Alcohol Abuse Advice

Medications for Alcohol Detoxification

Those who are chronic drinkers have conditioned their bodies to become used to heavy drinking. They have become dependent upon the use of alcohol have an uncontrollable desire to drink. When one reaches this level of alcoholism, he or she will most likely experience the symptoms of withdrawal within three to eight hours after taking their last drink. When one is at this level, these symptoms make it difficult for the person to stop drinking, even if he desperately wants to.

These withdrawal symptoms include heavy sweating, nausea, shakes, strong cravings, and a feeling of general malaise. Occasionally, some heavy drinkers will go into convulsions. These withdrawal symptoms drive the alcoholic to drink more alcohol to avoid them. Through the process of alcohol detox you can pass through the withdrawal stage in from five to seven days. Cravings for the alcohol, however, can continue to plague you for much longer.

One of the most severe and dangerous withdrawal reactions is a symptom called the delirium tremens (DTs). This symptom is experienced in about one in twenty heavy users of alcohol after about two to three days into withdrawal. The symptoms of the DTs include shakes, confusion, audio and visual hallucinations, and sometimes convulsions. This is a serious condition which can cause many physical problems, and could be fatal.

What is detoxification?

When you stop drinking alcohol, this withdrawal period should be experienced in a alcohol detox center where the symptoms can be monitored and ameliorated with medicines. The most commonly prescribed medication for this withdrawal period is chlordiazepoxide, a benzodiazepine medicine. Detoxification should be conducted at a facility that provides round-the-clock medical care and supervision. This is critical for those who are burdened with additional psychological and physical problems, and for those who have any of the following burdens:

Little family or social support

A history of severe withdrawal symptoms

Serious illness

Repeated failed attempts at detoxification

The medicines used in detoxification are much of the same as those prescribed by your family doctor. These centers, however, usually have additional staff that can provide needed support and personal counseling.

Staying alcohol free after detoxification

Not everyone can easily refrain from continued alcohol use after completing a successful detoxification treatment. To prevent such a relapse, most programs offer an aftercare program to monitor your progress and prescribe supporting medications when necessary.

Medicines used

If you are having a problem staying free of abused substances your physician may prescribe medicines to help you not to relapse. Two such drugs are described below.

Acamprosate: A medicine that eases alcohol cravings.

Disulfiram: A medicine used after successful detoxification. Disulfiram can cause unpleasant symptoms if you drink alcohol. The medicine is a deterrent for those tempted to drink.

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