Alcohol is one of the most abused drugs, acting as a central nervous system depressant, and is today widely abused by many. When consumed regularly and in larger quantity, the body builds tolerance to the alcohol, affecting the brain and motor functions. Such dependence means that the withdrawal symptoms (mild or life threatening) will appear when the alcohol consumption stops.
The best thing an alcoholic can do is seek help from a professional rehab center, where detox will be conducted in a controlled environment by medical professionals. During detox, alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be mitigated through the use of medication provided by board-certified doctors. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Insomnia
- Seizures
- Dehydration
- Nausea
The most common medications administered during detox are benzodiazepines, mostly used to minimize the over-activity that the central nervous system may experience as it seeks to return to its normal condition. During the detox treatment for alcohol, there are some key things that are monitored by the detox staff, in order to keep patients stable. These include:
- Heart rate
- Blood Pressure
- Body temperature
- Respiration
Medications Used During Alcohol Detox
For those with chronic, long-term alcoholism, there is a technique used in which alcohol doses are decreased over a period of time. A medical practitioner normally supervises this through an elaborate tapering schedule that he/she sets up. The point here is to remove the alcohol from the system gradually and avoid major cravings. It also may minimize some of the other harsh symptoms experienced during the detox protocol.
During the detox stage, there are three key medications that are used to treat alcohol withdrawal and dependency. These are:
- Acamprosate
- Naltrexone
- Disulfiram
These drugs are very effective in the management of withdrawal symptoms, and help to reduce the individual’s urge to drink again.
Sometimes Naltrexone is used, which acts as a blocker of the opioid receptors in the brain, reducing the cravings and the pleasure that come as a result of drinking alcohol. Topiramate is a medication used during detox, which interferes with the way alcohol acts on the reward receptors of the brain, essentially blocking any feelings of pleasure and cravings.
Phases of Alcohol Detoxification
Acute Withdrawal Phase
This is the first phase of alcohol detox, in which individuals experience tremors, seizures and some autonomic nervous system hyperactivity, mainly setting in around 48 hours after the last drink. Delirium Tremens (DTs) can occur in some patients around 72 hours. This withdrawal symptom is serious and can cause the person to experience visual and auditory hallucinations. Increased heart rate is also experienced in addition to gastrointestinal problems.
Early Abstinence Phase
This is the second phase of alcohol detoxification. It is characterized by mood swings, anxiety, depression and disrupted sleep patterns. Anxiety normally begins to subside about 3-6 weeks after the person stops drinking, and it is said that women may take longer to pass this phase compared to men.
Protracted Abstinence
This is the final phase in the alcohol detox process, in which some elements of anxiety and dysphoria may be expected occasionally, but are not that prevalent. People in this phase may tend to be in a bad mood and sometimes feel irritable and agitated.
Unsure which of the stages of recovery you’re in? Learn more with restore!
If you are in need of alcohol detox services, contact us today at Restore Health and Wellness Center at (888) 979-4570 or visit our alcohol rehab center in Thousand Oaks, CA at 6918 Owensmouth Ave Canoga Park, CA 91303. 24/7 Admissions (818) 722-9019. On-Site Contact (818) 806-3914.
