Medications Used During Medical Alcohol DetoxMedical detoxification of alcohol is the first step in recovery for those struggling with alcoholism. This type of detox offers 24/7 monitoring and assistance to ensure safety and security.Patients should take care to clear their schedules and remove alcohol from their homes prior to beginning their detox. They should also eat nutritious food during this time to supply the body with the necessary nutrients.MedicinesMedical detox is an effective way to remove harmful substances from the body under the supervision of a team of experienced medical professionals. This team is typically made consisting of nurses, doctors, and therapists. However certain facilities employ advanced practice staff such as nurse practitioners or physician's assistants. Medical detox can treat a variety of addictions such as opioid and alcohol use disorder.In the detox phase, medication is often prescribed to help manage your withdrawal symptoms and cravings for alcohol or drugs. They aren't necessary for every patient however for certain people they can make the process much easier and less uncomfortable.Benzodiazepines are one of the most frequently prescribed medications during an alcohol detox. They are sedatives that can be consumed orally and intravenously. The most common benzodiazepines include chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and diazepam (Valium). These medications can be administered for up to three days, or on a regular basis.Another medication that is often used during detox for alcohol is naltrexone. This medication binds to opioid receptors of your brain to block the high that you get from heroin, Morphine or other painkillers. Naltrexone is available in the form of an injection or pill.If you suffer from underlying or co-occurring psychiatric problems, your doctor or nurses may prescribe antipsychotic medication during detox. These medications can reduce and control psychotic symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, or hearing voices.Inpatient or OutpatientInpatient treatment is required for those suffering from a serious alcohol addiction. Inpatient treatment takes place at an addiction treatment center and gives you the opportunity to concentrate on your recovery. Inpatient programs are usually run for thirty, sixty, or ninety days. During this period you will be in a medical facility and be monitored round the clock by medical experts.Inpatient treatment will separate you from your family, friends, work and other activities. It is important to be prepared for this type. Make sure you have your finances in order and be able to take care of your children or other responsibilities before your start date. Inpatient treatment can be more expensive than outpatient.Outpatient treatment may be less restrictive for those who have moderate addictions and stable schedules at work, home or school. Outpatient treatment can include a partial hospitalization or day treatment. These programs require a specific number of hours each week at a hospital or rehab clinic. The continuing care groups are outpatient treatment options and are more flexible.Depending on your situation You can choose between inpatient or outpatient treatment for your addiction to alcohol. The best treatment for you will depend upon the severity of your alcohol addiction and whether or not it's accompanied by mental health issues. A professional can help you determine what level of care and program is best for your recovery.BenzodiazepinesBenzodiazepines are used to help reduce withdrawal symptoms during the phase of detoxification in alcohol treatment. These medications calm the central nervous systems and are utilized to treat insomnia and anxiety. They can be prescribed as short-acting and longer-acting during detoxification for medical reasons. It is important to note that benzodiazepines are dangerous when taken with certain medications and may even cause death if not monitored and treated properly. They can, for example can interact negatively with opioid pain medications like oxycodone or hydrocodone. They can also trigger a fatal reaction known as benzodiazepine toxicity if combined with depressants.Benzodiazepines are extremely effective in reducing withdrawal symptoms in alcohol detox . They can be administered in both outpatient and inpatient settings. They can help reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms and can prevent alcohol withdrawal seizures that occur in a range of 1 to 4 percent of those withdrawing from alcohol (Schuckit 1995). There are a variety of benzodiazepines that are available, including short-acting drugs like alprazolam (Xanax) and clobazam (Onfi, Sympazan), intermediate-acting substances like diazepam (Valium) and Clorazepate (Tranxene) and long-acting drugs 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.AnticonvulsantsMedications such as acamprosate are utilized as part of a complete treatment plan to help people stay in recovery. This medication is believed to lessen cravings for alcohol and is associated with longer time periods without drinking. It also aids in reducing withdrawal symptoms. It is usually taken after detoxification, but some people start taking acamprosate during detoxification based on the recommendation of their physician.Anticonvulsants are used in a variety of ways to prevent seizures by controlling brain signals. They are prescribed by a physician and include the drugs valproic (Depakene) and the phenobarbital (Tegretol), and carbamazepine. The long-term use of these drugs can cause liver damage, which is why it is essential to conduct regular blood tests to keep an eye on. These medications also decrease the amount of blood platelets, making it more difficult for you to clot. Valproic acid shouldn't be taken by women who are pregnant as 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 are very effective at treating mental health conditions, because they regulate the imbalances of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and melatonin. They can be used as a replacement for benzodiazepines when the patient is resistant to benzodiazepines. They can be used to treat chronic alcohol use disorder in combination with other treatments such as motivational interviewing.AntipsychoticsSome people experience extreme withdrawals symptoms such as hallucinations and delirium if they quit drinking alcohol on a regular basis. The medicines used during medical detox can help reduce those symptoms, as well as help prevent other serious issues like seizures and heart palpitations. These medications can also keep the body's chemical levels in balance during the detox process, which reduces the chance of relapse as well as other problems.Alcohol detox typically takes place in an inpatient rehabilitation facility which provides 24/7 support during the process. Inpatient detox programs usually include medical treatment for addiction with detox, so you'll begin your recovery with treatment for your alcohol use disorder and your dependence on alcohol or drugs. This combination of treatment with detox is known as MAT (medication-assisted therapy). In MAT, you'll most likely use antidepressants, such as SSRIs or sedatives like benzodiazepines to reduce your cravings. You may also be prescribed a medication such as propranolol or Clonidine to treat withdrawal symptoms.Research has shown that MAT is just as effective in treating alcohol-related disorders as it is for other substances like benzodiazepines and opioids. In fact, studies have found that outpatients who receive MAT treatment have the same levels of sobriety as inpatients. The type of treatment you select should not be a deciding element in your recovery. In one study, a large amount of patients went through detoxification in an inpatient facility compared to an outpatient setting.Relapse PreventionIf someone is medically detoxing from alcohol, relapse prevention programs will be recommended. This program helps the individual learn more about their addiction and how to manage any triggers which could make them drink alcohol to cope. This may include identifying what is the most important to the person in their recovery, like maintaining a job and maintaining healthy relationships as well as keeping up with obligations.During this process the individual will learn to recognize any negative emotions that arise, like boredom or stress. These emotions can often lead to substance use. They will also be urged to identify any people or places that might induce cravings, such as family gatherings or parties where alcohol is present. The information they provide will be used to create an effective plan to stay sober in these scenarios.The plan is typically an amalgamation of strategies including finding distractions to focus on and having a plan of escape in case the urge drink gets too strong, and learning coping strategies like walking or utilizing breathing techniques to control anxiety. In some instances, the individual may be taken to a rehab program following detox to keep their treatment going and to study these strategies in a safe environment.