Alcoholism Withdrawal - The 5 Steps of Treatment for Alcoholism Withdrawal Symptoms
Mild to moderate alcoholism withdrawal symptoms are experienced by approximately 95% of people who quit drinking alcohol.
But these symptoms can be treated by experienced medical professionals who have treated patients suffering from alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
About 5% people experience severe withdrawal symptoms and need to be treated in a special detox facility or the hospital.
If you have given up on alcohol and are trying to kick the habit for good, then you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
It's best that you seek medical assistance at the earliest possible.
Your family physician or local emergency room can assess the severity of your withdrawal symptoms.
Healthcare professionals need to treat the immediate alcoholism withdrawal symptoms in order to prevent complications, and start the therapy for long-term prevention.
Let's understand the various steps involved in the treatment for alcohol withdrawal.
* Observation.
If you are being treated for withdrawal, you will be required to stay for observation in the hospital for sometime.
Your heart rate, breathing, body temperature, blood pressure will be monitored besides being observed for fluid levels.
* Sedation.
People who have been severely alcohol dependent can experience rapid deterioration in symptoms that can even become life-threatening.
To reduce the symptoms, such patients are given sedatives in moderate to large doses.
* Tranquilizers.
To complete the treatment for withdrawal, the person has to be kept sedated for at least a week or more.
For this purpose medications such as Benzodiazepines (Valium) are often given to the patient to reduce a range of symptoms.
* Drying Out.
A period known as the 'drying out' period may be necessary, when no alcohol will be allowed for consumption.
Your healthcare professional will watch you closely for any signs of DTs (delirium tremens).
Some people can also experience hallucinations when getting treated for alcoholism withdrawal symptoms that can be treated with antipsychotic medication.
But these symptoms can be treated by experienced medical professionals who have treated patients suffering from alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
About 5% people experience severe withdrawal symptoms and need to be treated in a special detox facility or the hospital.
If you have given up on alcohol and are trying to kick the habit for good, then you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
It's best that you seek medical assistance at the earliest possible.
Your family physician or local emergency room can assess the severity of your withdrawal symptoms.
Healthcare professionals need to treat the immediate alcoholism withdrawal symptoms in order to prevent complications, and start the therapy for long-term prevention.
Let's understand the various steps involved in the treatment for alcohol withdrawal.
* Observation.
If you are being treated for withdrawal, you will be required to stay for observation in the hospital for sometime.
Your heart rate, breathing, body temperature, blood pressure will be monitored besides being observed for fluid levels.
* Sedation.
People who have been severely alcohol dependent can experience rapid deterioration in symptoms that can even become life-threatening.
To reduce the symptoms, such patients are given sedatives in moderate to large doses.
* Tranquilizers.
To complete the treatment for withdrawal, the person has to be kept sedated for at least a week or more.
For this purpose medications such as Benzodiazepines (Valium) are often given to the patient to reduce a range of symptoms.
* Drying Out.
A period known as the 'drying out' period may be necessary, when no alcohol will be allowed for consumption.
Your healthcare professional will watch you closely for any signs of DTs (delirium tremens).
Some people can also experience hallucinations when getting treated for alcoholism withdrawal symptoms that can be treated with antipsychotic medication.
