Detoxification There are many forms of detoxification pending the length of each individuals time of using drugs or alcohol. The evaluation process will be handled by qualified staff as well as a certified medical physician. It is critical that an individual receive the best form of treatment during this time of detoxification. West Coast Recovery works closely with 3 different detox clinics which are highly supervised and have well trained staff with in each facility. They are equipped with 24 hour on-site medical staff and supervision to assist in this process. This is achieved by prescribing the appropriate detox medications as directed by the on-site physician. Length of detoxification The length of detox will be determined by each facility through there clinical staff as well as there staff physician. West Coast Recovery will not place any client with in our program with out the minimum of 72 hours of sobriety. Detoxification usually lasts from 3-7 days and a staff physician completes a detailed medical history and health examination of each client. During this time they will receive the appropriate treatment that will make their withdrawal from alcohol and drugs as comfortable as possible. After Detoxification After the completion of the detoxification process, our intake coordinator will schedule a time through the detox facility to arrange for intake to West Coast Recovery. At this time a staff representative will be scheduled for transportation from the detox facility to one of our program’s. 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 General Practioner
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. 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.
