Medications Used During Medical Alcohol Detox
Medical detox is a crucial first step in the recovery process for those struggling with alcohol addiction. This kind of detox provides 24/7 monitoring and assistance to ensure safety and security.
Patients must clear their schedules and eliminate alcohol from their homes prior to beginning their detox. They should also eat a healthy diet during this time to supply the body with the necessary nutrients.
Medicines
Medical detox is a secure method of eliminating toxic substances from your body while under the supervision of a skilled team of medical professionals. This team typically includes doctors, nurses and therapists, although some facilities also utilize advanced practice staff like physician assistants or nurse practitioners. Medical detox is a treatment for various addictions, such as opioid and alcohol use disorder.
In the detox phase, medication is often prescribed to ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings for drugs or alcohol. Medications are not necessary for every patient however for certain people they can make the process of detox more comfortable and less painful.
One of the most frequently prescribed drugs during an alcohol detox is benzodiazepines. These are sedatives that can be taken either orally as well as intravenously. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and diazepam (Valium). These drugs can be taken 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 naltrexone. It binds to opioid receptors in your brain and inhibits the high feeling that you get from heroin, morphine or other painkillers. Naltrexone is available in the form of pills or injections.
If you have underlying or co-occurring psychiatric issues your physician or nurse may prescribe antipsychotic medication during detox. These medications can help to reduce and control symptoms of psychosis like hallucinations, delusions or hearing voices.
Inpatient or Outpatient
Inpatient treatment is required in the case of a severe addiction to alcohol. Inpatient treatment takes place at a rehab facility and provides the opportunity to focus solely on your recovery. Inpatient programs usually last thirty, sixty, or ninety-days. During this time you will reside in a medical facility and be monitored around the clock by medical professionals.
You'll be separated from your family, friends as well as work and other pursuits while in inpatient treatment, so it's important to be prepared for this kind of treatment. Before you begin treatment ensure that you have your children or other responsibilities as well as that your finances are in order. Inpatient care is more expensive than outpatient.
Outpatient treatment is more flexible and is a great option for those with moderate addictions who have stable homes or work/school schedules. Outpatient treatment may include partial hospitalization, day treatment or other options. home detox alcohol require a specific amount of time each week at a rehab or hospital. Continuing care groups are also outpatient treatment options and are more flexible.
Based on the circumstances depending on your situation, you can select either inpatient or outpatient treatment for your alcohol dependence. home detox from alcohol for you will depend on the severity of your addiction and whether it is accompanied by other mental health issues or co-occurring disorders. A professional will be able help you determine the amount of care you require and what kind of program is the most beneficial to your recovery.
in home alcohol detox are widely employed to ease withdrawal symptoms during the detox phase of alcohol treatment. These medications relax the central nervous system and are used to treat anxiety and insomnia. They can be prescribed as short-acting or longer-acting during detoxification of medical alcohol. It is vital to keep in mind that benzodiazepines are dangerous when used in conjunction with other medications. They may even cause death if not monitored and treated correctly. For example, they can interfere negatively with opioid pain medication like hydrocodone and oxycodone. They can also cause a fatal reaction called benzodiazepine intoxication if mixed with other depressants.
Benzodiazepines are used in both an inpatient as well as an outpatient setting to help reduce withdrawal symptoms. They can aid in reducing the severity of withdrawal symptoms and prevent seizures due to alcohol withdrawal, which occur in an estimated 1 to 4 percent of people who have stopped drinking from alcoholic beverages (Schuckit 1995). There are a variety of benzodiazepines to choose from, including short-acting drugs such as alprazolam (Xanax) and Clobazam (Onfi, Sympazan), intermediate-acting substances like diazepam (Valium) and clorazepate (Tranxene) as well as long-acting drugs such as chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and flurazepam (Dalmane). The therapy that is triggered by symptoms is typically preferred for benzodiazepine usage in alcohol withdrawal patients because this makes it more difficult for the drug to accumulate and become toxic.
Anticonvulsants
Acamprosate is utilized in a complete treatment program that helps people remain in recovery. The medication can help reduce cravings for alcohol and is associated with longer periods of abstinence. It also helps with withdrawal symptoms. It's usually started after a person finishes detox, however some people begin the process while still in detox, based on the advice of their doctor.
Anticonvulsants function in a variety of ways by controlling brain signals to prevent seizures. These medications may be prescribed by doctors, and include valproic (Depakene) and the phenobarbital (Tegretol), and carbamazepine. Long-term use of these medications can cause liver damage, which is why it is important to have regular blood tests to check for liver damage. These drugs can also reduce the amount of blood platelets and make it harder for you to form clots. Valproic acid shouldn't be taken by pregnant women because it increases the risk of birth defect or harm to the unborn child.
Anticonvulsant medication is also used to treat depression, anxiety and sleep disorders such as insomnia. They can be very effective in treating many mental health conditions because they regulate chemical imbalances of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. They are often used as a replacement for benzodiazepines when the patient is resistant to benzodiazepines. They are used to treat chronic alcohol abuse disorder, in conjunction with other therapies such as motivational interviewing.
Antipsychotics
Some people experience extreme withdrawal symptoms such as hallucinations and delirium if they quit drinking alcohol on a regular basis. Medications used during medical alcohol detox can reduce these symptoms, and also help prevent other serious issues like seizures and heart palpitations. These drugs can also help maintain the body's chemical balance during the detoxification process, reducing the chance of relapses or other problems.
The process of detoxing from alcohol is usually carried out in an inpatient rehab facility, where you'll receive 24/7 support during the process. Inpatient detox programs combine medical drug addiction treatment and detox. This means that you begin your journey to recovery by receiving treatment for your alcohol dependence disorder, as well as for your dependence on alcohol or drugs. This combination of treatment and detox is known as MAT (medication assisted therapy). During MAT you will likely use antidepressants, such as SSRIs or sedatives, such as benzodiazepines to manage your cravings. You may be prescribed a drug such as propranolol and clonidine to treat withdrawal symptoms.
Research has shown that MAT is just as effective in treating alcohol use disorder as it is for other substances like opioids and benzodiazepines. In fact, studies have revealed that outpatients receiving MAT treatment have the same rates of sobriety as inpatients. However, the type of setting you select for your detox program shouldn't be the sole determinant in your overall recovery. In one study, significantly more people completed detox in an inpatient setting than an outpatient setting.
Relapse Prevention
When someone is medically detoxing from alcohol, relapse prevention programs will be a priority. The program helps the individual learn more about their addiction and how to manage any triggers that may lead them into drinking alcohol to cope. This might include identifying what are most important to them in recovery like maintaining their job and establishing healthy relationships, completing their obligations, and achieving personal goals.
During this time, the person will learn to recognize any negative emotions that might arise, such as boredom or stress. These emotions can often result in substance use. They will also be taught to recognize any individuals or locations that induce cravings, such as parties or family gatherings where alcohol is present. This information will then be used to devise an approach to help to stay sober in these circumstances.
This plan is usually a combination of strategies, such as finding distractions to concentrate on, having an exit strategy in case the urge drink gets too strong, and learning coping techniques like taking a walk or using breathing techniques to reduce anxiety. In certain instances, a person will be referred to rehab for addiction following detoxification to continue treatment and learn these strategies.