Medication For Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment

Because alcoholism is such a widespread problem, it has spawned a massive amount of research has been conducted in an effort to thwart it. Over the years, scientists have developed—and discovered—many types of medication for alcohol withdrawal treatment that help make alcohol withdrawal manageable. Alcohol withdrawal is a menacing illness that be tough to endure even with strong willpower and spirit. The following medications offer some aid.

Benzos for Alcohol Withdrawal

When it first came to the market in the 1960s, medical professionals commonly prescribed benzodiazepines as medication for alcohol withdrawal treatment. Understanding how benzos work requires an understanding of why withdrawal happens. To make up for the depressant effects of the alcohol, the body goes into a sort of overdrive to keep the organ systems up and running. Benzos have a tranquilizing effect that counteracts this.The downside is that these drugs have their own potential for abuse. Dependence is common, and for some some patients, the temptation to abuse the medication is hard to resist. The safest, and most common way to undergo benzodiazepine treatment is within a residential treatment facility, where no such temptation is a danger.

Long-term and Short-Term Benzos

There are two main variants of benzodiazepines: short-acting and long. The former includes lorazepam (brand-name Ativan), oxazepam (Serax), and alprazolam (Xanax); these are usually administered for three or four days. The latter—halazepam (Tranxenebe), diazepam (valium), clonazepam (klonopin)–are more commonly used in an outpatient setting, for a period of several weeks.

Anticonvulsants

During alcohol withdrawal, seizures are a serious threat. Anticonvulsants like carbamazepine (tegretol) and also divalproex sodium (depakote) help ease involuntary movements as a medication for alcohol withdrawal treatment. Individuals can take them by themselves or in conjunction with a benzodiazepine—or with a number of other drugs.

Beta Blockers

Another class of medications that can help treat cravings and symptoms are beta blockers, like atenolol (tenormin) and propranolol (inderal). These meds can also improve one’s vital signs by keeping the heart-rate at a normal rate, and steady.

Finding Medication for Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment

If you’re suffering from alcoholism, and you’re looking for medication to help you through the process—good on you for doing your research. However, be sure not to negate the behavioral aspect of your addiction. Most people who recover successfully from alcohol abuse do so with a regimen that makes use of both medication and some form of behavioral treatment.

Consider reaching out to a therapist or counselor, or becoming involved with organized group programs of some sort. For men interested in targeted addiction treatment programs, the Last Resort Recovery may have what you need. Our facility offers compassionate, men-oriented addiction treatment that focuses on the common causes and consequences of drug addiction for men.

Some of our popular mens addiction treatment programs that enhance the mens rehab experience include:

It’s time to find out how alcohol addiction treatment and medication for alcohol withdrawal treatment can change your life. Call the professionals at the Last Resort Recovery today at 512-750-6750. The first step of addiction recovery is acknowledgement and reaching out for help, so start today.