Are you or a loved one ready to give up alcohol? Finding the right treatment is important. Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous if done poorly. Having a medically supervised alcohol detox is the best route. Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous because the central nervous system suffers the impact of excessive alcohol use. The central nervous system is comprised of the brain and spinal cord. These two major components, along with the countless nerves connected to each, control much of the function of our bodies.
With excessive alcohol consumption, the nervous system develops a tolerance to it. Excessive alcohol use impairs your brain functioning ability. It also alters how your nerves send messages back-and-forth to the brain. With heavy drinking, your central nervous system gradually adjusted to having alcohol in your system. Because it is a depressant of the central nervous system, your body has adjusted to having this depressant present. When you stop using alcohol, your body has to readjust to “normal.”
What Are Some Reactions To Alcohol Withdrawal?
Getting this right is important because unsafe detoxification practices can lead to death in rare situations. Altering the chemical balance of your body is not something to take lightly. Having professional intervention is key. When you or your loved one decide to make the great decision to stop abusing alcohol there are going to be symptoms.
Symptoms of alcohol detox begin shortly after you stop drinking. Once you stop drinking, you may notice; excessive sweating, vomiting, headache, anxiety, hands shaking, and insomnia. You may notice the symptoms the same day that you stop drinking alcohol excessively.
Depending upon the amount and the duration of alcohol addiction, you may experience more severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms. The more severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms include; high blood pressure, fever, racing heartbeat, intense confusion, and hallucinations. You may also experience delusions or seizures. These more severe symptoms are categorized as delirium tremens (DT’s).
Do I Need Drugs To Stop Abusing Alcohol?
There are several sedative medications that a physician will prescribe if you need medical detox from alcohol. Understanding your drug abuse history is key to know which, if any, medication is necessary. This is a particular part of the detox process and must be supervised by a medical physician. Along with your medical doctor, your treatment team will be comprised of psychological clinicians as well. This team will work with you to create a complete detox and treatment plan.
If you have a history of abusing other drugs in addition to alcohol, your physician will need to take this into consideration when prescribing medications. If you have abused drugs in the past, there is always the potential for relapse. The goal of medical detox is to help you through the withdrawal process while keeping you as safe and comfortable as possible.
There are certain drugs that are helpful for alleviating the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. The type of drug prescribed will depend on the severity of your withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines, such as Librium and valium, are typically prescribed for mild to moderate symptoms. These drugs help to reduce anxiety, tremors, and seizures.
For more severe cases of alcohol withdrawal, other medications may be necessary. Antipsychotic medications, such as haloperidol, help to reduce delirium tremens (DTs). DTs are a potentially fatal complication of alcohol withdrawal. Medications that treat seizures, such as phenytoin, may also be necessary.
What Is The Best Way To Detox From Alcohol?
The very best way to stop using alcohol is to go inpatient at a professional detoxification program. These programs vary in length according to your individual situation. You will have an evaluation at the detox center, and likely you’ll be asked about your alcohol intake. Your decision to give up alcohol will be discussed and explored in all phases of alcohol rehabilitation treatment.
When you’re being evaluated, you will be assessed for the need for medication. Taking medication when you’re detoxing from alcohol can be a great help. Your treatment team will make the assessment. Also, if you have medical concerns, medication may be necessary for your detoxification process.
Tides Edge Detox Center Can Assist With Alcohol Detox
Detox lays the foundation for your entire treatment experience. At Tides Edge Detox Center, we only treat detox clientele. In this way, we can focus on this very important first step. Our professional staff is quite knowledgeable about alcohol detox, as well as several other detoxification processes. We are located in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Some of the specified programming includes:
- Inpatient Detox Center
- Men’s Detox Center
- Women’s Detox Center
- Executive Detox Center
- Holistic Detox Center
Deciding to give up alcohol and save your health is a great step in the right direction. Therefore, let us help you along the way. Call us today at 866.723.3127, or contact us online.
