Alcohol Detox and Rehab
It is crucial to clear your schedule for the duration the treatment before beginning the process of detoxification. They will also need to get support from family members and friends.
The majority of the time, medications are prescribed to reduce the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines are the most popular (like diazepam or chlordiazepoxide).
Medicines
The use of medications is typically in alcohol detox to reduce and lessen withdrawal symptoms. However, these medications do not treat the underlying addiction, they only aid in completing the initial phases of withdrawal. During this time it is important to remember that despite the medication, you will still need to undergo alcohol treatment to get rid of your drinking problem.
A medical professional will prescribe the right medication for your particular situation. This includes a thorough review of your health and drinking history. They will also take into account any other medications that you are taking in addition to an extensive physical examination. Then, they'll design an alcohol detox program that's tailored specifically to your needs and goals.
Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous and even fatal, particularly when symptoms like seizures or delirium are evident. This is why it's always recommended that you seek medical help when beginning to stop drinking. Attempting to stop 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 medicine prescribed for withdrawal from alcohol. These are sedatives that may be prescribed in a variety of forms, including Librium (chlordiazepoxide) and diazepam (Valium). The time of onset, duration of action and effectiveness of these drugs can differ. Barbiturates and other sedatives may be prescribed to treat alcohol withdrawal however they are not as popular due to their high toxicity.
Disulfiram is another medication used to detox alcohol. It works by affecting the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase. This causes a violent and unpleasant physical reaction to alcohol consumed while on this medication. Antabuse is the brand name for this medication.
Inpatient alcohol detox programs usually require a hospital stay or other treatment facility to complete the program. Although this is the preferred option for many, outpatient alcohol detox is possible as long as your social and home environment supports are stable and you can commit to going to a clinic or other treatment center on a regular basis for meds. Outpatient detox can be an option for those who are less at risk of relapse, and their physical and mental health are in good condition.
Monitoring
Many people with an alcohol addiction problem are also suffering from a co-occurring mental health condition. Your treatment provider will monitor your drug and alcohol intake throughout the treatment process. Monitoring can come in many forms, like self-reporting or breathalyzers. Understanding the mechanism behind monitoring is essential so you can be a part of your treatment plan.
The first step in alcohol detox is generally to stop drinking entirely. Some people can do this on their own but most require medical assistance. Your doctor will assess the situation and recommend an approach to detox. During this process, you might be given sedatives to help calm you down and reduce the severity your withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor will also monitor your vital signs and keep you well-informed during this challenging time.
After the detox phase, you will enter the rehab stage of your recovery. In this phase, you will be assisted by your treatment team to learn about the root causes of your addiction and learn healthy habits. They will also help you learn ways to control your addiction and prevent the possibility of relapse.
home detox from alcohol of rehabilitation is learning how to cope with stressors and triggers that can lead you to relapse into drinking. You'll develop a support system and learn new techniques to cope with stress that will assist you in your efforts to stay sober. You'll also learn how to detect when your alcohol cravings are beginning and make a move before they escalate out of hand.
Monitoring is a crucial aspect of recovery since it helps you remain accountable to your goals for sobriety. It will help you track and identify the obstacles hindering your progress. It can also assist you in improving your stress-management and coping skills 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 consume healthy, balanced meals to help you maintain sobriety. You'll need to find a mentor and meet on a regular basis. At these meetings, you'll share your journey with other recovering addicts and get support from them. These meetings are also an opportunity to talk about the issues you're facing in your addiction and work on a strategy for moving forward.
Therapy
Detoxification is the initial step to recovery from alcohol dependence. Detoxification helps to break the body's dependence on alcohol by the removal of the chemical components that create a high following consuming the drug. A medical professional must supervise the process. If you attempt to detox on your own is dangerous and could even be fatal. It is important to seek outpatient or inpatient treatment at a center that specializes in treating alcohol addiction.
Inpatient detox centers are staffed with an entire team of medical professionals who can track your progress and give you medications to ease discomfort during this difficult time. The detoxification medications aid in keeping your body's chemical balance in check and decrease the risk of developing withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines, which can be prescribed as long-acting or short-acting medications, are the most common medications used during the process of detoxification from alcohol. Chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and diazepam (Valium) are two kinds of benzos which can be prescribed to combat withdrawal symptoms, insomnia and muscle spasms.
Someone who is dependent on alcohol has developed a physical dependency to the substance and it is dangerous to quit drinking cold turkey, or without a detox program that is monitored. This can lead to serious health complications, such as seizures and severe dehydration. Many people who try to detox themselves end up relapsed into alcohol dependence. This cycle can be stopped by enrolling in an outpatient or inpatient rehabilitation program following the completion of the detox.
The duration of the detox process will vary according to the degree of your addiction to alcohol and how much alcohol you drink regularly. The detox process can be completed in between three and 10 days based on the person. It also depends on gender, as women and men suffer withdrawal from alcohol in different ways.
Some people choose to go through a fast, or rapid detox program to speed up the process. These programs are more costly and are not covered by insurance. However, they reduce the chance of experiencing withdrawal symptoms and other health problems during the process of detoxification. Most people who undergo these types of treatments will continue to experience cravings and other psychological effects once the drugs have gone from their bodies.
Support
Staff members will ask questions about your health and your previous alcohol use or other drugs. You might be asked to answer these questions honestly, even if they are difficult. This information can be used to determine the best method for you.
During detox, you will receive a variety of drugs to ease withdrawal symptoms. These medications include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam and anticonvulsants like carbamazepine. You could also be prescribed antidepressants such as nefazodone and antipsychotics such as olanzapine to treat withdrawal symptoms that are associated with anxiety or depression. Relapse prevention medications like acamprosate or naltrexone are commonly used to reduce cravings for alcohol.
You will be inspected regularly throughout this time. Your temperature, blood pressure and heart rate will be checked, as is your breathing. Your doctor will also check to determine if there are any issues, like seizures or delirium Tremens. These could be risky.
When the detox process is complete, you will be ready to begin your rehab. You could be able to opt for long-term residence, where you'll live on the rehab facility's campus. Or, you might choose to undergo outpatient rehabilitation, which means that you will take part in sessions for therapy during the day and then return home at night.
There isn't any evidence to suggest that one method of treatment has more benefits than the other for long-term recovery. However, some people find it helpful to combine both. Whatever rehab program you select, it is important to remember that addiction treatment is not an instant fix. It requires a lot of effort, time and perseverance to achieve the results you desire.
Detox can be painful It's an essential step for anyone suffering from AUD. You can make it through this difficult time by having the right support system, and then embark on an active, healthy life in rehabilitation. Once you're clean, you can live life to the fullest. Start your addiction recovery today! Click here to learn more about the options for rehab treatment.