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If someone is severely physically addicted to alcohol, and is at risk of getting DT's or having siezures if they quit cold turkey, is it possible to slowly reduce the amount of alcohol consumed in order to taper off of the physical addiction over time? This person can't afford to go to a medical detox facility, but they want to quit drinking.
I guess I touched a nerve with this question, seeing as there has only been a few responses. That or alcoholism is still a mystery in society. Don't know.

First of all the answer to your question is no. It can't be done. Either the person drinks or they don't. As far as not being able to afford medical detox you need to really check into it. There are programs out there that can help. If you email me I will personally look for a place for him to go.

2007-04-06 23:38:00 by Chef

www.summerhousedetoxcenter.com How to Detox from Alcohol Addiction safely in Boston. Detox with dignity at the best drug and alcohol detox ...

If someone is severely physically addicted to alcohol, and is at risk of getting DT's or having siezures if they quit cold turkey, is it possible to slowly reduce the amount of alcohol consumed in order to taper off of the physical addiction over time? This person can't afford to go to a medical detox facility, but they want to quit drinking.
I need real medical advice here. I know all about detox and Librium and all the possible severe reactions to detox, including the possibility of death. I just need to know if it is even possible medically to slowly reduce consumption to stave off side effects of detox. Forget the psychology, forget the odds, is it physically possible?

I know they withdraw some people off certain drugs like sedatives by gradually reducing the dosage but I haven't heard this done with alcohol. I think it would be very difficult for a person who is severely dependent on alcohol to taper off on their own. Even reducing normal alcohol intake can cause withdrawal symptoms. The standard treatment for alcohol withdrawal is to eliminate alcohol and give benzodiazepines to ease the withdrawal symptoms and help prevent more serious complications such as seizures, withdrawal delirium and severe autonomic hyperactivity. Many times doctors will treat people as outpatients with benzos and have them go to follow-up counseling or support groups. However, people who have been drinking heavily, daily for long periods of time may need to withdraw until medical supervision for four or five days until they're out of the danger zone.

2007-04-06 23:31:46 by Chef

Price: $5.88

My husband just spent three days in a detox unit for alcohol addiction, and all he has done today is sleep, and he has been giving me the cold shoulder. Is this normal behavor?

There are a lot of things that could be a reason for his sleeping all the time. It is never easy for the individual or the families involved with this. He may be going through some depression. Please do not feel that you can fix this for him. It will be hard for him to resist alcohol and he is going to fight this urge the rest of his life. Only the Good Lord can fix a situation like this. He will need lots of prayer.
While he was in detox, he probably attended some group meetings and they discuss how to take those first steps to begin the healing process. Whatever situation that had him there has probably left him with lots of guilt. I guess you can let him know that you are there for him and that you love him and will support him anyway you can. If and When he is ready you will be there to listen with an open mind.

This is normal behavior, and knowing people who are alcoholics, this may be a very hard road for all involved. There may be a lot of issues with control because he has lost the ability to control the alocohol he consumes and if he cannot control "something or someone", than he will probably feel like he has nothing. So, for you, don't let this get you down. If you have the strong love and faith in him, you can pull together.
I would get couple counseling at a good Christian based place. And, I would seek out a gospel believing church. For you, I would start reading the Bible so that you have the tools you need to fight Satan on this. Look at the book of Romans for reassurance, and Psalms for comfort. You can cast out this demon and ban it from your household "IN JESUS NAME".

I don't want to sound weird, but if you are at wits end, than this may be what you need to lean on. Lean on Christ, He will be your Rock and your Fortress.

Your husband had a hard physical situation while in detox. I've seen this, and it is not fun at all. Actually it takes 3 days to have the alcohol start leaving your system and you are just beginning to see symptoms. Yes, he will be tired. He may sweat, vomit, have chills. Depending on how bad it is, he may see stuff, and may get very angry. I do not know your husband or his personality. But, if you notice a huge rise in anger, you first need to protect yourself, and you may need to have 911 immediatly. Don't try to calm him down yourself. They should be called for mental health issues.
I pray that you will be strong and take heart. God is with you. I hope this helps you and I hope you get this message before all of this stuff starts happening. It may not, he may just sleep it off. I hope he does.
Get into an AA group and attend with him if it helps you. That way you can be informed, and not feel alone in this either. God bless you. You can always e-mail me if you like.

2007-03-17 19:50:26 by myor28574

Price: $9.75

Family member on way to rehab. She is frightened of side effects of withdrawal and wants to know if they treat with other drugs. She has tried tapering. She is an addictive personality - I'd like to get my hands on the dr. (quack) who prescribed xanax, knowing she had abused alcohol and other drugs in the past.
Her main fear of withdrawal is the rapid heartbeat and rise in blood pressure she experiences which was the rationale for the original prescription.

benzodiazipine addiction is the most difficult to kick. it should only be prescribed for short periods of time for a crisis (like death of friend/family). that's why it is important for a person to see a psychiatrist for medication monitoring. If she has an addictive personality, there may be a problem with the neurotransmitters in the brain. the proper medication can fix this....but she has to REALLY want to stop the xanax or nothing will work.

2006-04-03 10:23:32 by betty.boopster

I am a young person who is trying to overcome an alcohol addiction. I haven't drank any alcohol in two days now, and since than I have been really sick. I have been shaking very bad, extremely nauseous to the point of vomiting, extremely anxious, and feverish. Last night I was so miserable, and I couldn't sleep. I know that this is called detoxing. I am doing this on my own; I am not going to any rehab places unless it is extremely necessary. I just want to know how to make myself comfortable while I detox. Is there anything that I could do to distract myself from this pain and discomfort? How long does the detox process last? If you have had experience with this, please give me some advise. I don't know if I can handle this.

Try your usual remedies like panadol/tylenol and just wait it out. Drink plenty of water to help cleanse your system and keep you hydrated. Sipping some Ginger ale will help a lot with the nausea too.
Other than that curl up and watch some TV or DVD's and try include some walking and fresh air into your day as well.

2009-03-05 18:04:43 by The Mad Hatter [RA]