Alcohol Detox and RehabWhen someone is beginning the process of detox, it is essential to clear their schedule for the duration of their treatment. They will require support from family and friends.The majority of medications are prescribed to help reduce uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines (like diazepam and chlordiazepoxide) are the most common.MedicinesThe use of medications can suppress and reduce withdrawal symptoms. However, these medications do not treat the underlying addiction, but instead help you to get through the initial stages of withdrawal. During this time, it's important to keep in mind that despite the drugs, you'll have to continue with alcohol treatment to successfully overcome your drinking addiction.A medical professional will recommend the correct medication for your particular situation. This will include an in-depth review of your health and drinking history. They'll also consider any other medications that you are taking in addition to a thorough physical examination. They'll then design an alcohol detox program that's specific to your needs and goals.Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous and even fatal, especially when symptoms such as seizures or delirium are present. It is highly recommended that you seek medical attention in the event that you want to quit drinking. If you attempt to stop drinking cold turkey, it can put you at risk and should be done under the supervision of a doctor or trained therapist.The most popular benzodiazepines are medicine prescribed for withdrawal from alcohol. These sedatives can be prescribed as Librium (chlordiazepoxide), and diazepam, or in other forms. These drugs differ in their effectiveness as well as their duration of action and time of onset. Other sedatives like barbiturates, are also used to treat withdrawal from alcohol, but these are less commonly prescribed due to their high toxicity and the possibility of addiction.Another drug used for alcohol detox is disulfiram. This drug works by interfering the enzyme acetaldehyde-dehydrogenase. This medication can cause a violent, unpleasant reaction when alcohol is consumed. Antabuse is the brand name used for this medication. in home alcohol detox require a hospital stay or other treatment facility to complete the program. Outpatient alcohol detox is performed when your home and support system are stable, and you can be committed to regularly visiting an office for medication. Outpatient detox is a great choice for those who are less likely to relapse and have good mental and physical health.MonitoringMany people who suffer from an alcohol addiction problem are also suffering from a co-occurring mental health condition. If this is the case, your healthcare provider might use monitoring to monitor the amount of alcohol and drugs you consume throughout the treatment process. Monitoring can take a variety forms, including self-reporting, breathalyzers, and urinalysis. Understanding the process of monitoring is crucial to be part of your treatment plan.The first step to detox from alcohol is generally to stop drinking completely. Some people can accomplish this on their own but most require medical assistance. Your doctor will assess the situation and recommend a method of detox. During this process, you might be prescribed sedatives to relax you and lessen the severity your withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor will monitor your vital signs to ensure that you calm and comfortable during this stressful time.Following the detox phase you'll move into the rehab phase of your recovery. During this phase, you will be supported by your treatment team to understand the root causes of your addiction and learn healthy habits. They'll also help you learn how to manage your addiction and avoid relapse.A significant part of rehabilitation is learning to cope with stressors and triggers that can lead you back to drinking. You'll establish a support network and develop new coping strategies that will help you remain sober. You'll also learn how to recognize when your cravings for alcohol are beginning to appear and act before they get out of control.Monitoring is an essential part of recovery as it helps you remain accountable to your sobriety goals. It can help you keep track of your progress and identify obstacles that hinder your success. You can also develop your skills for coping and manage stress by interacting with other recovering addicts in an online community.In addition to monitoring your alcohol use, you'll need to track your daily activity and eat healthy, balanced meals to help you maintain sobriety. You'll also need to find a sponsor and attend meetings regularly. During these meetings, you'll discuss your journey with other recovering addicts and receive encouragement from them. These meetings also provide an opportunity to talk about the issues you're having with your addiction and work on a plan to move forward.TherapyDetoxification is the first step to overcome an addiction to alcohol. It reduces the body's dependence on alcohol by removing the chemical components of the body that trigger a high when consuming the substance. It is an process that requires a medical professional to oversee. Doing it on your own can be risky and even fatal. It's important to seek outpatient or inpatient treatment at a center that specializes in treating addiction to alcohol.Inpatient detox centers are staffed with an entire team of medical professionals who can assess your progress and provide medications to ease the discomfort that comes with this difficult time. The medicines that are used during the process of detoxification aid in keeping your body's chemicals in balance and reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines are the most frequently used drugs during detoxification from alcohol. They can be prescribed in long-acting or short-acting forms. The Benzos, such as chlordiazepoxide also referred to as Lirium and diazepam or Valium, are prescribed to treat withdrawal, insomnia and muscle spasms.A person who is dependent on alcohol has developed a physical dependence on the drug and it could be dangerous to stop drinking cold turkey or without a monitored detox program. This could lead to serious health problems, including seizures and severe loss of water. alcohol home detox who attempt to detox on their own relapse and become alcoholics again. After you have completed your detox, you can break the cycle by enrolling in an outpatient or an inpatient rehab program.The length of your detox process will depend on the severity of the addiction to alcohol, as well as the amount of alcohol you consume regularly. Some people can complete the detox process within three to ten days however, this can vary from individual to individual. It can be influenced by gender, since men and woman suffer from withdrawal differently.Some people choose to undergo a quick, or rapid detox program to speed up the process. These programs are more costly and not covered by insurance. However, they can reduce the risk of developing withdrawal symptoms and other health problems during the detoxification. However, the majority of people who undergo this type of detox will still have to face cravings and other psychological issues when the drugs leave their bodies.SupportOnce you are in detox, your doctor will ask questions about your health and previous use of alcohol and other drugs. Even if the questions seem difficult, you could be asked to answer honestly them. This information is used to help determine the best course of action for you.During detox, you will likely be offered a range of drugs to ease your withdrawal symptoms. These include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam and anticonvulsants, such as carbamazepine. You may also be prescribed antidepressants like nefazodone and antipsychotics such as Olanzapine to treat withdrawal symptoms that are associated with depression or anxiety. Relapse prevention medications, such as Acamprosate and naltrexone are also frequently used to treat cravings for alcohol.You will be monitored regularly during this time. Your temperature, blood pressure and heart rate will be checked, as is your breathing. Your doctor will also look to determine if there's any complications, such a seizures or delirium tremens. These could be risky.After the detox process is over after which you will be able to start your rehab treatment. You may have the option of long-term residential treatment, where you will live on the rehab facility's campus. Or home detox from alcohol could opt to go through outpatient rehabilitation, which means you'll be attending sessions of therapy during the day and then return home at night.There is no clear evidence that one method of treatment has more benefits than the other one for long-term recovery, but some people find it beneficial to combine both. No matter which rehab program you choose to use, it is essential to remember that addiction treatment isn't an instant solution. To get the results you desire requires patience, time, and hard work.Detox can be uncomfortable However, it's a vital step for anyone suffering from AUD. You can get through this difficult period with the right support system, and then embark on living a healthy, productive life in rehab. Then, once you're clean you'll be able truly enjoy everything life has to offer. Start your addiction recovery today! Click here to learn about the various rehab treatment options.