Medications Used During Medical Alcohol Detox
Medical alcohol detox is a crucial first step towards recovery for people struggling with alcohol addiction. This kind of detox provides 24-hour monitoring and support to ensure safety and comfort.
Patients should clear their schedules and remove alcohol from their home prior to beginning detox. They should also consume a healthy diet during this time to provide the body with the necessary nutrients.
Medications
Medical detox is a secure method of eliminating toxic substances from your body while under the supervision of an experienced team of medical experts. This team is typically made consisting of nurses, doctors and therapists. However certain facilities employ advanced practice staff such as nurse practitioners or physician's assistants. Medical detox is a treatment for a variety of addictions like opioid and alcohol disorder.
During the withdrawal phase, you might be prescribed medication to help manage your withdrawal symptoms, or cravings for alcohol or drugs. Some patients do not require medications however they can help make detoxing easier and more comfortable for some.
Benzodiazepines are one of the most frequently prescribed medications during an alcohol detox. These sedatives can be taken either orally or intravenously. The most common benzodiazepines include chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and diazepam (Valium). These drugs can be taken for up to 3 days or as needed.
Another drug that is commonly used during detox for alcohol is the drug naltrexone. This medication binds with the opioid receptors of your brain to inhibit the effects of Morphine, heroin or other painkillers. Naltrexone can be taken in pills or in a injection.
If you suffer from underlying or co-occurring psychiatric problems your physician or nurse might prescribe antipsychotic medications during detox. These medications can help to reduce and control psychotic signs like hallucinations, delusions, or hearing voices.
Inpatient or Outpatient
Inpatient treatment is required for those suffering from a serious addiction to alcohol. Inpatient treatment takes place at a rehab facility and provides the opportunity to concentrate on your recovery. Inpatient programs are usually run for thirty or sixty days. In this time you'll stay in a center for treatment and be closely monitored by medical professionals round all hours of the day.
You'll be separated from your loved ones, family working, and other activities while in inpatient treatment Therefore, it's crucial to be prepared for this kind of treatment. Make sure you have your finances in order and you'll be able to take care of your children and other obligations prior to your scheduled start date. Inpatient care is more expensive than outpatient.
Outpatient treatment is more flexible and is a great option for people with moderate addictions who have stable homes or school/work schedules. Outpatient treatment may include day treatment, hospitalization in part or other options. These programs require a set amount of time each week at a rehab clinic or hospital. These groups also provide outpatient programs and are more flexible.
Based on the circumstances depending on your situation, you can select either inpatient or outpatient treatment for your alcohol addiction. The most effective treatment for you will depend on the severity of your alcohol addiction, as well as whether or not it's accompanied by mental health issues. A professional can help you determine the appropriate level of care and program is the best for your recovery.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines can be used to reduce withdrawal symptoms in alcohol treatment. These medications relax the central nervous systems and are utilized to treat anxiety and insomnia. They can be prescribed as either short-acting or long-acting during detoxification of medical alcohol. It is crucial to remember that benzodiazepines pose a risk when combined with certain medications. They can even cause death if they are not properly monitored and treated. For instance, they could interact negatively with opioid pain medications such as hydrocodone and oxycodone. They can also cause a fatal reaction known as benzodiazepine intoxication when mixed with other depressants.
Benzodiazepines can be very effective in decreasing withdrawal symptoms associated with the process of detoxification from alcohol and can be administered in both outpatient and inpatient settings. They can help reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms as well as prevent seizures due to alcohol withdrawal, which occur in a range of 1 to 4 percent of people who have stopped drinking from alcoholic beverages (Schuckit 1995). There are many types of benzodiazepines available, including short-acting drugs like alprazolam (Xanax) and clobazam (Onfi, Sympazan), intermediate-acting substances like diazepam (Valium) and clorazepate (Tranxene) as well as long-acting drugs like chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and flurazepam (Dalmane). Symptom-triggered therapy is generally preferred for benzodiazepine use in patients suffering from alcohol withdrawal because this makes it difficult for the drug to build up and cause toxic.
Anticonvulsants
Medications such as acamprosate are employed as part of a complete treatment plan to help people remain in recovery. This medication can lessen the desire for alcohol and is linked with longer periods of abstinence. It also helps with withdrawal symptoms. It's typically taken following detoxification, however some people begin taking acamprosate in the course of detoxification based on the recommendation of their physician.
Anticonvulsants are drugs that perform different functions to stop seizures by regulating brain signals. They are prescribed by physicians and can include valproic acid (Depakene), carbamazepine (Tegretol) and Phenobarbital. They may cause liver damage when taken long-term so it's important to have regular blood tests to check this. These medications can also decrease the number of platelets in your blood, which makes it harder for your body to make clots. Women who are pregnant should not use the valproic acid since it can increase the risk of birth defects or harm a unborn baby.
Anticonvulsant medications are also used to treat anxiety and depression as well as sleep disorders such as insomnia. They can be very effective in treating many mental health problems because they balance chemical imbalances of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Sometimes they are utilized to replace benzodiazepines in cases where the patient is not responding. They are also used in the treatment of chronic alcohol dependence disorder when combined with other therapies, like motivational interviewing.
Antipsychotics
Some people experience extreme withdrawal symptoms like hallucinations and delirium if they quit drinking on their o ne. The medications used during medical alcohol detox can reduce these symptoms, and avoid other serious complications such as seizures and heart palpitations. These drugs can also help maintain the body's chemical balance during the detoxification process, reducing the risk of relapse or other issues.
Alcohol detox is typically done in a rehab center for inpatients which provides 24/7 support as the process is carried out. Inpatient detox programs offer medical treatment for addiction and detox. This means that you'll begin your journey to recovery by receiving treatment for your alcohol-related disorder, as well as for your dependence on drugs or alcohol. This combination of treatment and detox 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 also be prescribed a medication such as propranolol and clonidine to treat withdrawal symptoms.
Research has proven that MAT is just as effective in treating alcohol-related disorder as other substances like benzodiazepines and opioids. Studies have shown that outpatients who receive MAT treatment achieve the same level of sobriety as inpatients. detox alcohol of treatment you select should not be a factor in your recovery. In one study, more patients completed detox in an inpatient facility than in an outpatient setting.
Relapse Prevention
If a person is detoxed medically from alcohol they will be encouraged to take part in relapse prevention programs. The program helps the individual discover more about their addiction and how to manage any triggers that could lead them into drinking alcohol to ease their suffering. 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 making progress towards personal goals.
During this process, the individual will be taught to recognize any negative feelings that may occur, like stress or boredom that can result in substance abuse. They will also be urged to recognize any individuals or places that could trigger cravings, such as family gatherings or parties where alcohol is present. The information they provide will be used to create a plan for staying sober in these scenarios.
This plan is usually a combination of strategies, which include finding distractions to focus on, having an exit strategy in the event that the urge to drink becomes too strong and learning coping techniques like taking a walk or using breathing techniques to reduce anxiety. In some instances, a person will be referred to drug rehab after detoxification in order to continue treatment and to learn these strategies.