keep your sobriety. You'll need an individual mentor and attend meetings regularly. In these meetings, you'll share your journey with other recovering addicts and get support from them. These meetings are also a great opportunity to talk about the issues with addiction and develop a plan of action.
Therapy
Detoxification is the initial step in recovering from an alcohol addiction. It removes the body's dependence on alcohol by removing the chemical components in the body that create a high when consuming the substance. It is an operation that requires an expert medical professional to supervise. Doing it on your own is dangerous and could even be fatal. It is crucial to seek outpatient treatment or inpatient treatment at a center that is specifically geared towards treating alcoholism.
Inpatient detox centers have a full staff of medical professionals who can monitor your progress and offer medication to ease the discomfort during this difficult time. The medications used during detoxification aid in keeping your body's chemical balance in check and decrease the risk of developing withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines are the most commonly used medications during the process of detoxification from alcohol, and they can be prescribed in long-acting or short-acting forms. Benzos like chlordiazepoxide also referred to as Lirium and diazepam, also known as Valium, are prescribed for treating insomnia, withdrawal and muscle spasms.
Someone who is addicted to alcohol has developed a physical dependency to the substance, and it can be risky to stop drinking alcohol cold turkey or without a detox program that is monitored. This can lead to dangerous health issues, such as seizures and severe loss of water. Many who attempt to detox themselves fall back into alcoholism. After detoxing and regaining your health, you can break the cycle by enrolled in an outpatient or inpatient rehabilitation program.
The length of the detox process can vary according to the severity of your addiction and the amount of alcohol you consume regularly. Some people can complete the detox process within three to ten weeks, however this varies from person to individual. It can also depend on your gender as women and men suffer withdrawal from alcohol in a different way.
Some people opt to go through a fast, or rapid detox program to accelerate the process. These programs are more costly and are not covered by insurance. However, they can reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms and other health issues during the process of detoxification. However, the majority of people who undergo this kind of detox will need to face cravings and other psychological issues when the drugs leave their bodies.
Support
When you begin detox, the staff will ask questions regarding your health condition and past use of alcohol and other drugs. You might be asked to answer these questions truthfully even if they seem difficult. This information will be used to determine the best method for you.
During detox you will receive a variety of medications to ease withdrawal symptoms. These medications include benzodiazepines, like lorazepam, and anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine. You may also receive antidepressants, like nefazodone, and antipsychotics, like Olanzapine, to treat withdrawal symptoms that are related to depression or anxiety. Relapse prevention drugs, like acamprosate or naltrexone are commonly used to reduce alcohol cravings.
You will be inspected regularly throughout this period. You will be monitored for your temperature blood pressure, breathing rate, and heart rate. The doctor will also examine to determine if there's any complications, such a seizures or delirium. These could be risky.
Once detox from alcohol is completed, you're ready to begin your rehab treatment. You could be able to opt for long-term residential treatment, in which you'll reside on the rehab facility's campus. Or you could opt to undergo outpatient rehabilitation which means you'll take part in sessions of therapy throughout the day, and then return home at the end of the day.
It is not certain which treatment is best for long-term recovery. However, some people find that combining the two treatment options can be beneficial. It is important to keep in mind that addiction treatment doesn't provide an instant solution, no matter which rehab program you choose. It requires a lot of effort, time and perseverance to achieve the results you desire.
Detox can be painful However, it's a vital step for those suffering from AUD. With the right support system in place you will be able to get through this challenging time and then move on to an active, healthy and happy life in rehab. Once detox from alcohol , you can have the best life possible. Start your addiction recovery now! Click here to learn more about treatment options for addiction.