Alcohol Withdrawal Medication
Detoxification from alcohol is a dangerous process that warrants an inpatient hospitalization and evaluation; many that are withdrawing from alcohol experience seizures and there is a risk of death when patients stop drinking. For this reason, there are some specific types of alcohol withdrawal medication that is commonly used to prevent seizures, and that may bring some comfort to those going through this painful ordeal.Most practitioners endorse the use of Benzodiazepines during alcohol detox protocols; some types of alcohol withdrawal medication that falls into the category include Klonopin, Lorazepam, Ativan, and Valium. The cautionary tale regards using these potentially habit-forming medications for prolonged time which facilitates a fostered dependency on these medications with a vulnerable, chemically-addictive client when they leave the hospital.
Read more about the Effects of Alcohol
Alcohol withdrawal medication such as these have a significant street value and are very commonly used recreationally, orally and intra-nasally, by those abusing them. Furthermore, the combination of “Benzos” and alcohol can be a lethal mix, resulting in deadly overdose in many cases.Generally, when patients are using alcohol withdrawal medication during detox, it is in a hospital setting under physician’s observation. Staff may monitor or “score” patients during the detox to assess symptoms and evaluate whether their symptom “score” warrants medication, and if so, how much. The idea is that the score will improve over time resulting in less medicine administered, basically weaning the patient off gradually to prevent Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptomology from arising. The scoring system used by many hospital-type environments is quite subjective, and can fluctuate based on the individual doing the assessment. While some components of this evaluation are fairly standard such as blood pressure, heart rate and other statistics, the assessment of the client’s mood, withdrawal symptoms, or anxiety could vary. Some that are experiencing the unbearable discomfort connected with withdrawal may also exacerbate symptoms in an effort to obtain more medication.
When the client is fully-detoxed and discharged from hospital settings, it is critical in their recovery to immediately become involved with outpatient treatment options. Whether the client is going to a sober-living environment or attend nightly support group meetings, the plan of aftercare in the days following hospitalization can be a great marker for success or warning of imminent relapse. During this time, a doctor may prescribe medications that can cause unpleasant interaction with alcohol to provide reinforcement of the client’s desire to stay away from alcohol. This medication is not so much an alcohol withdrawal medication as it is an alcohol deterrent that can evoke feelings of sickness, nausea, headache when in the system with alcohol. There is some indication that prolonged drinking when taking this medication can pose health and life risks in some individuals. The only candidates for this pharmacological option are those that are truly motivated and determined to abstain from alcohol.