Alcohol detoxification

Detoxification deals with removing toxins from the patient’s body with the help of medication. It is also helps in easing the withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol detoxification or detox, which is for individuals with alcohol dependence is the abrupt cessation of alcohol intake coupled with the substitution of alcohol with cross-tolerant drugs that have similar effects in order to prevent alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol detox is the commonest form of biological alcohol treatment or therapy it is uses medication to replace the effect of alcohol on the brain or body. The medication prescribed is a sedative medication, although this does not mean the patient is sent to sleep.

Purposes of alcohol detox

The American Society of Addiction Medicine lists three immediate goals for detoxification of alcohol and other substances: (1) “to provide a safe withdrawal from the drug(s) of dependence and enable the patient to become drug-free”; (2) “to provide a withdrawal that is humane and thus protects the patient’s dignity”; and (3) “to prepare the patient for ongoing treatment of his or her dependence on alcohol or other drugs.

Family of drugs used for alcohol detox

1. Benzodiazepins

Such:

a. chlordiazepoxide (Librium) : is the benzodiazepine of choice in uncomplicated alcohol withdrawal
b. diazepam (Valium) : are available as an injection for patients who cannot safely take medications by mouth.
c. lorazepam (Ativan) and oxazepam (Serax) : may be best in patients with cirrhosis (shorter half life).

They are the most commonly used drugs used to reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

2. Sympatholytics, such atenolol and clonidine

3. Carbamazepine

4. Other drugs,

Some hospitals administer alcohol to prevent alcohol withdrawal although there are potential problems with this practice.

Various vitamins, especially from the B group, are often used during withdrawal treatment.

Sodium oxybate is the sodium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid(GHB). It is used for both acute alcohol withdrawal and medium to long-term detoxification. This drug enhances GABA neurotransmission and reduces glutamate levels. It is used in Italy in small amounts under the trade name Alcover. Baclofen has been shown in animal studies and in small human studies to enhance detoxification. This drug acts as a GABA B receptor agonist and this may be beneficial.

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