Good detoxification not only neutralizes physical dependence but also prepares and introduces cessation, the ultimate goal of treatment. To achieve this, highly effective active detoxification methods are applied, because, in addition to eliminating the withdrawal syndrome without suffering, it speeds up physical recovery and better prepares the person to quit. For this, the subject has been previously evaluated in a medical, psychological, and social way; that is, psychological and family situation and socio-environmental circumstances.
The Elements
Subsequent intervention involves pharmacological treatment to avoid the withdrawal syndrome together with the medical treatment that the patient needs. Hygienic dietary guidelines, a balanced diet, recovery of the circadian rhythm and natural sleep cycles, smooth and progressive physical activation are targeted during treatment. Complementary psychiatric treatment of the possible associated psychopathology, for example, super-added depressive syndrome, associated state of anxiety, psychotic or delusional complication, etc., all these elements are taken into account.
If the detoxification is usually administered in a residential treatment center, the patient is supervised 24 hours a day throughout the process, ensuring that they are physically active whenever the patient’s clinical situation allows it. In addition, medical controls and frequent psychological interviews are carried out to monitor the progression and introduce the patient to the dynamics of cessation as early as possible, which is the last part of the treatment.
The Withdrawal Delirium
Alcohol withdrawal delirium is characterized by confusion of consciousness, agitation, intense trembling of the hands, frequent hallucinations (spontaneous or provoked), occupational delirium, and autonomic hyperactivity. It is sometimes preceded by generalized withdrawal seizures. It usually begins on the second or third day after stopping or reducing alcohol intake, although occasionally it may appear earlier, or after a week of abstinence.
The Syndrome
The syndrome generally develops in two or three days unless there is a complication due to association with other diseases. The first episode of this disorder usually occurs 5 to 15 years after a persistent habit of drinking alcohol has been established. The presence of physical illness may predispose to this syndrome. Mortality from this affects 10% of untreated patients and 25% of patients. Alcoholic hallucinosis is a short-term (48-hour) organic hallucinosis with persistent and vivid hallucinations (auditory or visual) following the interruption or reduction of alcoholic intake in an individual who appears to be alcoholic, but delirium is not present. The first episode of this alteration usually occurs after ten years of excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages. The disorder can last for several weeks or months.
The Step Toward Detox
Detoxification is usually a necessary step in the treatment of alcoholism, especially in programs that pursue abstinence. As such, the controlled and abrupt suppression of alcohol consumption is understood, with the support of certain substances that facilitate it. The patient is encouraged to avoid the sensations and symptoms of discomfort that could appear (and make the process fail), as well as preventing physical complications that could be derived from a rapid and total withdrawal. It is, therefore, treatment with clear limits, whose only objective is abstinence. It is generally necessary for the patient to be in a more complete program that addresses the different factors that affect alcohol addiction (cessation programs in the broad sense).
Conclusion
The diagnosis of alcoholism supposes the elaboration of a correct anamnesis, together with the correct clinical examination. It is necessary to make an assessment of the amount and frequency of alcoholic intake. The use of diagnostic questionnaires may be helpful. In a generic way, any therapeutic program on alcoholism could be based on previous motivational work, but also continuous work while participating in various specific programs. Concepts such as motivational techniques and stages of change are basic as it relates to alcoholism, whatever the orientation and therapeutic option chosen. Detox Phoenix has programs and information that deals with these issues.
