Definition of detox
Detoxification or
‘detox’ involves taking a short course of a medicine which helpsto 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.
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A GP will
prescribe a high dose of medication for the first day thatyou stop drinking alcohol.
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You then
gradually reduce the dose over the next 5-7 days. Thisusually prevents, or greatly reduces, the unpleasantwithdrawal symptoms.
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You must agree
not to drink any alcohol when you are going through detox. Abreathalyser may be used to confirm that you are notdrinking.
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Your GP or
practice nurse will usually see you quite often during thetime of detox.
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Also during
detox, support from family or friends can be of great help.Often the responsibility for getting the prescription, andgiving the detox medicine is shared with a family member orfriend. For example, a partner or parent of the person goingthrough detox.
How
will I feel going through detox?Some people manage quite easily, others find it more difficult.You can expect to:
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Feel quite
nervous or anxious for a few days.
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Have some
difficulty with getting off to sleep for a few nights.
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Have some mild
withdrawal symptoms, but they should not be too bad, and alot less than if you were not taking the detox medicine.
The medication used
for detox does not make you stop drinking. You needdetermination to stop. The medication simply helps you to feelbetter whilst your body readjusts to not having alcohol. Evenafter the period of detox you may still have some craving foralcohol. So you will still need willpower and coping strategiesfor when you feel tempted to drink.
Vitamin
supplementsYou are likely to be prescribed vitamins, particularly vitaminB1 (thiamine), if you are alcohol dependent. Especially duringdetox. This is because many people who are dependent on alcoholdo not eat properly and can lack certain vitamins. A lack ofvitamin B1 is the most common. A lack of this vitamin can causeserious brain conditions.
Detox
with the help of other health professionals
Some people are
referred to a specialist drug and alcohol unit for detox. Thisis usually better for people who have other physical or mentalhealth problems and for those who have:
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little home or
social support.
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a history of
severe withdrawal symptoms.
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a physical
illness caused by alcohol.
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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 givingsupport and counseling. Some people with serious alcohol relatedproblems are admitted to hospital to detox.  |