Alcohol Detoxification

Alcohol detoxification or detox is a process wherein an addicted patient abruptly stops using alcohol and receives treatment for symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. It is recommended that alcoholics receive alcohol detox in a treatment facility that is equipped to deal with the process. It may also be done at home as long as the patient has the necessary medical, familial, and social support.

The abrupt cessation of alcohol intake can lead to symptoms of withdrawal. These symptoms generally last around 5 to 7 days after starting alcohol detox. The length and degree of the patient's addiction contributes to the severity of symptoms experienced. For most alcoholics, withdrawal symptoms include sweating, trembling, feeling sick, and craving for alcohol. Craving, however, usually lasts long after the alcohol withdrawal symptoms have subsided.

In drug detox, a patient may experience a barrage of symptoms collective known as Delirium Tremens or the 'DTs'. The DTs are a more severe reaction to alcohol withdrawal and occur in 1 out of 20 patients who undergo drug detox. DT symptoms include tremors, known as 'The Shakes' and delirium. Symptoms of delirium include confusion, agitation and hallucinations. The DTs may also cause convulsions and can have serious complications such as dehydration and other physical problems. In some cases, DTs can be fatal, especially if not properly handled.

Patients undergoing rehabilitation are given drugs that help prevent or minimize withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines are most commonly used in drug rehabilitation. Benzodiazepines include Lorazepam (Ativan), Diazepam (Valium), and Chlordiazepoxide (Librium).  If Benzodiazepines fail to work, healthcare providers would usually prescribed other drugs such as Sympatholytics and Carbamezepine. Aside from those drugs, patients are given vitamin and mineral supplements to improve their nutritional status. A healthy diet is also necessary to help patients cope with alcohol detoxification better.

During alcohol detoxification, patients have to be closely monitored. A regular check of their vital signs (i.e. blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate) is important in determining how they are coping with the drug detox. Patients must be subjected to constant checks to ensure that they are alcohol free. This is possible with the help of breathalyzers or blood tests. Periodic sweeps of the patients living quarters will help ensure that they are not hiding any alcoholic beverages.

Familial and social support is necessary in alcohol detoxification. It doesn't matter if the patient chooses to do it at home or in a rehab center. The important thing is that they have the support of family and friends. Drug rehabilitation centers have scheduled visiting periods. Family therapy sessions are also conducted. Those who are subjected to rehabilitation at home will require family support to help them stick to the drug detox. Health professionals should also conduct periodic visits to check on the patient's health.

Alcohol withdrawal does not affect the patient alone. It can also strain their social relationships, but if with determination and a healthy support group, they will have a better chance of getting through it.