Not everyone responds to the withdrawal of alcohol the same way. Some are able to stop drinking "cold turkey" without withdrawal symptoms. For others, withdrawal symptoms can be intolerable or even deadly. Depending on your medical and drinking history, your physician or counselor may decide that outpatient alcohol detox is appropriate.
Medications
You'll likely receive medications for use at home during alcohol detoxification. The most common drugs are benzodiazepines, a classification of depressants. Types of benzodiazepines include chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan) and oxazepam (Serax). Since withdrawal symptoms are caused by the nervous system's rebound when the depressing effects of alcohol are gone, the depressing effects of the benzodiazepines result in decreased withdrawal symptoms.
Typically, you'll be prescribed only enough medication to last until the next scheduled visit (usually every 24 to 72 hours). Valium and Librium are long-acting medications that may be dosed on a sliding-scale, based on the symptoms. They may also be dosed on a schedule for maintenance. Serax and Ativan are shorter-acting and require dosing up to every hour. Shorter acting benzodiazepines also have a greater potential for abuse, so many are reluctant to prescribe them for at-home use except by those with severe liver impairments.
Lifestyle & Diet
Some outpatient programs require you to sign a "sobriety contract" that details the treatment process, any prohibited activities, and patient responsibilities. Remove all alcohol products from your home, including uncommon sources such as alcohol based mouthwashes, cooking liquors, and rubbing alcohol. Avoid the places and people that you associate with drinking, if possible. Reduce or stop all stimulants including caffeine. Some counselors also recommend decreasing or stopping smoking, as nicotine is a stimulant.
Most alcoholics are deficient in several vitamins and minerals. Thiamine (B-1) is a very common deficiency, in alcoholics, which can result in serious brain disorders. Many programs give an injection of thiamine at the first appointment. Consider taking a daily multivitamin to help with any nutritional deficiencies.
Eat several small meals a day. Avoid heavily processed and junk foods. Instead, concentrate on proteins, whole grains, and vitamin/mineral rich foods. Naturally sweetened fruit juices are excellent sources of necessary vitamins as well as a good replacement for the calories once consumed in the alcohol. Increase fluid consumption, particularly water, to prevent and treat any dehydration.
Caution
There are serious dangers associated with alcohol detox. Home alcohol detoxification is not appropriate for everyone. If you have ever had hallucinations or seizures from attempting alcohol detoxification, you will likely need to be hospitalized for any subsequent attempt. If your medication does not seem to be working or if your withdrawal symptoms worsen, contact your physician or care coordinator immediately. Obtain immediate medical intervention if you experience any type of hallucination or delirium.
Alcoholism is a chronic disease, like diabetes, that requires regular treatment schedules and monitoring. Keep all appointments with your physician and follow through with counseling.
Tags: withdrawal symptoms, alcohol detoxification, your physician, alcohol detox, depressing effects, outpatient programs