Alcohol Detox and Rehab
It is important to clear your schedule for the duration the treatment before beginning the process of detoxification. They will need support from family and friends.
detox alcohol of the time, medications are prescribed to ease unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines (like diazepam and chlordiazepoxide) are the most commonly used.
Medicines
These medications are usually used during alcohol detox to suppress and lessen withdrawal symptoms. They don't treat addiction but only help you get through the initial stages of withdrawal. It is important to remember that you'll need alcohol treatment even if you are taking the medication.
A medical professional will prescribe the appropriate medication for your particular situation. This includes a thorough review of your health and drinking habits. They will also take into account any other medications that you may be taking in addition to a thorough physical examination. They'll then create an alcohol detox program that is specific to your needs and goals.
Alcohol withdrawal can be a risky and potentially life-threatening condition particularly when symptoms such as seizures or delirium-tremens are present. This is why it's always recommended to seek medical assistance when you first begin to stop drinking. The idea of stopping cold turkey can put you at risk and should only be done under the supervision of a doctor or a trained therapist.
The most popular benzodiazepines are treatment for withdrawal from alcohol. They are sedatives and can be prescribed in different forms, including Librium (chlordiazepoxide) and diazepam (Valium). The time-to-onset and duration of action as well as the effectiveness of these drugs can differ. Barbiturates and other sedatives may be prescribed to treat alcohol withdrawal but they are not as widely used due to their higher toxicity.
Another drug used in alcohol detox is disulfiram. This drug acts by interfering with the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase. This medication can trigger a violent, unpleasant reaction when alcohol is consumed. This is also known under the brand name Antabuse.
Inpatient alcohol detox programs usually involve a stay in the hospital or in a similar facility for the duration of the program. Outpatient alcohol detox can be done if your home and social support system are stable and you're able to be committed to regularly visiting the clinic for treatment. Outpatient detox is an ideal option for those who are at lower risk of relapse and whose physical and mental health is in good condition.
Monitoring
Many people with an alcohol addiction also suffer from mental health issues. Your treatment provider will keep track of your alcohol and drug intake during the treatment process. Monitoring can take many forms, such as self-reporting, breathalyzers and urinalysis. It is important to know the process of monitoring to be able to be a part of your treatment plan.
The first step to detox from alcohol is usually to stop drinking completely. Some people can accomplish this on their own, but the majority require medical assistance. Your doctor will evaluate your situation and recommend the best method for detox. During this process, you might be given sedatives to help ease your mind and decrease the severity your withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor will also monitor your vital signs and ensure that you are well-informed during this challenging time.
After the detox phase you'll move into the rehab phase of your recovery. During this stage, your treatment team will assist you in understanding the root causes of your alcohol addiction and learn new healthy behaviors. They will also help you learn to manage your addiction and how to prevent relapse.
A major part of rehab is learning to cope with triggers and stressors that can lead you back to drinking. You will develop an emotional support system and learn new coping techniques that will help you to stay sober. You'll also learn how to identify when your alcohol cravings are beginning and act before they get out of control.
Monitoring is an essential part of recovery, as it allows you to remain accountable for your goal of sobriety. It can help you track and identify obstacles preventing your success. It will also help you develop your stress-management and coping skills by connecting you to an online community of other recovering addicts.
In addition to monitoring your alcohol use, you'll need to track your daily activities and eat healthy, balanced meals to ensure you stay sober. You'll also need to find a sponsor and attend meetings regularly. During these meetings you will share your journey with recovering alcoholics, and get support from them. These meetings are also a great way to talk about any addiction issues and create an action plan.
Therapy
Detoxification is the first step to overcoming an addiction to alcohol. It removes the body's dependence on alcohol by eliminating the chemical components within the body that trigger an elevated feeling when taking the drug. It is an process that requires an expert medical professional to supervise. It's risky to attempt to detox on your own. It is essential to seek out treatment for yourself or inpatient treatment in a facility that is specialized in treating alcoholism.
Inpatient detox centers are staffed by medical professionals who can monitor your progress, and prescribe medications to ease the discomfort of this time of stress. Medications used during the detoxification process assist in keeping your body's chemical balance and reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines are the most frequently used medications during alcohol detox, and they are available in short-acting or long-acting forms. Chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and diazepam (Valium) are 2 types of benzos that may be prescribed to combat withdrawal symptoms, insomnia and muscle spasms.
It could be risky for someone who is addicted alcohol to stop drinking in the absence of the aid of a detox program or supervision. This can lead to dangerous health problems, including seizures and severe loss of water. Many people who attempt to detox themselves end up relapsed into alcoholism. This cycle can be reversed by entering an inpatient or outpatient rehab program following the completion of the detox.
The duration of your detox will depend on the severity of your alcohol dependence, as well as the amount of alcohol you consume regularly. Some people can complete their detox within three to ten days, however this varies from person to the individual. It could be influenced by gender, as women and men suffer from withdrawal differently.
Some people choose a rapid or fast detox program to speed up the process. These programs can be expensive and aren't typically insured, but they reduce the chance for withdrawal symptoms and other medical issues during the process of detoxification. However, many who undergo this kind of detox will still have to face cravings and other psychological issues once the drugs leave their bodies.
Support
When you begin detox, the staff will ask you questions about your health and previous use of alcohol and other substances. Even if the questions are difficult, you might be asked to answer honestly them. This information will determine the best option for you.
During detox, you'll receive a variety of medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. These medications include benzodiazepines like lorazepam, as well as anticonvulsants like carbamazepine. You may also receive antidepressants, such as nefazodone and antipsychotics like Olanzapine, to treat withdrawal symptoms that can be linked to depression or anxiety. Relapse prevention medications, such as Acamprosate and naltrexone are also employed to reduce cravings for alcohol.
During this period, you will be checked regularly. You will be monitored for temperature and blood pressure, as well as your breathing rate, and heart rate. Your doctor will also check for any possible problems, such as seizures or delirium tremens, which are extremely risky.
Once the detox process is completed after which you will be able to start your rehab treatment. You may choose long-term residential rehab where you reside on the campus of the rehab facility; or you could opt for outpatient rehabilitation. This means you attend therapy sessions in the morning and return home at the end of the evening.
There is no clear evidence that one method of treatment is better than the other for long-term recovery, but some people find it helpful to combine the two. Regardless of which rehab program you choose, it is crucial to keep in mind that addiction treatment is not a quick fix. It requires a lot of effort, time and patience to achieve the results you desire.
Detox is a painful experience, but it's an essential first step for those suffering from AUD. With the proper support system, you can get through this difficult period and then move on to a successful, healthy life in rehab. Once you're clean, you'll be able to have the best life possible. Start your addiction recovery now! Click here to learn more about the various rehab treatment options.