Alcohol Detox and Rehab
It is important to make sure you have a clear schedule for the duration the treatment before beginning the process of detoxification. They will require support from family and friends.
Medications are usually provided to help reduce uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines are the most popular (like diazepam or chlordiazepoxide).
Medicines
These medications can be used to reduce and suppress withdrawal symptoms. However, these medications do not treat the underlying addiction, they just assist you in navigating the initial stages of withdrawal. It is important to remember that you'll still require alcohol treatment despite the medication.
A medical professional will give you the correct treatment for your condition. This will include a thorough examination of your health and drinking history. They will also consider any other medications that you are taking in addition to an exhaustive physical exam. They'll create an alcohol detox plan that's customized to your specific needs and goals.
Alcohol withdrawal can be a risky and even life-threatening situation, particularly when symptoms such as seizures or delirium tremens occur. This is why it's recommended that you seek medical assistance when you first begin to stop 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 doctor or a trained therapist.
The most popular benzodiazepines are medicine prescribed for withdrawal from alcohol. These sedatives are prescribed as Librium (chlordiazepoxide) and diazepam, or in other forms. The time of onset and duration of action as well as the potency of these drugs vary. Other sedatives, like barbiturates, can be used to treat withdrawal symptoms from alcohol however they are not as frequently prescribed because of their toxic effects and potential for addiction.
Another drug used in alcohol detox is disulfiram. It works by interfering with the enzyme acetaldehyde deshydrogenase. This medication can trigger an unpleasant, violent reaction when alcohol is consumed. This is also known by the brand name Antabuse.
Inpatient alcohol detox programs usually require a stay in a hospital or other facility for care to complete the program. Outpatient alcohol detox can be completed when your home and social support system are stable and you can commit to regularly visiting an office for medication. Outpatient detox is a great choice for those who are less likely to relapse and have excellent physical and mental health.
Monitoring
Many people with an alcohol addiction problem are also suffering from a co-occurring mental health condition. If alcohol detox near me is the situation, your doctor might use monitoring to monitor the amount of alcohol and drugs you consume during the treatment process. Monitoring can take a variety of forms, such as self-reporting, breathalyzers, urinalysis, and so on. It is essential to understand the process of monitoring to ensure that you participate effectively in your treatment plan.
The first step in detoxing from alcohol is usually to stop drinking completely. Some people can do this on their own, however the majority of people require medical assistance. Your doctor will examine the situation and suggest the best method for detox. You could be given an sedative during this process to help you remain calm and lessen the severity of your withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor will keep track of your vital signs to keep you comfortable and calm through this challenging period.
After the detox phase, you'll be in the rehabilitation phase of your recovery. In this phase, will be guided by your treatment team to learn about the root causes of your addiction and learn healthy behaviors. They will also show you how to manage your addiction, and prevent relapse.
A large part of rehab is learning to deal with triggers and stressors that could lead you to relapse into drinking. You'll build an emotional support system and learn new techniques to cope with stress that will help you to stay clean. You'll also learn to identify when your cravings for alcohol are beginning to appear and act before they get out of control.
Monitoring is an essential part of recovery because it helps you remain accountable to your goals for sobriety. It can help you track your progress and pinpoint any obstacles that hinder your success. You can also enhance your coping skills and manage stress by connecting with other recovering addicts in an online community.
You'll also need to be aware of your alcohol consumption, track your daily activities, and eat an appropriate diet to maintain your sobriety. You'll need to find a mentor and attend meetings on a regular basis. At these meetings, you'll be able to share your story with fellow recovering alcoholics, and receive encouragement from them. These meetings also provide an opportunity to discuss any issues you're experiencing in your addiction and work on a plan to move forward.
Therapy
Detoxification is the initial step to overcoming an addiction to alcohol. It removes the body's dependence on alcohol by eliminating the chemical components of a person's system that cause a high when consuming the substance. A medical professional is required to supervise the process. If you attempt to detox yourself can be dangerous and even deadly. It's important to seek outpatient or inpatient treatment at a center which specializes in treating addiction to alcohol.
Inpatient detox centers are staffed by medical professionals who can track your progress and prescribe medications to ease the discomfort of this time of stress. The drugs used during detoxification help keep your body's chemical balance in check and lower the risk of developing withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines are the most frequently used drugs during detoxification from alcohol. They can be prescribed in short-acting or long-acting forms. Chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and diazepam (Valium) are two kinds of benzos that can be prescribed to combat withdrawal symptoms, insomnia, and muscle spasms.
A person who is addicted to alcohol has developed a physical dependence on the drug, and it can be risky to stop drinking cold turkey, or without a detox program that is monitored. This can cause dangerous health complications, such as seizures and severe dehydration. Many people who attempt to detox themselves end up relapsed into alcoholism. After you have completed your detox and regaining your health, you can break the cycle by enrolment in an outpatient or inpatient rehabilitation program.
The length of your detox process will depend on the severity of alcohol addiction, and the amount of alcohol you consume regularly. Some people can complete the detox process within three to ten weeks, however this varies from person to the individual. It also depends on your gender since women and men experience withdrawal from alcohol in a different way.
Some people will choose to go through a speedy, or rapid detox program to speed up the process. These programs are more expensive and aren't generally covered by insurance, however they can reduce the risk for withdrawal symptoms and other medical problems during the process of detoxification. The majority of people who participate in this type of treatment will feel cravings and other mental effects after the drugs have gone from their bodies.
Support
Staff members will ask questions regarding your health, your previous use of alcohol and other drugs. Even if the questions are difficult, you might be asked to honestly answer them. The information you provide will be used to determine the best method for you.
During detox, it is likely receive a variety of medications to ease your withdrawal symptoms. These include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam, as well as anticonvulsants like carbamazepine. You might also be given antidepressants, like nefazodone, and antipsychotics, like olanzapine, to treat any withdrawal symptoms that are related to anxiety or depression. Relapse prevention medicines, like Acamprosate and naltrexone are also frequently used to help alleviate cravings for alcohol.
You will be monitored regularly throughout this period. Your temperature, blood pressure and heart rate will be closely monitored, as will your breathing. Your doctor will also check for any possible complications like seizures or delirium, which can be very dangerous.
When the detox process is completed after which you will be able to start your rehab treatment. You could choose to undergo long-term residential treatment, where you will stay on the rehab center's campus; or, you might choose to undergo outpatient rehabilitation which means that you be attending sessions of therapy during the day and then return home at evening.
There isn't any evidence to suggest that one type of treatment is more beneficial over the other for long-term recovery, but some people find it beneficial to combine both. It is important to keep in mind that addiction treatment does not provide a quick solution, no matter which rehabilitation program you choose. It requires a lot of effort and patience to get the results you desire.
Detox can be painful, but it's a necessary step for those suffering from AUD. With the right support system in place, you can get through this difficult period and then move on to a successful, healthy life in rehabilitation. Once you're clean, you'll be able to have the best life possible. Begin your recovery from addiction today! Click here to learn more about treatment options for addiction.