Alcohol Detox - Symptoms and Drugs Used in Alcohol Detox, and Places to Go for Help

When considering Alcohol Detox, many factors should be considered before beginning treatment. The following article discusses the Symptoms and Drugs Used in Alcohol Detox, as well as Places to Go for Help.
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These factors can make or break your detoxification efforts. It is important to understand the consequences of not receiving adequate treatment for alcohol addiction, and to seek treatment early. To make the process as comfortable as possible, read through the following information.

Treatment
While alcohol is legal, social drinking blurs the line between socially acceptable and excessive consumption. Once alcohol dependency is established, the body sends an alarm signal that withdrawal symptoms are imminent and that medical detoxification is necessary. This treatment helps individuals safely and comfortably overcome withdrawal symptoms. The process of detoxification begins with a comprehensive review of the patient's mental, physical, and emotional history. The doctor then creates a treatment profile that informs the course of treatment. Sometimes, the doctor will prescribe medications for alcohol detox symptoms or concurrent disorders. The objective of stabilization is to help the individual return to a normal life and achieve a balance of body and mind.

Withdrawal symptoms begin within 48 to 72 hours after the last drink. If alcohol has become part of your life, you may experience delirium tremens, a severe form of alcohol withdrawal. It may also occur months or years after a complete alcohol detoxification program. If these symptoms persist, you may need inpatient treatment. Alcohol Detox treatment may be necessary to prevent a delirium tremens-like state.

Symptoms
The most common alcohol withdrawal symptoms occur in the first 48 hours following the stoppage of alcohol consumption. These symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, and muscle spasms. Benzodiazepines can be used to ease these symptoms. Benzodiazepines are available in both long and short-acting forms. Long-acting benzos are typically taken for three days. Common benzos include diazepam and chlordiazepoxide.

Withdrawal from alcohol can be extremely painful and uncomfortable. Some people experience the effects of alcohol withdrawal for days. Decreased blood sugar levels and other physiological changes can lead to hallucinations. Alcohol withdrawal is dangerous, but not impossible. Symptoms usually ease after a week. Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous if there is no medical condition underlying the problem. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, the duration of the alcohol withdrawal may range from several days to several weeks.

Withdrawal symptoms can be painful and begin as soon as two hours after the last drink. In the case of heavy drinking, these symptoms can last for a week or more. The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can also last for weeks or even years, depending on the severity of the situation. It is always advisable to seek medical attention for alcohol detox, as it can be life-threatening and can damage your body. So, when seeking medical assistance, it's best to get a referral to a clinic or hospital.

Drugs used
There are different drugs that are used in alcohol detox. There are some that are helpful while others are only meant to be used to ease withdrawal symptoms. Anti-nausea medications, for example, are commonly used to treat nausea and vomiting. Other common medications include promethazine, Zofran, and metoclopramide. Depending on the type of drug used, the detoxification process may be uncomfortable or painful.

Anticonvulsant medications help manage the withdrawal symptoms and side effects of alcohol. Benzodiazepines and levetiracetam are common anticonvulsants used in alcohol detox. These medications work to open brain channels that decrease the pleasure that alcohol can produce. Ivermectin, a drug commonly used to treat parasitic infections, has also been studied for its potential to treat alcohol addiction. This drug is also used as a preventative measure.

Places to go
When you're looking for the best place to go for alcohol detox, you have a few options. There are inpatient detox programs, which provide 24-hour support, as well as outpatient detox facilities, which offer a more minimal level of support and are more appropriate for people who need to detox without staying overnight. Both options will help you get on with your life and prepare you for subsequent treatment. Inpatient detox centers are typically better for those who are very sick and need specialized care.

Before you choose a facility, you should consider how long you have been drinking and whether you have underlying health issues or are at risk for any. Some people experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms at any time, and these symptoms can be dangerous or uncomfortable. For this reason, it is best to seek the medical care of a professional who has experience in treating alcohol withdrawal. During alcohol detox, a medical professional will monitor your blood pressure and heart rate to make sure that you are not suffering from any underlying health conditions.