Medications Used During Medical Alcohol Detox
Medical alcohol detox is a necessary first step towards recovery for those struggling with alcohol addiction. This type of detox offers 24/7 monitoring and assistance to ensure safety and ease of use.
Patients should clear their schedules and remove alcohol from their homes prior to starting their detox. They should also follow an appropriate diet to supply the body with necessary nutrients during this period.
Medicines
Medical detox is a successful way to remove toxic substances from your body under the supervision of a team of experienced medical professionals. The team is typically comprised of physicians, nurses and therapists however some facilities employ advanced practice staff such as physician assistants or nurse practitioners. Medical detox can treat various addictions, such as opioid and alcohol use disorder.
In the detox phase, medications are often administered to ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings for drugs or alcohol. Medications are not necessary for everyone however for certain people they can make the process of detox much easier and less uncomfortable.
Benzodiazepines are one of the most frequently prescribed medications during an alcohol detox. These are sedatives that can be taken orally as well as intravenously. Chlordiazepoxide, also known as Valium and Lirium are the most commonly used benzodiazepines. These medications can be used for up to three days, or on an as-needed basis.
Another drug that is commonly used to help with detoxification for alcohol is naltrexone. It binds to opioid receptors in your brain, and reduces the feeling of high that you feel from morphine, heroin or other painkillers. Naltrexone can be consumed in pill form or injected.
If you have 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 such as hallucinations, delusions or hearing voices.
Inpatient or Outpatient
Inpatient treatment is necessary in the case of a severe alcohol addiction. Inpatient treatment takes place at an addiction treatment center and gives you the opportunity to concentrate on your recovery. Inpatient programs typically last for thirty or sixty days. During this time, you will live in a treatment facility and will be monitored round the clock by medical professionals.
Inpatient treatment will separate you from your family, friends, job and other activities. It is important to be prepared for this type. Make sure you have your finances in order and be able to manage your children or other responsibilities before your start date. Inpatient treatment is typically more expensive than outpatient treatments.
Outpatient treatment is more flexible and is a great option for those suffering from moderate addictions who have stable homes, or school/work schedules. Outpatient treatment may include partial hospitalization, day treatment or other options. These programs require a certain amount of time each week at a rehab or hospital. The continuing care groups are outpatient treatments and are more flexible.
Depending on your situation depending on your situation, you can select either inpatient or outpatient treatment for your addiction to alcohol. The most effective treatment for you will depend upon the severity of your alcohol addiction, as well as whether or not it is associated with mental health issues. A professional will be able to assist you in determining the level of care you require and what kind of program is the most beneficial to your recovery journey.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are widely used to reduce withdrawal symptoms during the phase of detoxification in alcohol treatment. These drugs help relax the central nervous system and can also be used to treat insomnia, anxiety and muscle spasms. They can be prescribed as short-acting and longer-acting during detoxification of medical alcohol. It is crucial to remember that benzodiazepines pose a risk when used in conjunction with other drugs. They can even cause death if they are not treated and monitored properly. For instance, they may be harmful when combined with opioid pain medications such as hydrocodone or oxycodone. They could also cause fatal reactions known as benzodiazepine-induced intoxication when combined with other depressants.
Benzodiazepines can be utilized in both an inpatient and outpatient setting to help reduce withdrawal symptoms. They can help reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms as well as prevent seizures caused by alcohol withdrawal that occur in between 1 and 4 percent of those withdrawing from alcoholic beverages (Schuckit 1995). There are many kinds of benzodiazepines to choose from in the market, including short-acting ones like alprazolam (Xanax) and clobazam (Onfi, Sympazan), intermediate-acting drugs like diazepam (Valium) and clorazepate (Tranxene) and long-acting drugs like chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and flurazepam (Dalmane). It is recommended that benzodiazepine should be used in alcohol withdrawal with treatment that is triggered by symptoms. This makes it harder for the drug buildup and toxic effects to take place.
Anticonvulsants
Acamprosate is utilized in a complete treatment program that helps people remain in recovery. This medication is known to lessen cravings for alcohol and has been associated with longer time periods without drinking. It also aids in withdrawal. It is usually taken after detoxification, but some people start taking acamprosate during detoxification based on the recommendation of their provider.
Anticonvulsants function in a variety of ways by controlling brain signals to stop seizures. These medications are prescribed by physicians and can include valproic acid (Depakene), carbamazepine (Tegretol) and Phenobarbital. The long-term use of these drugs can cause liver damage, so it is essential to conduct regular blood tests to check for liver damage. These medications can also reduce the number of blood platelets, making it more difficult for you to clot. Valproic acid shouldn't be used by women who are pregnant as it increases the risk of birth defect or harm to an unborn child.
Anticonvulsant medicines are also used to treat anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders like insomnia. They can be extremely effective in treating a variety of mental health issues because they balance chemical imbalances of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. They can be used in lieu of benzodiazepines in situations where the patient is unable to tolerate benzodiazepines. They are used to treat chronic alcohol abuse disorder when combined with other treatments like motivational interviews.
Antipsychotics
Some people have extreme withdrawal symptoms, such as hallucinations or delirium if they attempt to stop drinking on their own. The medications used during medical alcohol detox can reduce these symptoms, as well as avoid other serious complications such as seizures and heart palpitations. These medications also help keep the body's chemical balance during the detoxification process, reducing the chance of relapses or other problems.
Alcohol detox typically takes place in an inpatient rehabilitation facility, where you'll receive 24/7 care while the process takes place. Inpatient detox programs offer treatment for addiction to medical drugs and detox. This means that you'll begin your recovery by receiving treatment for your alcohol use disorder, as well as for your dependence on drugs or alcohol. This combination of detox and treatment is known as MAT (medication assisted therapy). During MAT, you'll likely use antidepressants, such as SSRIs or sedatives like benzodiazepines in order to reduce your cravings. You could be prescribed a drug such as propranolol and Clonidine to treat withdrawal symptoms.
Research has proven that MAT is just as effective in treating alcohol-related disorder, as it is with other substances like benzodiazepines and opioids. In fact, studies have found that outpatients receiving MAT treatment have the same sobriety rates as inpatients. However, the type of setting you choose for your detox treatment shouldn't be the sole determinant in your overall recovery. In one study, significantly more people completed detox in an inpatient setting than in an outpatient setting.
Relapse Prevention
When a person is being medically detoxed from alcohol, they are encouraged to participate in programs to prevent relapse. The program helps the individual discover more about their addiction and how to manage any triggers that may make them drink alcohol to cope. This could include identifying what is most important to the individual in their recovery, for example, keeping an occupation and maintaining healthy relationships, as well as fulfilling obligations.
During this process the individual will learn to recognize any negative feelings that may arise, such stress or boredom. These feelings can cause a person to use substances. They will also be taught to identify any people or locations that cause cravings, like family gatherings or parties where alcohol may be present. in home alcohol detox will later be used to develop a plan that helps to stay sober in these scenarios.
This plan usually involves a combination strategies. This could include locating ways to distract yourself, having an escape plan in the event that the urge for alcohol becomes too strong, and learning ways to cope, such as walking, or using breathing techniques to lessen anxiety. In certain instances people will be referred to rehab for addiction after detoxification in order to continue treatment and to learn these strategies.