Medications Used During Medical Alcohol Detox
Medical detoxification of alcohol is the first step towards recovery for those who are struggling with alcoholism. This kind of detox is characterized by 24-hour monitoring and support to ensure safety and security.
Patients must clear their schedules and eliminate alcohol from their home prior to beginning their detox. They should also eat nutritious food during this time in order to give the body with essential nutrients.
Medicines
Medical detox is a secure way to eliminate toxic substances from your body while under the supervision of an experienced team of medical experts. This group typically comprises doctors, nurses and therapists but some facilities utilize advanced practice staff like physician assistants or nurse practitioners. Medical detox is a method to treat a range of addictions, including the use of opioids and alcohol.
During the withdrawal phase, you may be prescribed medications to manage your withdrawal symptoms, or cravings for alcohol or other drugs. Not all patients require medication however they can make detoxing more easy and more comfortable for certain.
Benzodiazepines are one of the most commonly prescribed medications during an alcohol detox. These are sedatives that can be taken either orally as well as intravenously. Chlordiazepoxide, which is also known as Valium and Lirium, are the most common benzodiazepines. These medications can be administered for up to three days or on an as-needed basis.
Another medication that is sometimes used to help with detoxification for alcohol is the drug naltrexone. This medication binds to opioid receptors in your brain to block the effects of Morphine, heroin or other painkillers. Naltrexone is available in pills or injected.
If you have any underlying or co-occurring psychiatric issues Your doctor or nurse may prescribe antipsychotic medication during detox. These medications can help to reduce and control psychotic signs like hallucinations, delusions, or hearing voices.
Inpatient or Outpatient
If you have a severe addiction to alcohol, inpatient treatment could be required. Inpatient treatment is offered in a rehab center and offers the opportunity to concentrate on your recovery. Inpatient programs typically last for thirty days, sixty or ninety days. During this time, you will live in a treatment facility and be monitored around all hours by medical professionals.
Inpatient treatment will separate you from your family, friends, job and other pursuits. It is essential to be prepared for this kind of situation. Make sure that you have your finances in order and be able to take care of your children or other responsibilities prior to the date you start treatment. alcohol home detox is often more expensive than outpatient treatments.
Outpatient treatment is more flexible and is a good option for those suffering from mild addictions who have stable homes or school/work schedules. Outpatient treatment may include day treatment, partial hospitalization or other options. These programs need a certain number of hours each week at a rehabilitation clinic or a hospital. These groups are often outpatient treatment however they are more flexible.
You can choose between inpatient and outpatient treatment depending on your specific situation. The best treatment option for you will depend on the severity of your alcohol addiction, as well as whether or not it is associated with mental health issues. A professional will be able assist you in determining the level of care you require and what type of program is most beneficial for your recovery journey.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are used to reduce withdrawal symptoms during alcohol treatment. These drugs help soothe the central nervous system and can also be used to treat anxiety, insomnia and muscle spasms. When detoxing from medical alcohol they are prescribed in short-acting or long-acting forms. It is vital to keep in mind that benzodiazepines pose a risk when taken with some drugs. They may even cause death if not properly monitored and treated. They may, for instance, interact negatively with opioid pain medication like hydrocodone or oxycodone. They can also cause an fatal reaction known as benzodiazepine toxicity if mixed with depressants.
Benzodiazepines are used in both an inpatient and outpatient setting to lessen withdrawal symptoms. They can aid in reducing the severity of withdrawal symptoms and prevent seizures due to alcohol withdrawal that occur in an estimated 1 to 4 percent of those withdrawing from alcohol (Schuckit 1995). There are a variety of benzodiazepines to choose from, including short-acting drugs like alprazolam (Xanax) and Clobazam (Onfi, Sympazan), intermediate-acting drugs like diazepam (Valium) and clorazepate (Tranxene) and long-acting substances like chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and flurazepam (Dalmane). It is recommended that benzodiazepine is used during withdrawal from alcohol with the help of a symptom-triggered therapy. This makes it more difficult to build up the drug and toxic effects to develop.
Anticonvulsants
Acamprosate is a part of a complete treatment program designed to help those who are in recovery. This medication is known to lessen cravings for alcohol and is associated with longer time periods without drinking. It also assists with withdrawal. It's usually taken following detoxification, however some people begin taking acamprosate while detoxifying based on the recommendation of their doctor.
Anticonvulsants are medications that perform different functions to prevent seizures by controlling brain signals. These medications are prescribed by doctors and can include valproic acid (Depakene) and carbamazepine (Tegretol) and phenobarbital. They could cause liver damage if taken long-term so it's important to have regular blood tests to monitor this. These medications also reduce the number of platelets in your blood, making it more difficult for your body to form clots. Women who are pregnant should not use the valproic acid since it can increase the chance of birth defects or harm an unborn baby.
Anticonvulsant medicines are also used to treat anxiety and depression as well as sleep disorders like insomnia. They are extremely effective in treating mental health issues because they can balance the imbalances of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and melatonin. Sometimes they are used to replace benzodiazepines if the patient is not responding. They are also used in the treatment of chronic alcohol dependence disorder when combined with other therapies such as motivational interviewing.
Antipsychotics
Some people have extreme withdrawal symptoms, such as hallucinations or delirium when they attempt to stop drinking on their own. The medicines used during medical detox can reduce these symptoms, as well as avoid other serious complications such as seizures and heart palpitations. These medications also help maintain the body's chemical balance during the detoxification process, thus reducing the chance of relapse and other issues.
Alcohol detox typically takes place in an inpatient rehabilitation facility which provides 24/7 support while the process takes place. Inpatient detox programs offer treatment for addiction to medical drugs and detox. This means that you'll begin your journey to recovery by receiving treatment for your alcohol-related disorder as well as your dependency on drugs or alcohol. This combination of treatment and detox is known as MAT (medication assisted therapy). In MAT, you'll most likely use antidepressants, such as SSRIs or sedatives like benzodiazepines to reduce your cravings. You can also use medications to treat your withdrawal symptoms, like propranolol or clonidine.
Research has shown that MAT is just as effective for treating alcohol dependence as it is for other drugs like benzodiazepines and opioids. Studies have found that outpatients receiving MAT treatment reach the same level of sobriety as inpatients. However, the type of setting you select for your detox treatment shouldn't be the deciding factor in your overall recovery. In one study, a significant number of patients had their detox completed in an inpatient setting as opposed to an outpatient setting.
Relapse Prevention
When a person is detoxing medically from alcohol and other drugs, relapse prevention programs should be a priority. This program helps the individual discover more about their addiction and how to manage any triggers that could make them drink alcohol to cope. This could include identifying the elements that are most important to them in recovery including keeping their job and establishing healthy relationships, completing their obligations, and achieving personal goals.
During this time, the person will be able to recognize any negative feelings that might arise, such as boredom or stress. These feelings are often the ones that cause a person to use substances. They will also be encouraged to identify any people or places that could induce cravings, such as parties or family gatherings where alcohol is present. This information will later be used to develop an approach to help them stay sober in these situations.
This plan is usually an amalgamation of strategies which include finding distractions to focus on and having a plan of escape in case the urge drink becomes too strong and learning coping strategies such as taking a walk or using breathing techniques to manage anxiety. In some instances individuals may be taken to a rehabilitation program after the detox phase to continue their treatment and further study these techniques in a secure environment.