If you’ve been consuming large amounts of alcohol for a long time, you may experience alcohol withdrawal syndrome if you suddenly stop drinking or significantly reduce your consumption. Withdrawal symptoms can worsen rapidly, so it’s important to seek addiction treatment at a detoxification facility. Your substance abuse treatment plan will include therapies to help you cope with the effects of withdrawal. After your withdrawal, you’ll work with a counselor to overcome your addiction.
Detoxification Medications
At a substance abuse treatment center, you’ll receive medications that lessen the effects of withdrawal. Medications such as benzodiazepines reduce effects like anxiety and shakiness, and also lessen the likelihood of seizures and delirium tremens (DTs). Depending on your particular needs, your substance abuse treatment plan might include additional medications, such as clonidine, antipsychotics, and beta blockers. These medications are taken temporarily to help you cope with withdrawal.
Support Therapies
During your withdrawal, your vital signs are monitored to check for possible complications. If the staff at the substance abuse treatment facility notices that your blood oxygen levels are low, you’ll receive respiratory support. You’ll breathe through an oxygen mask or have small tubes placed in your nose. You might also receive glucose if your blood sugar levels become too low.
Nutritional Modifications
Another method of coping with alcohol withdrawal syndrome is with nutritional support. You might receive mineral and vitamin supplements—particularly vitamin B1, as this vitamin aids your damaged nerve cells. Recovering alcoholics are encouraged to reduce the amount of processed foods they eat. Sugary junk food in particular is difficult for alcoholics to process because of the damage alcohol inflicts on the liver, which metabolizes sugar. Work with the professionals at the substance abuse treatment center to follow a healthy nutrition plan during your recovery.
The personalized treatment plans available at Aurora Behavioral Health Care at Las Encinas Hospital can help you overcome your alcohol dependency. Our substance abuse program will support you throughout your detoxification and recovery. Los Angeles-area residents can call us at (888) 348-2165 or visit our website for more information.
