Alcohol Detox Center - The First Step to Overcoming Alcoholism
Whether you've been drinking for a long period of time or are just beginning to confront addiction, detox may help. It's a first step in overcoming alcoholism.
Benzodiazepines can be used to alleviate withdrawal symptoms that occur during the process of detoxification. These medications calm down the brain's GABA receptors, which prevent seizures and calm you.
The Signs of Alcohol Withdrawal
If someone suffering from alcohol-related use disorder (AUD) ceases drinking, they experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can be dangerous and distressing and could lead to serious health complications. Anyone suffering from a severe addiction to alcohol need to undergo detox to rid their body of the chemical.
Detox is the first step on a person's journey to recovery from an alcohol use disorder. During this period, your healthcare provider will monitor your blood pressure and heart rate and other signs. You'll also be given medication to help reduce withdrawal symptoms and avoid any medical emergency. The medication is typically a benzodiazepine, such as diazepam or chlordiazepoxide.
Once you've gone through detox, it's essential to continue your treatment. The goal of a rehab program is to identify the root causes of your addiction and teach you how to manage your alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Inpatient facilities offer a more immersive environment where you can get support from other patients. However, outpatient programs allow you to manage your responsibilities and maintain a better work-life balance.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can begin within 6-12 hours after your last drink. They'll start mildly, but then increase in intensity and severity over the next 24 hours. During this phase you will be experiencing increased anxiety, shaking and nausea. Some people will even have a fever that is high which could be life-threatening if not dealt with properly.
On the second day, you will feel more relaxed. There may be some of the more intense symptoms, such as hand tremors or confusion. These symptoms will likely diminish by the time the week is over, but may reappear at times throughout your recovery.
During this phase, your healthcare provider may prescribe long-acting tranquilizers to manage withdrawal symptoms and maintain your levels of comfort as high as is possible. The medications can ease your muscles, reduce your desire for alcohol and lessen the signs of withdrawal. They're typically prescribed as Librium and Valium, and can be taken for a period of up to three days or as required. It's essential that you have access to these medications when you stop drinking.
Medical Care
When a person suffering from alcohol use disorder (AUD) ceases drinking, withdrawal symptoms occur. These symptoms can be uncomfortable and, if severe, can be dangerous. It is crucial that rehab and detox are provided in a controlled setting.
To ease the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms, medication is used. The most common medications include benzodiazepines. They mimic the effects of alcohol on GABA receptors in the brain. This helps ease the discomfort of withdrawal and reduces the risk of seizures. Other medications used during detox include antipsychotics that assist in controlling psychotic symptoms, such as hearing and seeing things that aren't there. These medications comprise olanzapine (Risperdal), Seroquel, and Risperdal.
Medical detox is the first step in addiction recovery. It is crucial to do this in a controlled medical setting, as it can be risky if not treated by a medical professional. The process can last up to four days and be a challenge. Hospitalization may be necessary for those suffering from delirium-tremens or the worst form of withdrawal from alcohol.
Inpatient medical detox is the best choice for anyone who wishes to overcome addiction to alcohol. Residential treatment facilities are available 24/7 support and can tackle a variety of addiction-related problems. Inpatient facilities offer support groups and counseling to help patients identify the root causes of their addiction. This is often more effective than treating symptoms of addiction and can help to achieve a lasting recovery.
Outpatient medical detox is an alternative that is less intensive for those who reside at home or work from home. This type of detox involves regular sessions in a facility that last for just a few minutes per day.
In general, detoxing outpatient has a lower success rate than detoxing inpatient. Outpatients are more likely to not attend detox sessions or to return to the program after it is completed. The studies conducted haven't demonstrated that one type of detox is superior to one in terms of long-term treatment outcomes. Outpatient detox is a feasible option for those seeking to recover from alcoholism.
Counseling
An alcohol detox center will also provide counseling to help you deal with the physical and emotional signs of withdrawal. The type of counseling you receive depends on your specific requirements. A counselor might ask questions about your relationship to alcohol and what triggers you to drink. This information will be used to create an individual treatment plan that will allow you to stay sober once you have completed the process of detoxification from alcohol.
Many people struggling with addiction will benefit from a treatment program that incorporate cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches you how to identify and change negative behavior. CBT will teach you how to manage your urges to drink alcohol by substituting them with healthier and more productive actions. CBT also incorporates mindfulness, a technique that can help you manage anxiety and help you focus on the moment.
Group therapy and family therapy are two other types of therapy that can be included in a program for detoxification from alcohol. These therapies can help you build solid support systems that will help you overcome your alcohol addiction. They will also show you how to handle withdrawal symptoms and any other issues that might arise on your detox journey.
It is essential to know the process of detoxification and rehabilitation when you suffer from a severe or long-term alcohol addiction. This will allow you to select the right program for you. You may find that the most suitable option for you is to go through a residential rehab that lasts for 3 to 6 months. Or, you can choose outpatient treatment which lets you stay at home and receive treatment.
Outpatient alcohol detox can be an effective and safe choice for those who are experiencing mild or moderate withdrawal symptoms. Inpatient detox however is the best option for those who are at risk of developing life-threatening withdrawal symptoms from alcohol or have suffered serious medical issues as a result of drinking for a long period of time.
If you're thinking about outpatient or inpatient alcohol detox, it's important to answer all questions on your application honestly. The more information you provide, then the more customized your treatment will be. This will ensure you receive the best possible outcome and will prevent you from getting back to the same place.
Support
Alcoholism is a complex problem that requires expert assistance. A detox facility is a first step towards getting the care you need to overcome your addiction to alcohol, and the physical and psychological complications that accompany it. You'll have access to medical services as well as counseling, life skills training, and families and alumni support groups.
The staff of an alcohol detox center can provide you with information about other resources available in your local area to assist with addiction treatment and recovery. This is particularly beneficial if you are living with co-occurring disorders like mental health issues or a history of depression. The staff will look over your alcohol and drug use history in order to determine how to best meet your needs. This is an essential part of the process that should not be skipped and should be answered honestly. The more precise the data, the more efficient the treatment will be.
Once you've gone through detox, the next step in your recovery journey is to enroll in a residential treatment program. This can be done on-site in a rehabilitation facility or in an alternative drug-free setting like a sober living home. In this kind of program, you will live in a clean, sober setting for 30 to 90 days or longer. You will be given counseling and educated on the principles of recovery. This includes how to deal with triggers that could cause the possibility of a return.
Some facilities offer group therapy sessions, in which you can discuss your addiction with others who are experiencing the same issues. Some offer individual counseling with a psychiatrist or therapist. Others offer family counseling, where you and your loved ones talk about your addiction together. Online therapy services allow you to connect with an therapist at any moment and from any place. You will continue to receive assistance for your recovery even after you leave the detox facility.