Definition of detox
Detoxification or
'detox' involves taking a short course of a medicine which helps
to prevent withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking alcohol.
The most commonly used medicine for detox is chlordiazepoxide.
This is a benzodiazepine medicine.
Detox
with the help of your GP
Many GPs are happy to
prescribe for detox from alcohol. A common plan is as follows.
-
A GP will
prescribe a high dose of medication for the first day that
you stop drinking alcohol.
-
You then
gradually reduce the dose over the next 5-7 days. This
usually prevents, or greatly reduces, the unpleasant
withdrawal symptoms.
-
You must agree
not to drink any alcohol when you are going through detox. A
breathalyser may be used to confirm that you are not
drinking.
-
Your GP or
practice nurse will usually see you quite often during the
time of detox.
-
Also during
detox, support from family or friends can be of great help.
Often the responsibility for getting the prescription, and
giving the detox medicine is shared with a family member or
friend. For example, a partner or parent of the person going
through detox.
How
will I feel going through detox?
Some people manage quite easily, others find it more difficult.
You can expect to:
-
Feel quite
nervous or anxious for a few days.
-
Have some
difficulty with getting off to sleep for a few nights.
-
Have some mild
withdrawal symptoms, but they should not be too bad, and a
lot less than if you were not taking the detox medicine.
The medication used
for detox does not make you stop drinking. You need
determination to stop. The medication simply helps you to feel
better whilst your body readjusts to not having alcohol. Even
after the period of detox you may still have some craving for
alcohol. So you will still need willpower and coping strategies
for when you feel tempted to drink.
Vitamin
supplements
You are likely to be prescribed vitamins, particularly vitamin
B1 (thiamine), if you are alcohol dependent. Especially during
detox. This is because many people who are dependent on alcohol
do not eat properly and can lack certain vitamins. A lack of
vitamin B1 is the most common. A lack of this vitamin can cause
serious brain conditions.
Detox
with the help of other health professionals
Some people are
referred to a specialist drug and alcohol unit for detox. This
is usually better for people who have other physical or mental
health problems and for those who have:
-
little home or
social support.
-
a history of
severe withdrawal symptoms.
-
a physical
illness caused by alcohol.
-
had previous
attempts to stop alcohol and have failed.
The medicines used to
detox in specialist units are much the same as GPs prescribe.
However, these units have more staff and expertise for giving
support and counseling. Some people with serious alcohol related
problems are admitted to hospital to detox.
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