Alcohol Detoxification
Alcohol Medication used in Alcohol Detoxification
By Jonathan Huttner
Alcohol detoxification is the process by which a person eliminates the use of alcohol and the presence of alcohol in their system. Those involved in alcohol detoxification need to eliminate their craving and dependency on alcohol. When the body becomes dependent upon alcohol and its use is discontinued, alcohol withdrawal symptoms occur. Alcohol detoxification can be uncomfortable and it is often necessary for certain alcohol medications to be administered to help eliminate these symptoms.
Alcohol Detoxification and Detoxification Medications
Alcohol detoxification can be very painful, both emotionally and physically. The use of detoxification medications help to control the sweats, high blood pressure, tremors, nausea, anxiety, convulsions and seizures, all of which may occur during alcohol detoxification. In some cases, these symptoms can actually cause death. To help lessen the symptoms and in some cases, eliminate them, alcohol medications are suggested.
The alcohol medications of choice are usually benzodiazepines. These drugs assist those with alcohol detoxification and bring short-term relief of drug withdrawal problems like insomnia and anxiety. Thanks to their tranquilizing properties, the drugs within the benzodiazepine family help relax the muscles and make detoxification more comfortable. Benzodiazepines, such as clonazepam and diazepam, are the most popular drugs used for alcohol detoxification. In addition, some detoxification facilities utilize barbiturates to help those battling alcoholism cope with withdrawal symptoms. Barbiturates act as a depressant and work on the central nervous system. They work as a mild sedative and have an anti-convulsant effect, similar to benzodiazepines.
Effects of Detoxification Medications
Care should be taken when using benzodiazepines and barbiturates. Long-term use of these drugs can lead to a tolerance or even addiction. The patient should be slowly weaned off these drugs during the process of alcohol detoxification. This course of action takes between three to seven days to complete successfully.
How Much Alcohol Detoxification Medication is Needed?
The amount of detoxification medication needed depends upon a number of individualized factors. The severity of the alcoholism, the person's age, weight and additional factors are taken into account when determining the amount of alcohol medication needed for a successful alcohol detoxification. Actual alcohol detox protocol is designed for each person individually and adjusted according to the needs of the specific patient.
Treatment After Alcohol Detoxification
Recovering from alcoholism requires more than just alcohol detoxification. Although alcohol detoxification treats the physical aspects of addiction, those who do not continue on to alcohol rehabilitation have a very good chance of relapsing back into alcohol addiction. Recovery from alcoholism is both a psychological and physical process. Research shows that the vast number of recovering patients remain sober only after a site-based alcohol rehabilitation process has been successfully completed. If you or someone you know needs help with alcohol abuse, immediate help is available and should be obtained as soon as possible.
For additional information relating to alcohol detox, go to www.99detox.com or call 1-800-99-DETOX (1-800-993-3869).
Jonathan Huttner is one of the founders of Lakeview Health Systems, which has treated over 7,000 people from throughout the United States. Jonathan has been involved in the field of addiction and eating disorder treatment for the last 25 years.
