It seems in this day and age much attention is paid to those dealing with opiate addictions, while those suffering with an alcohol dependency problem are left out of the equation. However, this is far from the truth, as just as much attention is paid to those suffering with alcoholism as to those dealing with some other substance abuse disorder. Let’s look at some of the medications available for those struggling with alcohol withdrawal.
First, the more traditional protocol to help with alcohol withdrawal is the medication librium or an equivalent. This is in the benzodiazepine class of medications and is used to ease the discomfort associated with alcohol withdrawal as well as a preventative against seizures. Those facilities which utilize librium or other benzodiazepines for alcohol withdrawal will taper you off of these medications relatively quickly, as benzodiazepines present a high risk of addiction themselves and you do not want to trade one dependency for another. However, such medications are highly effective at alleviating the effects of acute alcohol withdrawal.
More recently, suboxone has been utilized as an alcohol withdrawal protocol medication, especially for those experiencing substantial discomfort during their transition to sobriety. Suboxone is the medication of choice for those detoxing from opiates, but opiate dependence and alcohol dependence do share some commonalities which can make suboxone an effective treatment for acute alcohol withdrawal in its later stages. Ultimately, your attending physician will determine what medications are right for you specific case, but you should absolutely vocalize any discomfort you are experiencing as there may be options available to alleviate these symptoms.
Acute alcohol withdrawal is an excruciating and often life threatening process for which you should absolutely seek professional medical assistance. There is no reason for you to suffer through this transition on your own, as there are medications available which can ease most of the pain and discomfort associated with acute alcohol withdrawal. At Evolutions, our medical team is well-versed in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal ranging from mild to severe, with established protocols to deal with every permutation of this physiological shift from active alcohol abuse to sobriety. Call our Admissions Counselors today at 833-818-3031 and let us help you achieve sobriety without risking life-threatening side effects during your detox from alcohol!