Alcoholism is a progressive and deadly condition that requires medical detox and professional treatment. However, many people who struggle with alcoholism are reluctant to seek the help they need. One reason people are scared of getting help is because of alcohol withdrawal. Fortunately, alcohol detox centers in West Palm Beach are equipped with everything people need to get through detox safely, comfortably, and, most importantly, sober. Here is what patients can expect during alcohol detox.
Why Medical Detox for Alcohol Withdrawal?
Although alcohol is legal for adults over the age of 21 to purchase, it is one of the most dangerous substances to detox from. Alcohol withdrawal, especially in chronic drinkers, can be serious and even life-threatening. Even in drinkers with mild to moderate symptoms, alcohol cravings can be very strong and can override one’s desire to get clean. This could result in a relapse.
While the most common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include tremors, body aches, nausea, and fever, other symptoms are more severe. Withdrawal symptoms such as seizures, hallucinations, and delirium tremens (DTs) can be potentially deadly if left untreated.[1]
The best way to prevent these concerning symptoms of alcohol withdrawal is to detox at a medical facility offering treatment medications and around-the-clock support.
Intake Evaluation and Individualized Treatment
The first portion of alcohol detox programs in Delray Beach is known as “intake” or the initial evaluation patients go through to help the medical term determine an appropriate treatment protocol based on their unique needs. This assessment generally consists of:
- A questionnaire about the person’s drinking habits
- Comprehensive physical examination
- Discussion about current symptoms and treatment goals
- A psychiatric evaluation
- Blood/urine samples
This information provides the medical team with a thorough understanding of each patient’s individual treatment needs.
Medication-Assisted Detox for Alcohol Withdrawal
Moderate to severe alcohol withdrawal is usually treated using medication. Benzodiazepines such as Valium and Ativan are popular choices for alcohol detox treatment. Benzodiazepines increase the reuptake of GABA in the brain, a neurotransmitter that affects mood, emotion, and the body’s stress response. During withdrawal, GABA receptors are stuck in an over-active state, but they aren’t producing enough GABA which results in withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines alleviate symptoms of alcohol withdrawal by increasing GABA. These medications can also prevent seizures and other life-threatening complications.[2]
Patients taking benzodiazepines for alcohol withdrawal will start with a high dose on the first day before slowly tapering off of benzodiazepines completely. Depending on a patient’s needs, additional medications may be prescribed and administered as needed.
24/7 Monitoring, Supervision, and Support
Patients who enroll in an alcohol detox program in West Palm Beach have access to 24/7 monitoring and support. Throughout detox, nurses check on patients at regular intervals to take their vitals and tend to any medical needs. Doctors also remain on-site at all hours of the day to prescribe medications or provide care. In the event of an emergency, the medical team is prepared to intervene.
In addition to having a trusted medical team on-site, behavioral health technicians (BHTs) provide constant supervision and support. This kind of guidance helps reduce the likelihood of patients leaving detox early or not following their treatment plan. This kind of specialized support cannot be found at home.
Holistic Healing and Therapeutic Care
Although medications can reduce symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and prevent severe complications, some discomfort may persist. Individuals may also experience intense cravings for alcohol. As a result, alcohol detox centers in West Palm Beach provide holistic healing methods and other types of therapeutic care to give patients the support they need.
Types of services and therapies patients may have access to during detox include:
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Exercise
- Nutritional support
- Art or music
- Group therapy
- 12-Step meetings
- Mental health counseling
These activities can reduce psychological symptoms of withdrawal and help pass the time until patients are ready to be discharged from the detox center.
Alcohol Rehab Planning
Detox is only the beginning of the recovery process. If individuals leave alcohol detox without going to rehab and learning how to stay sober, they are likely to drink again and end up right back where they started. As a result, one of the most important parts of an alcohol detox program is aftercare planning.
Before patients are discharged they will meet with a substance abuse counselor to discuss their various options for treatment. Patients may choose inpatient, outpatient, or partial hospitalization for their continued care. Programs like these address the underlying causes of alcohol abuse, facilitate relapse prevention planning, and help patients make the lifestyle changes they need to make to stay sober.
Start Alcohol Detox in West Palm Beach Today
Quitting drinking isn’t easy, but with the help of the dedicated staff at Mandala Healing Center, obtaining a full recovery is entirely possible. Our medication-assisted alcohol detox and holistic alcohol treatment programs can provide you with the support, healing, and tools you’ll need to stay sober.
If you or a loved one are struggling with alcoholism, today is the day to get help. Call now to get started.
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