Alcohol withdrawal medication is often used in inpatient rehabs or medical detox centers. Medications used for alcohol withdrawal can also help in maintaining the chemical balance within the body, significantly reducing the likelihood of severe complications during detox.
Medications to help with alcohol withdrawal are administered by medical professionals. If any medication triggers adverse reactions or impedes the detoxification process, an alternative treatment can be promptly implemented. Read on to learn more about alcohol withdrawal syndrome medication.
Types of Medication for Alcohol Withdrawal
In cases of severe alcohol withdrawal, medications are often prescribed to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. While it may seem manageable to detox at home without the benefit of medications or medical supervision, opting out of medication can provoke negative outcomes in subsequent withdrawal episodes – this is known as the kindling effect.
Detoxing taking advantage of medication to help with alcohol withdrawal may involve any of the following medications:
- Benzodiazepines
- Naltrexone
- Anticonvulsants
- Barbiturates
- Disulfiram
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines (benzos) are the first-line treatment used to mitigate withdrawal symptoms during the alcohol detox phase. They work by soothing the CNS (central nervous system) and are also prescribed for conditions like insomnia, anxiety, and muscle spasms. Benzos are available in both short-acting and long-acting forms. Librium (chlordiazepoxide) and Valium (diazepam) are among the most commonly prescribed benzos in inpatient rehab environments.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone is indicated to diminish cravings for alcohol during detox. If relapse occurs, the FDA-approved medication is effective in blocking the euphoric effects of alcohol. Due to its potential to induce withdrawal symptoms, it’s recommended to commence naltrexone treatment 7 to 10 days after the completion of detox. Available in tablet and injectable forms, the tablet is marketed under the names ReVia and Depade, while the injectable variant is branded as Vivitrol.
Anticonvulsants
While benzos are preferred for managing alcohol withdrawal, anticonvulsants are considered viable alternatives, offering several advantages. They lower the risk of withdrawal seizures, so minimizing complications and cravings. Anticonvulsants prevent kindling in brain cells, have no abuse potential, and are effective in treating mood disorders that share symptoms with alcohol withdrawal – depression and anxiety, for instance. Their sedative effect is also significantly milder than the sedative effect of benzos.
Barbiturates
Barbiturates can be an alternative treatment for alcohol withdrawal symptoms, especially in those who are resistant to benzodiazepines. They have shown significant promise in treating severe withdrawal cases in emergency and intensive care settings.
Disulfiram
Disulfiram acts by inhibiting an enzyme involved in metabolizing alcohol, causing unpleasant reactions, even with minimal alcohol intake. These reactions, which can start as soon as 10 minutes after alcohol consumption, include anxiety, headaches, facial flushing, sweating, blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting, potentially lasting for over an hour. By associating alcohol consumption with adverse effects, disulfiram is utilized to deter further drinking behavior. Disulfiram may be used during ongoing treatment for alcohol use disorder.
How Do Medications for Alcohol Withdrawal Help?
Medications for alcohol withdrawal can play a part in the detoxification process by targeting various aspects of the withdrawal experience. These medications are designed to stabilize the CNS, reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms, and minimize the risk of complications like seizures and neurotoxicity. By mitigating these symptoms, medications also support the person’s ability to engage with treatment and recovery activities more effectively, setting a foundation for a smoother transition to long-term sobriety. Additionally, some medications can help curb cravings for alcohol, further helping people to maintain long-term sobriety.
Getting Prescribed for Alcohol Withdrawal Medication
Securing a prescription for alcohol withdrawal medication involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional. This process usually starts with a detailed medical history and a physical examination to assess the severity of withdrawal symptoms and any co-occurring mental health conditions. Healthcare providers may also conduct laboratory tests to gather more information about a person’s overall health status.
Based on this assessment, a doctor, often a specialist in addiction medicine, will determine the most appropriate medication regimen. This decision is influenced by variables that include the severity of the alcohol dependence, the presence of any concurrent medical or psychiatric conditions, and the person’s overall health.
Individuals should be open and honest with their healthcare providers about their drinking habits and any previous attempts to quit. This information helps ensure that treatment plans are targeted to individual needs, ensuring both safety and effectiveness during the detox phase.
After prescribing the appropriate medications, healthcare professionals will closely monitor the person’s response to treatment. This monitoring may involve regular check-ups, adjustments to the medication dosage, or switching medications if necessary to manage withdrawal symptoms effectively and minimize potential side effects.
Get Medical Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment at Gratitude Lodge
How long alcohol withdrawal lasts is not as important as how this phase of recovery is conducted. Maximize your chances of a safe and comfortable detox experience by reaching out to Gratitude Lodge today.
When you begin your recovery with our supervised medical detox program, you will have access to FDA-approved medications, continuous clinical care, and emotional support as you withdraw from alcohol at our Long Beach or Newport Beach treatment centers.
After addressing the issue of alcohol dependence – this normally takes about a week – you can move into ongoing inpatient treatment at one of our welcoming and inclusive beachside facilities.
All alcohol addiction treatment programs at Gratitude Lodge offer personalized treatments that include:
- Psychotherapies
- Motivational therapies
- MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
- Group therapy
- One-to-one counseling
- Family therapy
- Holistic interventions
- Aftercare planning
If you need help addressing any aspect of alcohol abuse, call 800-994-2184.
