An alcohol addict is totally dependent on alcohol to live. As years go by, his dependency on alcohol increases day by day and he reaches a point of no return in some years. He reaches a stage when he will not be able to even drink water or eat food without drinking his alcohol first. He cannot stop drinking on his own, as he will have terrible withdrawal symptoms that will it impossible for him to live without alcohol. Ultimately this situation will damage his internal organs and death will result.
There are many types of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Severe body pain, stomach disorders, nervousness, restlessness, tremors, fits, fatigue, mood swings, depression, anger and lethargy are some of the common symptoms found in an alcohol addict during withdrawal. Even after the physical symptoms disappear the addict might still have mental addiction to alcohol by way of his severe cravings.
The drug Chlordiazepoxide is given in high doses at first to an alcohol addict in the initial days of the detox program. This drug controls his physical withdrawal symptoms as also his craving for a drink. After a week or so, the dosage of this drug is mellowed down to smaller doses.
Different people respond differently to the treatment offered. Some may have a smooth passage during the treatment and respond positively to instructions while others might have terrible mood swings and might react aggressively. Sleep may get affected in some addicts while others have mild concussions. A strong mindset and unbreakable will power will see you through the problem of alcohol de-addiction.
Even after the completion of a detox treatment, the patient has all chances of relapsing into his alcohol habit again. This is the reason why doctors insist on a follow up course of treatment for many months after detoxifying the addict. The cravings are somewhat decreased with help o drugs such as acamprosate and disulfiram acamprosate. These drugs should not be taken with alcohol and any such misadventure will even result in severe side effects to the addict. This fear of side effects might prevent the patient from using alcohol as long as he is taking the tablets.
More than the professional help, emotional and moral support is needed to the patient. Friends and family members should take it upon themselves to guide and support the patient during his detoxification process. There are also organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous that assist the patients with their moral and mental support.
Tags: acamprosate, alcohol dependency, alcohol increases, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, internal organs, mood swings depression, physical withdrawal symptoms, smooth passage, stomach disorders, types of alcohol