The Most Commonly Used Medications During Alcohol Detox at Skyward Treatment Center
| |Alcohol, although legally permissible, is a very risky substance. There is a high risk of dependency, and quitting alcohol is difficult. Alcohol is one of the few drugs that can cause fatal withdrawal symptoms if you try to quit using it suddenly.
Overcoming alcohol addiction may be a monumental challenge given the pervasive nature of alcohol in modern culture. Going to an alcohol addiction treatment center can greatly increase your chances of successfully cutting down or quitting alcohol. It is recommended to undergo alcohol detox under the supervision of medical specialists who can spot any withdrawal symptoms and provide prompt treatment. Your doctor may recommend a course of treatment that includes some medications to ease the withdrawal symptoms and the alcohol detox process in general.
Most Commonly Used Medications During Alcohol Detox
A variety of drugs may be administered to alleviate withdrawal symptoms during alcohol detox at an inpatient rehabilitation center. The use of medications maintains a healthy balance of substances in the body. The drugs are tried, and their side effects are monitored. If a drug starts to cause serious side effects or if it slows down the detox process, a different medication is tried.
Below are the most commonly used medications during alcohol detox:
- Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines (benzos) are often administered during alcohol detox in order to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Insomnia, anxiety, and muscular spasms are just some of the conditions for which these drugs may be administered. There are two different types of this medication: fast-acting and slow-acting. Common dosing schedules for long-acting benzodiazepines include three daily doses. The most commonly used benzos include diazepam (Valium) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium).
- Disulfiram
Disulfiram is another drug used to treat alcoholism. Disulfiram is effective because it causes significant negative responses to alcohol when used. Some of the side effects of disulfiram include redness of the face, headache, nausea, vomiting, general body weakness, and low blood pressure if you drink it while taking it. The side effects are meant to discourage you from drinking.
- Naltrexone
Taking Naltrexone during alcohol detox may significantly ease withdrawal symptoms. Due to the fact that Naltrexone might actually cause some withdrawal symptoms, it is advised to wait 7-10 days before administering this drug. It’s available in tablet form as well as an injectable solution.
- Acamprosate
Heavy drinking over a long period changes the brain’s structure and function. Your doctor may prescribe acamprosate, also known as Campral to aid in the restoration of your normal brain functioning. Acamprosate’s potential to alleviate the sleeplessness, anxiety and irritability associated with PAWS has also been the subject of preliminary research. It also helps lessen alcohol cravings without causing any negative side effects.
Seek Help Immediately!
Your life does not have to be controlled by alcoholism. Alcohol detox is the first and most important step towards full alcohol addiction recovery. Skyward Treatment Center offers a wide variety of alcohol addiction treatment options. We are also firm believers in tailoring addiction treatment programs to each patient’s needs. Our compassionate staff is ready to assist you in making positive life changes. Contact our Houston facility’s admissions to learn more about alcohol detox and related treatment options.