Can Treatments for Alcohol Abuse Keep Me from Experiencing Withdrawal Pain?

One of the scariest points of an addiction is the time the addiction sufferer comes to the conclusion they have put themselves on the road to destruction. The experts call this hitting “rock bottom.” As scary as that realization might be, there’s another aspect of alcoholism that scares addicted drinkers. That aspect is having to face the prospects of some rather significant and dangerous withdrawal symptoms when they do make the leap of faith and stop drinking.

The extent of each addiction sufferer’s withdrawal will depend on several factors, including the longevity of the alcoholism, the frequency of drinking episodes and the amount of alcohol the individual consumes when they do take to drinking. Moving forward in this writing, we will be working with the presumption we are discussing this topic with people who have a severe drinking problem. For the folks who don’t feel their problem rises to this level, the information can still serve as a warning of just how bad things can get.

Alcohol Dependence Withdrawal Symptoms

It’s really important for everyone involved to understand that while withdrawal symptoms might only last a week or so, there is a clear and present danger for each individual who is going through alcohol withdrawal. We don’t say this to scare anyone, it’s simply a matter of fact. Here’s a glimpse at the withdrawal symptoms an alcohol addiction sufferer could face at the point they put down the bottle and stop drinking:

  • Profuse cold sweating
  • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
  • Grand mal seizures and the “heebie-jeebies”
  • Dangerous increase in blood pressure and heart rate
  • High levels of anxiety
  • Body cramps
  • Anxiety and irritability
  • Confusion and disorientation
  • Sleeping problems and loss of appetite

The Detox Program Process

While the internet provides access to some self-help ways to deal with the alcohol detox process, most doctors still recommend people don’t try to deal with alcohol withdrawal on their own. There are detox programs specifically designed for people who want to stop drinking but don’t want to put their life and limb at risk when doing so.

The goal of any reputable detox program is to provide a safe and secure environment for the client to go through withdrawal. While they go through the process, rehab facility medical staffers will be monitoring their progress.

Most rehab clinicians want their clients to detox as naturally as possible. At first, the client will be given instructions to exercise, rest and eat properly while under siege from their withdrawal symptoms. If at any point the client begins to show high levels of discomfort, agitation or pain, there’s usually a doctor standing by who has the option to intervene on the client’s behalf with relief medications.

The availability of pain medications should address the title question. Yes, doctors can prescribe medications to minimize any pain issues that might result from alcohol withdrawal. While it’s not the preferred method of treatment, the client has to be kept safe. It’s the only way to assure they can regain enough focus to get through the therapy portion of addiction treatment.

For what it’s worth, they are two types of detox facilities to which clients can get access. Let’s discuss these two options.

The Stand-Alone Detox Facility

Since detox is the first step in the addiction treatment process, it’s not absolutely necessary for a client to report first to a rehab center in order to get access to a detox program. Medical doctors and psychologist can prescribe such treatment from a stand alone dedicated detox facility. It’s also possible that a rehab facility that doesn’t have an in-house detox program will instead refer out for detox program services.

The In-House Detox Program

If a rehab facility lays claim to being a full-service addiction treatment rehab, there’s a good chance they offer in-house detox services. This is the optimum solution for the client because it assures continuity of care between the detox facility and the rehab’s counselors.

If you have been struggling with alcoholism for a long time, there’s a good chance you are going to encounter significant withdrawal symptoms. The best way to protect yourself is to seek admission into a reputable rehab or detox facility. We can provide you with these services as well as provide you with the therapy you will need to fight your addiction. You can inquire about our services by calling 800-411-8019.