RSS Medical Alcohol Detox
Medications used in medical alcohol detox
Alcohol detoxification, or detox for short, is the abrupt cessation of drinking alcohol for individuals suffering with alcohol abuse, addiction, or dependency issues. It also involves the substitution of cross-tolerant medications for alcohol which produce similar effects to drinking alcohol and help to prevent withdrawal. In essence, the terminology detoxification is somewhat of a misnomer since the medical alcohol detox does not involve the complete removal of toxins from the body.
Detox is necessary whenever the person’s addiction to or dependency on alcohol has gotten severe. However, based on their age, history of alcohol intake, and medical status, medical alcohol detox may or may not be required. The most common types of drugs that are used in the alcohol detox process are benzodiazepines. The second family of medications that is frequently used is barbiturates. Both of these types of medications produce side effects ranging from the mildly sedative to complete anesthesia.
Actions and side effects of barbiturates and benzodiazepines
Barbiturates were originally used for medical alcohol detox until it was realized that they displayed a high potential for physical and psychological addiction. These are depressants of the central nervous system but are also effective as anti-convulsants, anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), and hypnotics. Additionally, barbiturates are used for assisted suicide and epilepsy as well as being used for general anesthesia.
Benzodiazepines are a family of psychoactive drugs that enhance the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA as it is more commonly known. GABA is one of the human brain’s neurotransmitters that results in one of the following actions or side effects:
- amnesic
- anticonvulsant
- anxiolytic or anti-anxiety
- hypnotic/sedative or sleep-inducing
- muscle relaxant
Benzodiazepines, or “benzos” as they are nicknamed, are extremely effective for treating certain conditions such as agitation, alcohol withdrawal, anxiety, insomnia, muscle spasms, and seizures. They are oftentimes used in dental or medical procedures as a pre-medication. Some of the more common benzodiazepines are Ativan (lorazepam), Librium (chlordiazepoxide), and Valium (diazepam).
Other medications used in medical alcohol detox
Ironically, there are some clinics and hospitals that administer alcohol to prevent withdrawal symptoms from plaguing the individual. However, most professionals agree that this could be problematic as well as being just too risky. The most common of these other medications that are used in conjunction with medical alcohol detox are the B Group of vitamins, specifically B1 and B12.
What you want to remember about medical alcohol detox is that it will only be administered if the professional handling your addiction treatment and recovery case feels it is necessary. If you would like more information on this subject, one of the addiction specialists here at the Freedom Center will be happy to discuss this with you. Please call the toll-free phone number above for more assistance.
