Addictions can be easy to form, but difficult to break. If you or someone you know is battling alcohol addiction you’re not alone. Over 7 percent of the American population, over the age of 18 are dealing with drinking problems. An estimated 8.1 million Americans suffer from alcohol dependence.
There are various detox processes that have been created for the purpose of alcoholism treatment, and dedicated alcohol detox centers exist to help even further. These centers can help support individuals, and guide them through a successful detoxing process.
The Detox Process
The first hurdle in overcoming any addiction is getting past the withdrawal stage. Typically symptoms of withdrawal will begin one to two weeks after beginning a detox, though this can vary based on dependency level. Withdrawal is caused because the body, after becoming used to a substance, now has to adjust to being without it. Since alcohol acts as a depressant, it caused a specific chemical release in the brain, and when you quit symptoms such as nausea, headache, and irregular heartbeat can occur as your body regulates itself.
For many people this is the hardest step to overcome, but with support it is possible to get past. Detox centers are able to provide medication that can help deal with symptoms if needed, which is another reason these centers are invaluable tools in the detoxing process. This is especially true if the addition is severe, as care under medical professionals can ensure a smoother recovery process.
Detox Processes
Some patients are able to detox while acting on an outpatient program; however, more severe cases can require an inpatient process. For less dependent cases medication may not be necessary with adequate support and counseling sessions; however, medication is an option if needed. A few of the most commonly used are:
- Benzodiazepines. These medications are used to calm the nervous system during detox processes, and can help mitigate insomnia and spasms. It can come in short-acting or long-acting forms depending on what a patient needs.
- Naltrexone. This can help block cravings by interfering with the ‘high’ alcohol can cause. It is typically administered 7 to 10 days into detox, and can be either injected or taken as a tablet.
- Disulfiram. To prevent consumption this medication can be used as it causes ill effects when taken with alcohol. Symptoms can range from nausea and weakness, to headaches and low blood pressure. These negative effects are meant to train your brain to stop associating drinking with pleasurable feelings.
- Acamprosate. Since heavy drinking can alter the way the brain functions, this drug is used to help reform the brain towards thinking normally. It can also reduce cravings, but unlike disulfiram it won’t produce negative symptoms if taken with alcohol.
- Benzodiazepines. These medications are used to calm the nervous system during detox processes, and can help mitigate insomnia and spasms. It can come in short-acting or long-acting forms depending on what a patient needs.
- Naltrexone. This can help block cravings by interfering with the ‘high’ alcohol can cause. It is typically administered 7 to 10 days into detox, and can be either injected or taken as a tablet.
- Disulfiram. To prevent consumption this medication can be used as it causes ill effects when taken with alcohol. Symptoms can range from nausea and weakness, to headaches and low blood pressure. These negative effects are meant to train your brain to stop associating drinking with pleasurable feelings.
- Acamprosate. Since heavy drinking can alter the way the brain functions, this drug is used to help reform the brain towards thinking normally. It can also reduce cravings, but unlike disulfiram it won’t produce negative symptoms if taken with alcohol.
Any addiction is hard to break on your own, and alcoholism affects more people than we think. If you or someone you know struggles with this issue it’s never the wrong time to break the cycle. Detoxing processes are designed to help even the more severe dependencies. With support from family and detox professionals, change can be made.