What Happens in Alcohol Detoxification?

The process of alcohol detoxification varies according to your level of dependency and the types of withdrawal symptoms you are experiencing. You may choose to treat low-level intensity withdrawal symptoms at home, but it is advisable to seek medical attention and be treated in an inpatient medical facility to be sure that you are properly cared for during this difficult transition.

Symptoms of Withdrawal

• Withdrawal symptoms may include delerium tremens, commonly referred to as DTs. DTs may occur three days to two weeks after you consume your last alcoholic drink. Characteristics of DTs may include tremors, hallucinations, elevated pulse, high blood pressure, agitation and confusion. Other symptoms of alcohol withdrawal may include insomnia, anxiety, elevated body temperature, nausea, vomiting and seizures. Medical treatment of these symptoms is often necessary due to the serious and often fatal nature of many untreated symptoms.

Medical Assessment

• Once you have made the decision to enter a medical facility to treat your alcohol withdrawal symptoms, the medical staff will prepare a medical assessment of your condition. You may be asked to rate your symptoms from 1 to 10, with 1 being mild or nonexistent and 10 being severe. After these findings are reviewed by a doctor, you will begin any necessary pharmaceutical therapeutics. Some medications for treatment may not be started until all alcohol is out of your bloodstream.

Pharmaceutical Therapeutics

• The level of your withdrawal symptoms and the types of symptoms you are experiencing will determine the medications you need to treat your symptoms. Often, lorazepam or diazepam is prescribed for patients experiencing anxiety. Haloperidol may be prescribed if you are experiencing extreme agitation. A combination of lorazepam and haloperidol may be prescribed for extreme symptoms. Many medical facilities institute a vitamin protocol for patients going through alcohol withdrawal who are deficient in vitamins due to excessive alcohol abuse. Folic acid and thiamine are often given as injections for several days along with an oral multivitamin.

Other Treatment

• While undergoing pharmaceutical therapeutics, the medical staff of the facility may choose to implement therapy with trained counselors or with nursing staff. Therapy sessions will monitor your progress with medications and open lines of communication to discuss any underlying problems or reasons for excessive drinking. Recommendations for outside treatment with recovery programs and groups are often implemented in therapy sessions to be sure that you have an outside support group to prevent further alcohol abuse.