Breathalysers

When people are dependent on alcohol, their body has a strong physical dependency on it and if it does not get the alcohol it’s used to, withdrawal symptoms will be experienced. These usually occur within one day of the last alcoholic drink being drunk.

Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol include shaking, sweating, being sick and in extreme cases hallucinating. Without another drink, these symptoms can last up to a week, but even after they have passed the craving for alcohol may persist. Withdrawal symptoms are not just unpleasant; in worst-case scenarios they can make someone very ill or even be fatal. That is why anyone quitting drinking after a history of heavy drinking should consult a medical professional.

Through detox, the worst of these  symptoms can be managed through the use of medication. The medication usually used is chlordiazepoxide. Detoxification can be done under the supervision of a GP or in a rehabilitation clinic.

Usually, on your first day without alcohol a strong dose of medication will be prescribed and will be gradually reduced over the next week. It works to stop or minimise the worst withdrawal symptoms. You must not drink any alcohol during the time you’re on detox medication. In a rehab centre you’ll be monitored and a GP may expect you to take a breathalyser test to prove that you are dry. You’ll see a medical professional in-house at the rehabilitation clinic or at a doctor’s surgery during the rehab period.

Rehab clinic, rather than home-based, detox can be especially beneficial for those who don’t have much support at home, those who have experienced very severe withdrawal symptoms in the past and those who have repeatedly tried and failed to stop drinking. Those with illnesses caused by heavy drinking are also better suited to in-house detox as they will receive round-the-clock supervision.

Many people feel quite well during detox because of the effect of the medication they are prescribed. However, there can be side effects but these are much less severe than the ones from alcohol withdrawal without medication would be. Anxiety may be experienced, as well as bouts of mild insomnia. Some people still experience mild but manageable withdrawal symptoms.

As well as medication, those undergoing detox may also be prescribed vitamins — especially B1 (thiamine) which many heavy drinkers are deficient in.

Detox medication does not just stop someone drinking and is not a magic cure. Cravings are still common even after detox so willpower and perhaps therapy are also required in most people.

Originally published here.