Drug and Alcohol Rehab

!: Drug and Alcohol Rehab

Rehabilitation from drug addiction is a complex process. It involves commitment from the individual addict to abstain from further drug use. The physical dependence on the drug needs to be overcome through medical intervention. Medical supervision is essential to safely detoxify an addicted individual. Safety is an issue since sudden withdrawal of a drug will lead to very profound physiological changes that can be very uncomfortable and can sometimes be life threatening. The range of drugs abused is wide but general principles apply to drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

After the medical detoxification process, which is often in an inpatient setting, a program to continue the rehab process as an outpatient is essential. Sometimes replacement drugs are needed such as methadone maintenance programs where patients are given methadone to replace the heroin that is abused. The methadone helps prevent the euphoria and at the same time decreases the craving that is central to addiction. A typical dose that may work is 30-60 milligrams of methadone daily but this is variable and depends on the intensity of addiction among other factors. Alcohol rehab often involves an acute hospital based detoxification where a thorough medical assessment is done and then drugs belonging to the class called benzodiazepines are given to prevent withdrawal. Medical issues are often the main reason an addict enters a treatment entry point.

After this acute phase an outpatient 12 step program such as Alcoholics Anonymous is critical to maintain abstinence. Many patients who are addicted to drugs have co-morbid psychiatric conditions like depression that need to be addressed. Others have HIV/AIDS, which also need to be managed if a lasting solution is needed. Many rehab programs are covered by insurance and charity. They also have social workers who will help with the practical aspects of getting back to a productive life.

Above all, the commitment of the individuals working in the program helps sustain and develop faith and trust in the system since addicts are often marginalized members of society.

Drug and Alcohol Rehab

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Alcohol Detox

!: Alcohol Detox

Alcohol detox implies the removal of alcohol from the body of an alcoholic. Alcohol detox is brought about by abstinence from alcohol, medication, and altering the diet of the patient. Detox is not possible without support from friends and family and a commitment on the part of the patient.

The liver and kidneys normally carry out detoxification in the body. However in hardened alcoholics, alternative detoxification processes become necessary. There are several general practitioners, nurses, and pharmacists who volunteer in detox centers for alcoholics.

In most cases, detoxification can be done at home. This is when the alcohol consumption is moderate, but in complicated cases that involve symptoms such as hallucinations, severe withdrawal symptoms, and multi-substance misuse, inpatient detoxification becomes necessary. Volunteers even conduct community detox programs, usually in compliance with the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Alcoholics attending AA meetings are stressed upon the need to be determined to give up alcohol.

In extreme cases, medication is used to detoxify heavy drinkers. This is also termed pharmacological detoxification. Here, the patients are forewarned that they may suffer anxiety and insomnia for a couple of days. The most common drugs used for alcohol detoxification are benzodiazepines, with Chlordiazepoxide being the most preferred benzodiazepine used. Diazepam is also widely used, but fatal effects may occur if it is mixed with huge doses of alcohol. Hence, supervision is necessary for use of diazepam as a detoxifier.

A detoxification session usually lasts 5 to 6 weeks. The diet is to be protein-rich and with a generous amount of fiber and fluids, and the person should consume water throughout the day. Since most alcoholics have sugar problems, hypoglycemic substances should be consumed. Parsley and chamomile teas are effective alkaloids which stimulate kidney elimination processes.

Inpatient detox is carried out in rehabilitation centers, but there is a social stigma attached to being admitted in such rehab centers. Usually, such centers are located in the lesser-developed areas of the country, causing people from affluent classes to be reluctant to be admitted in them. Also, the ratio of workers to patients is generally 1:4, meaning that there is an emphasis on self-care.

Alcohol Detox

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Dr. Alan Downs speaks about Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment for FRN- pt. 2

!: Dr. Alan Downs speaks about Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment for FRN- pt. 2

Dr. Alan Downs discusses ways we can strengthen our journey to recovery and speed up the healing process. For anyone who is in the process of self-healing - whether healing from addiction, heart ache, or illness - these tips will help guide your path.

