When people get caught up in the pleasurable and fleeting effects of substance abuse, they forget they’re poisoning their bodies in the process. After long-term alcohol abuse, a person may be unable to stop drinking, even if they wanted to. The best way to begin recovering from alcoholism is with a detox. Detoxing from alcohol can be uncomfortable — even life-threatening — if it’s done without the proper treatment. Medication for detoxing alcohol is a common practice in rehabilitation centers and can help a person cope with the effects of withdrawal safely and healthily.
At Seaside Palm Beach, we know what medications are used in alcohol detox and offer a luxury detox program where individuals who suffer from drug or alcohol abuse can take the first step in their journey to sobriety. Throughout this program, our staff monitors our patients to ensure they receive treatment that is safe and efficient.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can occur 6 to 48 hours after the person’s last episode of heavy drinking. These symptoms may include:1
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Confusion
- Inability to concentrate
Delirium tremens is also a syndrome that may occur in people detoxing from alcohol. This produces more intense versions of withdrawal symptoms. The appropriate medications are often administered to patients experiencing these symptoms to prevent any further health complications or repeated withdrawal episodes.
Detox is just the first step. Individuals who complete their alcohol detox can continue their recovery process with our luxury alcohol addiction treatment. This program was created to meet the specific needs of people who want to reach sobriety in a safe and comfortable environment.
Medication Used for Alcohol Detox
In some cases, detoxification professionals will administer medication to alleviate uncomfortable or dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Not all individuals undergoing detox will need to take medication, but some may experience symptoms that can cause further physical issues if they aren’t treated properly. A common problem people may experience if they aren’t given medication for alcohol detox is neurotoxicity, which increases their risk of seizures and repeated withdrawal symptoms.1
Some of the best medications for alcohol detox include:1
- Benzodiazepines: a class of sedative medications used to treat insomnia, anxiety, and seizures.
- Adrenergic medications: used to treat irregular pulse and blood pressure.
- Anti-Seizure medications: these kinds of medications can prevent seizures, block kindling in the brain cells (which produces severe withdrawal symptoms), are not as addictive as other medications, treat anxiety and depression symptoms, and are not as sedating as benzos.
These medications may have minor side effects, depending on the person’s health condition. However, they are generally used to treat the severe mental and physical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Even if you know which medications are used in alcohol detox, keep in mind that only medical professionals should administer these medications to detox patients.
As a luxury rehab center in Florida, we advise against at-home detox and encourage individuals to seek professional treatment.
If you or someone you know battles with alcohol abuse, start your treatment today by calling us at 561-677-9374.
Sources:
- NIH- Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal
