Alcohol detoxification is the sudden termination of alcohol consumption in people who are suffering from alcohol dependency. This method is frequently accompanied by substitution of certain medications to avoid alcohol withdrawal so as to avoid alcohol withdrawal as well. Under certain circumstances, alcohol detoxification may also be practiced by doctors if they believe the patient is suffering from liver disease or alcoholism. It has been found that one out of every four people who have undergone detoxification have returned to their drinking habits in a few months.
There are different methods for inpatient treatment and outpatient alcohol detoxification. In case of inpatient treatment, you will be admitted into a facility that provides detox services. The patients will be required to take prescribed medication during the inpatient treatment. The prescribed medication in this case will include Niacin a common vitamin that helps in the production of adrenaline that helps in suppressing the urge for alcohol. Bupropion is another commonly prescribed medication that reduces the urge for alcohol.
In case of outpatient alcohol detoxification, you can receive treatment at your own home. This treatment type is considered milder than the inpatient treatment. Since there are no hospital visits and medications needed in this method, this type is more cost-effective as well. However, when compared to acute alcohol withdrawal, this form of treatment has lesser chances of success. This is because most alcoholics usually go through severe withdrawal symptoms when they are undergoing detoxification under this mode of treatment.
There are different types of alcohol detoxification regimens. Some of them include fixed tapering dose, graduated dose, and rapid detox regimens. In fixed tapering dose, you are allowed to consume small amounts of alcohol under close medical supervision. Gradual detox provides you with gradual increases in the number of alcoholic beverages. You can consume one beverage every hour or the person can imbibe the same amount during the day or in a two-day span.
In rapid alcohol detoxification, the dosage of alcohol is increased and the person is required to consume it very fast. Usually, patients suffering from delirium tremens are given with high doses of Xanax and other sedatives. They are also given benzodiazepines like Ativan, Klonopin, Valium, and ataxia. The dosage of sedatives and benzodiazepines is adjusted in order to reduce the symptoms of severe alcohol withdrawal seizures. This mode of treatment has been highly effective for many patients suffering from delirium tremens.
Generally, patients suffering from alcoholism are given prescription drugs in a controlled manner. Patients suffering from delirium tremens are given low doses of buprenorphine and in severe cases, some patients may be given buprenorphine along with Lofexidine. This is done in order to reduce the intensity of the withdrawal seizure occurring due to the sudden interruption of buprenorphine intake. Medical drugs can be combined with counseling in order to achieve better results.
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