Alcohol Detox - Some Basic Information

Alcoholism cuts across all strata of society and affects both men and women of different age groups. A person becomes alcohol-dependent when he/she has the strong urge to drink alcohol frequently. The body soon becomes used to a lot of alcohol.

An alcoholic develops withdrawal symptoms 3 to 8 hours after the last drink. Some of the withdrawal symptoms include trembling, sweating, intense craving for alcohol, sensitivity to light, etc. Some individuals can experience convulsions and delirium, although it is rare. They may also experience agitation and confusion. Alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver can develop and further complications such as dehydration may also occur. These symptoms can be fatal in certain cases.

Alcohol detox or detoxification involves taking medications for a short while. It helps a person cope up with the withdrawal symptoms if he/she stops drinking alcohol. The abrupt cessation of alcohol is managed with drugs. The effects of these drugs are much similar to that of alcohol itself that help to counter the withdrawal symptoms. Detoxification may or may not be necessary depending on many factors such as the age of the patient, history of alcohol intake, medical condition, etc.

Alcohol Detox Centers

Alcohol detox is best conducted in medically supervised and professionally managed detox centers. They are equipped with medical facilities that will take care of routine procedures as well as emergencies. Inpatient facilities include experienced counselors, nursing staff, physician on call, and psychologists. Individual and group counseling sessions in such facilities are designed to help the alcoholic to cope up with the emotional angst during the detox. Outpatient facilities are also available for those who can tackle their withdrawal symptoms without medical supervision.

Alcohol Detox Medications

The commonly used family of drugs for alcohol detox is the benzodiazepines followed by barbiturates. Chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, and lorazepam are the commonly used benzodiazepines. They are used in several different patterns. Whereas chlordiazepoxide is used in cases where the withdrawal is uncomplicated, lorazepam is taken as injection for those who are unable to take the medicine orally. Lorazepam and oxazepam are recommended for patients with a problematic liver as these are metabolized outside the liver.

Benzodiazepines work to inhibit nerve cell excitability in the brain. They also reduce the chances of developing seizures. Beta blockers that slow down tremors are also sometimes used in conjunction. Carmazepine, which is an anti-seizure drug, is sometimes used to reduce the amount of benzodiazepines that are being used.

In some cases, nitrous oxide has been seen as an option for treatment of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. This method of treatment has been found helpful in reducing the use of the medications such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates, both of which are highly addictive. Vitamins from the B group are often used during the alcohol detox procedure. A lack of B1 vitamin can lead to severe brain conditions. Anti-psychotic drugs are used to treat extreme cases.

An alcohol detox program is most effective when the patient does not consume any alcohol during the detox procedure. There is also a need for support from friends, family, and loved ones of the patient during the detox procedure.

A patient who has undergone successful alcohol detox is provided with medication and equipped with necessary mental strength that will prevent him/her from relapsing into drinking alcohol all over again.