Alcohol Detox and Rehab
It is crucial to clear your schedule for the duration of treatment before beginning the detoxification process. They should also be supported by friends and family.
Most often, medications are prescribed to alleviate unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines are the most popular (like diazepam and chlordiazepoxide).
Medications
The use of medications can reduce and suppress withdrawal symptoms. They don't treat addiction, but rather aid in the initial stages of withdrawal. In this phase it is crucial to keep in mind that despite the drugs, you'll still need to undergo alcohol treatment to get rid of your drinking problem.
A doctor will prescribe the correct medication for your situation. This will include a thorough review of your current health status and your history of drinking. They'll also take into consideration any other medications you might be taking, as well as a physical examination. Then, they'll design an alcohol detox program specific to your needs and goals.
Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous and even fatal, particularly when symptoms such as seizures or delirium are evident. It is highly recommended that you seek medical help when you are trying to quit drinking. If you attempt to stop drinking cold turkey, it could put you at a serious risk and should be done under the supervision of a physician or a certified therapist.
The most common medications for withdrawal from alcohol are benzodiazepines. These sedatives are prescribed as Librium (chlordiazepoxide) and diazepam or in other forms. The onset, duration of action and strength of these drugs differ. Other sedatives, like barbiturates, are also used to treat alcohol withdrawal but they aren't as commonly prescribed because of their toxic effects and potential for addiction.
Another substance used in alcohol detox is disulfiram. This drug acts by interfering with the enzyme acetaldehyde-dehydrogenase. alcohol home detox uk causes a raging and unpleasant physical reaction to alcohol consumed while taking this medication. This is also known by the brand name Antabuse.
Inpatient alcohol detox programs generally involve a stay in hospitals or other facilities for the duration of the program. While this is the preferred method for many but outpatient detox is possible as long as your social and home environment support systems are stable and you can commit to visiting the clinic or another treatment facility regularly to receive meds. Outpatient detox is a great choice for those who are less likely to relapse and have excellent physical and mental health.
Monitoring
Many people who suffer from a serious alcohol problem are also struggling with a mental health issue that is co-occurring. If this is the situation, your doctor could use monitoring to track your drug and alcohol consumption throughout the treatment process. Monitoring can take many forms, like breathalyzers, self-reporting, or self-reporting. Understanding the process of monitoring is crucial to be part of your treatment plan.
The first step in alcohol detox is generally to stop drinking entirely. Some people can do it on their own but most require medical assistance. Your doctor will assess the situation and recommend a method of detox. You might be prescribed an sedative during this process to help you relax and reduce the severity of your withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor will also keep track of your vital signs and help keep you at ease during this difficult time.
After the detox period, you'll enter the rehab phase of your recovery. In this phase, will be guided by your treatment team to comprehend the root causes of your addiction and learn new healthy habits. They'll also teach you how to manage your addiction and avoid the possibility of relapse.
In rehab, a large part of the program involves learning to cope with stressors or triggers that could make you drink again. You'll develop an aid system and master new coping techniques which will allow you to remain sober. You'll also learn to recognize when your alcohol cravings are starting to manifest and take action before they get out of hand.
Monitoring is a crucial aspect of recovery because it helps you stay accountable to your sobriety objectives. It will help you monitor your progress and identify any obstacles to your progress. It can also assist you in improving your stress-management and coping skills by making it possible to join an online community of other recovering addicts.
You'll also need to monitor your alcohol intake, track your daily activities and eat a healthy diet to maintain your sobriety. You'll also need to find a sponsor and regularly attend meetings. During these meetings, you'll share your experiences with fellow recovering alcoholics and receive encouragement from them. These meetings are also an opportunity to discuss the issues you're having in your addiction and work on a strategy for moving forward.
Therapy
Detoxification is a first step to overcome an addiction to alcohol. Detoxification helps to break the body's dependence on alcohol through the elimination of the chemical substances that cause a high after consumption of the drug. It is an process that requires an expert medical professional to supervise. Attempting to detox on your own can be risky and even fatal. It is crucial to seek out treatment for yourself or inpatient care 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 challenging time. Medications utilized during the detoxification process aid in keeping your body's chemicals in check and lower the risk for withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines are prescribed as short-acting or longer-acting drugs are the most popular treatment for alcohol detox. Chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and diazepam (Valium) are two kinds of benzos that can be prescribed to combat withdrawal symptoms insomnia, withdrawal symptoms, and muscle spasms.
A person who is dependent on alcohol has developed a physical dependency to the substance and it could be dangerous to quit drinking cold turkey or without a detox program that is monitored. This could lead to serious health problems, including seizures and severe loss of water. Many people who try to detox on their own fall into a cycle of relapse and relapse into a cycle of alcoholics. This cycle can be broken by entering an outpatient or inpatient rehab program after completing detox.
The length of the detox process will vary according to the degree of your addiction to alcohol and how much alcohol you drink regularly. Some people can complete their detox within three to ten days, but this varies from individual to the individual. It also depends on your gender as women and men experience withdrawal from alcohol in a different way.
Some people opt for a quick or fast detox program to speed up the process. These programs are more expensive and aren't generally insured, but they can reduce the risk for withdrawal symptoms and other medical issues during the detoxification process. However, most people who undergo this type of detox will need to face cravings and other psychological symptoms when the drugs leave their bodies.
Support
Staff members will ask you questions regarding your health, your past use of alcohol and drugs. Even if the questions seem difficult, you may be asked to respond honestly to them. The information you provide will be used to determine the best method for you.
During detox you will receive a variety of medications to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms. These medications include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam and anticonvulsants like carbamazepine. You might also be given antidepressants like nefazodone and antipsychotics, like Olanzapine, to treat withdrawal symptoms that can be linked to anxiety or depression. Relapse prevention drugs, such as naltrexone or acamprosate are commonly used to reduce cravings for alcohol.
You will be checked on regularly during this period. You will be monitored for your temperature blood pressure, breathing rate, and heart rate. Your doctor will also check for any possible problems, such as seizures or delirium, which can be very dangerous.
Once the detoxification process has been completed, you are now ready to begin your rehab treatment. You could be able to opt for long-term residential treatment, where you live on the rehab facility's campus; or, you might choose to go through outpatient rehabilitation, which means you'll attend sessions of therapy throughout the day, and then return home at the end of the day.
There is no evidence that one method of treatment is better over the other for long-term recovery, but some people find it helpful to mix the two. It is important to keep in mind that addiction treatment doesn't come with an instant cure, regardless of the treatment program you select. It requires a lot of effort, time and patience to get the results you want.
Detox is a painful experience, but it is a necessary first step for someone suffering from AUD. You can get through this difficult period with the right support system and then embark on living a healthy, productive life in rehab. Once you're clean you'll be able to truly enjoy all that life offers. Begin your recovery from addiction today! Click here to learn more about the options for rehab treatment.