Medications Used During Medical Alcohol Detox
Medical detoxification of alcohol is the initial step to recovery for those who are struggling with alcohol dependence. This type of detox provides continuous support and monitoring to ensure security.
Patients must clear their schedules and eliminate alcohol from their home prior to beginning detox. They should also consume an appropriate diet during this time to provide the body essential nutrients.
Medications
Medical detox is a secure method to eliminate harmful substances from your body under the supervision of a knowledgeable team of medical experts. detox alcohol includes therapists, nurses, and physicians however some facilities utilize advanced practice staff like nurse practitioners or physician assistants. Medical detox can be used to treat a range of addictions, including alcohol and opioid use disorder.
In the detox phase, medications are often administered to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings for alcohol or drugs. Medications are not necessary for every patient but for certain individuals they can make the process much easier and less painful.
Benzodiazepines are one of the most commonly prescribed medications during an alcohol detox. These are sedatives that can be taken either orally or intravenously. Chlordiazepoxide, which is also known as Valium and Lirium are the most commonly used benzodiazepines. These medications can be taken for up to 3 days or as often as needed.
Another medication that is often used during detox for alcohol is the naltrexone. It binds to the opioid receptors of your brain, thereby reducing the high you get from heroin, Morphine or other painkillers. Naltrexone can be purchased in the form of pills or injections.
Your physician or nurse may also prescribe antipsychotic medications during your detox process if you are suffering from specific psychiatric or co-occurring issues. These medications can reduce and control psychotic signs like hallucinations, delusions or hearing voices.
Inpatient or Outpatient
If you are suffering from a serious addiction to alcohol, inpatient treatment could be required. Inpatient treatment is offered in a rehab center and allows you to concentrate on your recovery. Inpatient programs generally run for thirty, sixty or ninety-days. In this period, you'll live in a center for treatment and be closely monitored by medical professionals round all hours of the day.
Inpatient treatment will separate you from your family, friends, work and other obligations. It's important to be prepared for this kind of situation. Be sure to have your finances in order and you'll be able to manage your children or other responsibilities prior to the date you start treatment. Inpatient treatment is typically more expensive than outpatient treatment.
Outpatient treatment may be less restrictive for those who have moderate addictions and a stable schedule at work, home or at school. Outpatient treatment can include day treatment, partial hospitalization or other options. These programs require a specific amount of time per week in a rehab or hospital. Continuing care groups can be outpatient treatments however they are also more flexible.
Depending on the situation, you can choose either inpatient or outpatient treatment for your alcohol addiction. The most effective treatment for you will depend on the severity of your addiction and whether or not it is accompanied by mental health issues. A professional will be able help you determine the level of care you require and the type of program that is the most beneficial to your recovery.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines can help lessen withdrawal symptoms associated with alcohol treatment. These medications relax the central nervous system and are used to treat insomnia and anxiety. They can be prescribed as short-acting and longer-acting during detoxification for medical reasons. It is vital to keep in mind that benzodiazepines are dangerous when combined with certain medications. They can cause death if not treated and monitored properly. For instance, they may interact negatively with opioid pain medications like hydrocodone or oxycodone. They could also cause fatal reactions known as benzodiazepine intoxication if mixed with other depressants.
home detox alcohol can be used in both an inpatient and outpatient setting to reduce withdrawal symptoms. They can lessen the intensity and frequency of withdrawal symptoms, as well as prevent seizures triggered by alcohol withdrawal. These seizures are believed to occur in 1 to 4 percent (Schuckit, 1995) of those quitting alcohol. There are a variety of benzodiazepines to choose from in the market, including short-acting ones like alprazolam (Xanax) and Clobazam (Onfi, Sympazan), intermediate-acting substances like diazepam (Valium) and clorazepate (Tranxene) as well as long-acting substances like chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and flurazepam (Dalmane). Symptom-triggered therapy is generally preferred for benzodiazepine treatment in patients who are suffering from withdrawal symptoms because it makes it difficult for the drug to build up and become toxic.
Anticonvulsants
Acamprosate is used in a complete treatment program to help people remain in recovery. This medication is believed to lessen cravings for alcohol and is associated with longer periods without drinking. It also aids in reducing withdrawal symptoms. It's typically taken following detoxification, however some people start taking acamprosate during detoxification based on the recommendation of their provider.
Anticonvulsants perform a variety of functions by controlling brain signals to prevent seizures. These medications are prescribed by a doctor and can include valproic acid (Depakene) as well as carbamazepine (Tegretol) and phenobarbital. They could cause liver damage if used for a long time, so it is important to have regular blood tests to monitor this. These medications also reduce the amount of platelets present in your blood, making it more difficult for your body to form clots. Valproic acid shouldn't be taken by pregnant women because it increases the risk of birth defects or harm to the unborn child.
Anticonvulsant medications are also used to treat depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders like insomnia. They are very effective in treating a variety of mental health issues because they can balance chemical imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. They are often used in lieu of benzodiazepines when the patient is resistant to benzodiazepines. They are used to treat chronic alcohol use disorder in combination with other therapies, such as motivational interviews.
Antipsychotics
Some sufferers are afflicted with extreme withdrawal symptoms such as hallucinations or delirium if they try to quit drinking on their own. The medications that are prescribed during medical withdrawal can ease these symptoms and prevent other serious issues like heart palpitations and seizures. These medications can also keep the body's chemical levels in equilibrium during the detox process, which reduces the chance of relapse and other issues.
Alcohol detox is typically done in an inpatient rehabilitation facility where you'll receive 24-hour care as the process is carried out. detox alcohol combine medical drug addiction treatment with detox, so you'll begin your recovery by receiving treatment for your alcohol dependence disorder as well as your addiction to drugs or alcohol. This combination of treatment and detox is known as MAT (medication-assisted therapy). In MAT, you'll probably take antidepressants like SSRIs or sedatives such as benzodiazepines in order to reduce your cravings. You may also take a medication to treat your withdrawal symptoms, such as propranolol or clonidine.
Research has shown that MAT is as effective in treating alcohol-related disorders as it is for other drugs like benzodiazepines and opioids. In home detox from alcohol , studies have found that outpatients receiving MAT treatment achieve the same levels of sobriety as inpatients. However, the setting you select 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 facility than in an outpatient setting.
Relapse Prevention
If a person is medically detoxed from alcohol, they will be encouraged to participate in relapse prevention programs. This is a set of steps that assist the individual to learn more about the underlying cause of their addiction, and also how to handle any triggers that could lead them to turn to alcohol as a way to cope. This might include identifying what is the most important to the individual in their recovery, like keeping an occupation, maintaining healthy relationships and meeting obligations.
During this process it is taught to recognize any negative feelings that arise, such as stress or boredom that can cause an increase in the use of substances. They will be taught to identify people or places that can trigger cravings, like family gatherings and events where alcohol is served. The information they provide will be used to formulate the right plan for staying sober in these circumstances.
home detox alcohol involves an array of strategies. This could include locating distractions, preparing an escape plan in the event that the urge to drink gets too strong, learning ways to cope, such as taking a walk, or breathing techniques to reduce anxiety. In some instances the person may be referred to rehab for addiction after detoxification in order to continue treatment and to learn these strategies.