Alcohol Detoxification

Detoxification is an option if you are alcohol-dependent.

Alcohol dependence and withdrawal symptoms

If you are alcohol-dependent you have a strong desire to drink alcohol. As a result, you drink alcohol regularly and depend on it to prevent these symptoms. If you do not have any more alcohol the withdrawal symptoms usually last 5-7 days but a craving for alcohol may persist longer.

It occurs in about 1 in 20 people who have alcohol withdrawal symptoms about 2-3 days after their last drink. Detoxification or 'detox' involves taking a short course of a medicine which helps to prevent withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking alcohol. Many GPs are happy to prescribe for detox from alcohol. You must agree not to drink any alcohol when you are going through detox.

The medication used for detox does not make you stop drinking.

Vitamin supplements

You are likely to be prescribed vitamins, particularly vitamin B1 (thiamine), if you are alcohol-dependent - especially during detox. Some people are referred to a specialist drug and alcohol unit for detox.

A history of severe withdrawal symptoms.

A physical illness caused by alcohol.

Previous attempts to stop alcohol which have failed.

After detoxification and staying off alcohol

Medication

• Acamprosate is a medicine which helps to ease alcohol cravings. It can help some people to stay off alcohol.

• Baclofen is a medicine that is reported in some medical studies to help some people to stay off alcohol or to reduce drinking quantity. It may also reduce craving and reduce anxiety in alcohol-dependent people.

Other help

Self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous have also helped many people to stay off alcohol.