Alcohol Detox and Rehab
It is crucial to set aside your schedule for the duration the treatment before beginning the detoxification process. They also have to receive support from their family and friends.
Medications are usually provided to ease withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines are the most common (like diazepam and chlordiazepoxide).
Medicines
These medications are usually used in alcohol detox to reduce and lessen withdrawal symptoms. They don't treat addiction but only aid in the initial phases of withdrawal. It is important to keep in mind that you will still require alcohol treatment despite the medication.
A medical professional will give you the appropriate medication for your condition. This will include a thorough analysis of your health condition and drinking history. They'll also look at any other medications you might be taking in addition to a physical examination. Then, they'll design an alcohol detox program that's specific to your needs and goals.
Alcohol withdrawal can be a hazardous and even life-threatening condition, particularly when symptoms such as seizures or delirium tremens develop. This is why it's always recommended that you seek medical assistance when you first begin to quit drinking. You could be at risk if you attempt to quit abruptly. Make sure you do this under the supervision of your doctor or therapist.
The most commonly prescribed medications to treat withdrawal from alcohol are benzodiazepines. These sedatives can be prescribed as Librium (chlordiazepoxide) and diazepam, as well as in different forms. They differ in strength, duration of action, and the time at which they take effect. Other sedatives, like barbiturates, can be used to treat alcohol withdrawal but they aren't as commonly prescribed because of their high toxicity and the potential for addiction.
Disulfiram is another medication that is used to detoxify alcohol. It works by interfering with the enzyme acetaldehyde deshydrogenase. This medication can trigger a violent, unpleasant reaction when alcohol is consumed. Antabuse is the brand name of this medication.
Inpatient alcohol detox programs usually require a stay at a the hospital or in a similar facility for the duration of the program. Although this is the preferred option for many however, outpatient alcohol detox is possible in the event that your social and home environment support systems are stable and you can be committed to going to the clinic or another treatment center on a regular basis for medication. Detoxing outpatient is an option for those who are less likely of relapse and whose physical and mental health are in good condition.
Monitoring
Many people who suffer from a serious alcohol problem are also struggling with a co-occurring mental health condition. Your treatment provider can keep track of your alcohol and drug consumption during the treatment process. Monitoring comes in a variety of forms, such as breathalyzers, self-reporting, or self-reporting. It's important that you understand the process of monitoring so that you can participate effectively in your treatment program.
The first step in detoxing from alcohol is generally to stop drinking entirely. Some people can do this on their own, however the majority require medical assistance. Your doctor will assess the situation and suggest an approach to detox. During this process, you might be prescribed sedatives to relax you and lessen the severity your withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor will be monitoring your vital signs to ensure that you comfortable and calm during this stressful time.
After the detox phase, you will enter the rehab stage of your recovery. In this phase, will be assisted by your treatment team to comprehend the root causes of your addiction and learn healthy habits. They will also help you learn ways to control your addiction and how to prevent relapse.
A large part of rehab is learning how to cope with stressors and triggers that can lead you to relapse into drinking. You'll establish a support network and develop new coping strategies that will help you stay sober. You'll also be taught to recognize when your cravings for alcohol are beginning to appear and act before they get out of hand.
Monitoring is a crucial part of recovery because it helps you to stay accountable to your goals for sobriety. It will help you track and identify obstacles hindering your progress. You can also enhance your skills for coping and stress management by connecting with other recovering addicts in an online community.
In addition to keeping track of your alcohol consumption as well as your alcohol consumption, you'll need to record your daily activities and eat an appropriate diet to maintain your sobriety. You'll need to find an individual mentor and attend meetings on a regular basis. At these meetings, you'll discuss your journey with recovering alcoholics, and receive encouragement from them. These meetings are also a great way to discuss your addiction issues and formulate a plan of action.
Therapy
Detoxification is a first step to recovery from alcohol addiction. It helps to break the body's dependence on alcohol by removing the chemical components in a person's system that cause a high when consuming the substance. A medical professional is required to supervise the process. It is risky to try and detox on your own. It's important to seek outpatient or inpatient treatment in a facility that is specialized in treating addiction to alcohol.
Inpatient detox centers are staffed by medical professionals who can track your progress and prescribe medication to ease the discomfort of this time of stress. The drugs used during detoxification aid in keeping your body's chemical balance in check and reduce the risk of developing withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines are the most frequently used drugs during detoxification from alcohol. They are available in long-acting or short-acting forms. The Benzos, such as chlordiazepoxide also known as Lirium and diazepam, also known as Valium are prescribed to treat insomnia, withdrawal and muscle spasms.
It could be risky for someone who is dependent on alcohol to stop drinking alcohol without an alcohol detox program or supervision. This could lead to dangerous health complications, such as seizures and severe dehydration. Many people who attempt to detox themselves relapse into alcoholism. After completing detox you can end the cycle by enrolled in an outpatient or inpatient rehabilitation program.
The length of the detox process can vary depending on the severity of your addiction and the amount of alcohol you regularly consume. The detox process can be completed in between three and 10 days, depending on the person. It can also be affected by gender, since women and men experience alcohol withdrawal differently.
Some people choose to go through a fast or rapid detox program to speed up the process. These programs can be more expensive and aren't generally insured, but they do reduce the risk for withdrawal symptoms and other medical problems during the process of detoxification. However, most people who undergo this kind of detox will still have to contend with cravings and other psychological symptoms after the drugs have left their bodies.
Support
Staff members will ask questions regarding your health, your previous use of alcohol or other drugs. Even if the questions are difficult, you could be asked to honestly answer them. This information will be used to determine the most suitable method for you.
During detox you will receive a variety of medications to help 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 any withdrawal symptoms related to depression or anxiety. Relapse prevention medications, such as Acamprosate and naltrexone are also frequently used to help alleviate alcohol cravings.
You will be monitored regularly during this time. Your temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate will be closely monitored, as will your breathing. Your doctor will also test for any possible complications like seizures or delirium tremens which can be very dangerous.
Once the detox process is complete, you will be ready to start your rehab treatment. You may choose to undergo long-term residential treatment, in which you reside on the rehab facility's campus; or you may opt to undergo outpatient rehabilitation, which means that you will take part in therapy sessions during the day and then return home at the end of the day.
There isn't any evidence to suggest that one treatment is better than the other for long-term recovery. However, some people find it helpful to mix the two. No matter which rehab program you choose, it is important to keep in mind that addiction treatment isn't an instant solution. To get the results you desire requires time, patience and a lot of hard work.
Detox can be uncomfortable However, it's a vital step for those suffering from AUD. It is possible to get through this difficult period with the right support system and then embark on an active, healthy life in rehabilitation. When you're clean you'll be able truly enjoy everything life has to offer. Begin your recovery from addiction today! Click here to find out more about the various rehab treatment options.