Alcohol Detox and Rehab
It is essential to make sure you have a clear schedule for the duration the treatment when someone begins the detoxification process. They will need support from family and friends.
The majority of medications are prescribed to ease withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines (like diazepam and chlordiazepoxide) are the most commonly used.
Medicines
These medications are usually used in alcohol detox to reduce and ease withdrawal symptoms. They don't treat addiction, but rather aid in the initial stages of withdrawal. During this time it is crucial to keep in mind that despite the medication, you will still require treatment for alcohol to overcome your addiction to alcohol.
A medical professional will prescribe the correct medication for your specific situation. This will include a thorough analysis of your health condition and your history of drinking. They'll also take into consideration any other medications you might be taking as well as physical examination. Then, they'll create an alcohol detox program tailored specifically to your needs and goals.
Alcohol withdrawal can be a dangerous and even life-threatening condition, particularly when symptoms like seizures or delirium tremens occur. It is recommended to seek medical help when you are trying to quit drinking. You can be at serious risk if you try to quit cold turkey. Do this only under the supervision of your physician or therapist.
Benzodiazepines are the most commonly used treatment for withdrawal from alcohol. They are sedatives and can be prescribed in different forms, including Librium (chlordiazepoxide) and diazepam (Valium). The two drugs differ in their effectiveness, duration of action, and time of onset. Other sedatives, like barbiturates, are also used to treat alcohol withdrawal but they aren't as commonly prescribed because of their toxic nature and the possibility of addiction.
Another drug used in alcohol detox is disulfiram. It works by blocking the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase. This causes a raging and unpleasant physical reaction to alcohol consumed while taking this medication. Antabuse is the brand name for this medication.
Inpatient alcohol detox programs generally involve a stay in hospital or other care facility for the duration of the program. Outpatient alcohol detox is performed in the event that your home and support system are stable and you are able to commit to regularly visiting an office for medication. Outpatient detox can be a good option for people who are less likely of relapse, and whose physical and mental health are in good shape.
Monitoring
Many people with an alcohol addiction also suffer from a mental health condition. If this is the situation, your doctor might use monitoring to monitor your alcohol and drug consumption during the treatment process. Monitoring can take a variety forms, including self-reporting breathalyzers and urinalysis. Understanding the mechanism behind monitoring is essential so that you can be a part of your treatment program.
The majority of people begin detoxing from alcohol by quitting drinking. Some people can do this on their own, but the majority of people require medical assistance. Your doctor will evaluate your situation and recommend the best method for detox. You might be prescribed an sedative during this process to help you stay calm and reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor will keep track of your vital signs to keep you relaxed and calm during this stressful time.
Following the detox phase, you'll enter the rehab phase of your recovery. During this stage, your treatment team will assist you in understanding the reasons behind your alcohol addiction and help you develop new healthy behaviors. They will also show you how to manage your addiction and prevent the possibility of relapse.
In rehab, a significant part of the program involves the process of learning to manage triggers or stressors that could make you drink again. You'll develop an emotional support system and learn new strategies to cope which will allow you to stay clean. You'll be able to recognize the signs of your alcohol cravings and how to take action before things spiral out of control.
Monitoring is a crucial aspect of recovery because it helps you remain accountable to your sobriety objectives. It can help you track and identify obstacles that are hindering your success. It will also help you develop your ability to manage stress and cope by allowing you to connect with an online community of recovering addicts.
In addition to monitoring your alcohol use, you'll need to track your daily activities and eat healthy, balanced meals to help you maintain sobriety. You'll need a mentor and meet on a regular basis. At these meetings, you'll discuss your story with fellow recovering alcoholics and get support from them. These meetings are also a great opportunity to talk about your addiction issues and formulate an action plan.
Therapy
Detoxification is the initial step towards recovery from alcohol addiction. The process of detoxification eliminates the body's dependence on alcohol by the elimination of the chemical components that create a high following consuming the drug. A medical professional is required to supervise the process. It is risky to attempt to detox on your own. It is important to seek outpatient or inpatient treatment at a facility that specializes in treating addiction to alcohol.
Inpatient detox centers are staffed with an entire staff of medical professionals who will track your progress and give you medications to ease discomfort during this difficult period. The medications used during detoxification aid in keeping your body's chemical balance in check and lower the chance of experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines are the most frequently used medications during alcohol detox, and they are available in long-acting or short-acting forms. Chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and diazepam (Valium) are two types of benzos that can be prescribed to treat symptoms of withdrawal insomnia, withdrawal and muscle spasms.
Someone who is addicted to alcohol has developed a physical dependency on the drug and it could be dangerous to quit drinking cold turkey, or without a detox program that is monitored. This could lead to serious health issues, such as seizures and severe water loss. Many people who attempt to detox on their own fall into a cycle of relapse and then relapse back into alcohol. After completing alcohol home detox and regaining your health, you can break the cycle by enrolling in an outpatient or an inpatient rehab program.
The duration of your detox will depend on the severity of the addiction to alcohol, as well as how much you drink regularly. The detox process can be completed in three to 10 days based on the person. It also depends on your gender since women and men experience withdrawal from alcohol differently.
Some people opt to undergo a quick, or rapid detox program to accelerate the process. These programs are more expensive and not covered by insurance. However, they lower the chance of experiencing withdrawal symptoms and other health problems during the detoxification. However, many who undergo this kind of detox will need to contend with cravings and other psychological signs after the drugs have left their bodies.
Support
Staff will ask you questions regarding your health, your past use of alcohol or other drugs. Even if the questions are difficult, you may be asked to honestly answer them. This information is used to help determine the best course of action for you.
During detox, it is likely be offered a range of drugs to ease withdrawal symptoms. These include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam and anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine. You might also be given antidepressants, like nefazodone, and antipsychotics like Olanzapine, to treat withdrawal symptoms related to depression or anxiety. Relapse prevention medications like acamprosate or naltrexone are frequently used to lessen the craving for alcohol.
During this period, you will be monitored regularly. Your temperature, heart rate and blood pressure will be closely monitored, as will your breathing. The doctor will also examine to determine if there's any complications, such as seizures or delirium Tremens. These could be risky.
After the detoxification process is completed, you are ready to begin your rehab treatment. You can opt for long-term residential rehab where you live on the campus of the rehab facility or you could opt for outpatient rehabilitation. This means that you attend sessions during the daytime and return home at the end of the night.
It is not clear which type of treatment is the best for long-term recovery. However, some are finding that combining both treatments can be beneficial. It is important to keep in mind that addiction treatment doesn't come with an instant cure, regardless of the rehabilitation program you choose. It requires a lot of effort and perseverance to achieve the results you want.
Detox can be uncomfortable, but it's a necessary step for anyone suffering from AUD. With the appropriate support system you can make it through this painful time and move on to an enjoyable, healthy life in rehabilitation. Once you're clean, you'll be able to have the best life possible. Start your addiction recovery today! Click here to learn more about the various treatment options for addiction.