Dr. Alan Downs speaks about Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment for FRN- pt. 2

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Alcohol Abuse Signs and Symptoms - 7 Signs of Alcohol Abuse

!: Alcohol Abuse Signs and Symptoms - 7 Signs of Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol abuse is certainly different from having an occasional drink or being a social drinker.

People who come to have difficulties with alcohol generally follow a progressive path. What may start as an occasional drink now and then can progress to drinking greater quantities and more frequently. One of the warning signs of alcohol abuse is that problems start occurring that are related to drinking. Here are some signs and symptoms that alcohol use may may getting progressively worse.

1. These days, do you find that it takes more alcohol to feel good than it did in the past? If you are getting to the point where you can 'drink anyone under the table', it is not a bragging point. It indicates you are developing a tolerance for alcohol, and that is a danger sign.

2. Do you start focusing on keeping a constant alcohol supply handy? Does the idea of not being able to get a drink easily start to occupy your thoughts more than it has in the past?

3. Do you ever drink or use more than you intended to? Have you set a limit for yourself and then not been able to keep it? This may be not drinking until the weekend, or only having one drink after work. The loss of the ability to control alcohol use is a symptom of alcohol abuse.

4. Do you have blackouts or periods where you can not remember what has happened or conversations? This is a sign you have had too much to drink and abused liquor. Frequent blackouts is a sign of addiction.

5. Do you find yourself reaching for alcohol as a solution when you feel emotionally upset, need to calm yourself, or feel anxiety of any kind? This can indicate an increasing emotional dependency on alcohol.

6. Have you ever been drunk or high at work, school, special occasions, etc. to the point where you could not fulfill your obligations? Has your drinking become so important your life is grinding to a halt?

7. Have you ever driven while drunk or high, or done any other activity which would have placed you or others in harms way? That is certainly alcohol abuse.

And if you have answered yes to any of the questions above, there may be a chance some further information may be helpful to you on alcohol abuse.

Alcohol Abuse Signs and Symptoms - 7 Signs of Alcohol Abuse

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Alcohol Rehab: When Does Too Much Drinking Become Alcoholism?

!: Alcohol Rehab: When Does Too Much Drinking Become Alcoholism?

For most people, the consumption of alcohol is nothing more than pleasant activity that takes place at some type of social activity. Generally speaking, two drinks per day for men and one for women does not produce any harmful effects. Regardless, a large number of Americans suffer serious consequences due to their drinking. Current statistics state that nearly 13 million Americans abuse alcohol or are alcoholic.

The consequences we speak of are quite serious and can be life threatening. Alcohol slows down and can alter brain activity, as well as, the central nervous system. Alcoholic drinking can increase the risk for cancer, cause cirrhosis of the liver, problems within the immune system, damage the fetus of a pregnant woman or create medical complications within the stomach or heart.

It should be clear that alcohol in itself is a drug that can produce serious medical consequences, but when mixed with other drugs or prescription medications it becomes even more lethal. It is highly recommended that a person consult with their physician or pharmacist if they drink alcohol and consume prescription or over the counter medications.

Alcoholism, also known as "alcohol dependence" has been termed a disease by the American Medical Association and this disease includes four distinct symptoms:

Craving or the compulsion to drink alcohol, The development of a physical dependence with symptoms of withdrawal present, Loss of control or the inability to control ones alcohol consumption, Tolerance or the need to drink greater amounts of alcohol in order to get drunk.

Many people wonder why some people can consume alcohol without any consequences, while others drink without limits. One reason has been linked directly to genetics. Another factor has to do with the environment and peer pressure, while a person's brain chemistry can play an integral part in how a person drinks alcohol. In most cases, it is a combination of the above.

Lastly it is important to note that not everyone that drinks regularly is alcoholic or even has a drinking problem. Everyone is different. The best thing to do if you think you or someone you know might have a problem with alcohol is to consult a professional who specializes in the treatment of alcoholism. You can also take the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test online right now. If a person does have a problem with alcohol the one thing we are sure of is that without intervention, alcoholism treatment or an effective alcohol rehabilitation program, the amount and frequency of drinking will become progressively worse. So, if you know someone who is struggling with alcohol, find an alcohol rehab program and get them help today.

Alcohol Rehab: When Does Too Much Drinking Become Alcoholism?

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