Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline
Assuming that a patient has no other medical or psychological conditions and they are no using any other addictive substances, the alcohol withdrawal timeline has three phases.
1. Acute withdrawal: During the acute withdrawal phase, a patient can experience of the symptoms mentioned above, …show more content…
A holistic treatment approach that utilizes a winning combination of counseling, detox, medication, and support tends to produce the greatest sobriety success rates.
As mentioned earlier, the detox process is an important first step for patients. It’s a time when they stop drinking alcohol, allowing their body to cleanse itself. However, since the substance the patient has become dependent on is leaving the body, withdrawal symptoms are common. Doctor may prescribe certain medications and supplements to help manage with these symptoms.
• Ativan and Librium can reduce anxiety for patients who are dealing with withdrawal symptoms. Managing anxiety is critical because it is a symptom that tends to remain during all three stages of the withdrawal process, and it can derail treatment success.
• Nutritional supplements are important because alcohol withdrawal symptoms can deplete certain nutrients from the body, including folate, magnesium, phosphate, thiamine, and zinc. To keep patients healthy and strong, it’s critical to replace these essential vitamins and …show more content…
This process involves counseling, treatment of coexisting mental disorders, and support.
• Counseling is meant to identify and modify the behaviors, lifestyle factors, and thoughts that caused or contributed to a patient’s addiction. It can be performed in a treatment center or on an outpatient basis. It can also be completed individually, with the patient’s family, or in a group setting.
• Treating coexisting mental disorders is important because many patients with an AUD also have another untreated disorder like anxiety or depression. One of the best ways to prevent a relapse after treatment is to identify and treat these mental disorders while treating the addiction.
• Support is one of the best ways to help patients on the road to long-term sobriety. Support can and should come from a number of sources, including family, friends, doctors, therapists, and support groups. Love and support from friends and family can help a patient stay on track and remain accountable. Supportive treatment professionals like doctors and therapists can increase treatment success and compliance. Support group can show patients that they aren’t the only ones fighting to overcome