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Protocol for Alcohol Detoxing Patients

Alcohol detox can be done on an inpatient or an outpatient basis. When most people think of detox, they think of the period of acute detox in which patients actually experience physical symptoms as their bodies' withdraw from dependence on alcohol. This is only the first stage in detox, which has two goals: purging toxins from the body, and helping to treat and manage addiction.

  1. Setting Protocol

    • The American Society of Addiction Medicine has set forth a three-step protocol for helping patients to detox from alcohol. The three goals are: 1) a safe withdrawal; 2) a humane withdrawal; 3) to prepare for continued treatment to manage alcohol dependence. All protocols must be set with those aims in mind. The method of achieving these three goals depends on the patient. In some cases, detox should be observed by medical professionals to ensure a safe withdrawal. In some cases, drug therapy should be used to ensure a humane withdrawal. Finally, in some cases, continued in-patient or outpatient therapy and support may be appropriate to ensure that the patient can manage his addiction.

    Detox Protocol During Acute Detox

    • The acute detox period lasts an average of three to seven days. Mild symptoms, including irritability, insomnia, stomach upset and loss of appetite usually begin within 12 to 24 hours. Hallucinations can begin within 24 to 48 hours. Seizures and convulsions can begin within 48 to 72 hours. The symptoms usually peak, or become worse, at five days. After seven days, the period of acute detox is usually over, and patients can begin the long-term recovery process of learning to manage addiction.

    Therapies Used in Detox

    • The protocol for administering therapy depends on the patient. Drug therapy may be useful during the acute detox period. Drugs, including phenytonin, beta blockers, carbamazepine, benzodiazepine, haloperiodl and clonidine may be prescribed to minimize symptoms associated with detox. After the acute detox period is over, patients usually attend classes, meetings and therapy sessions to learn to understand and manage addiction. If the patient is at an inpatient recovery center, the average length of this detox and rehabilitation period is six weeks. The length of out-patient treatment varies depending on the program and patient. Some recovery programs, like Alcoholics Anonymous, suggest that recovery is a lifelong process.

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