We all encounter difficult challenges that we must overcome at various points throughout our lives. For many, one of the most daunting is the struggle with alcohol dependence and addiction as part of an Alcohol Use Disorder. It is a condition that stealthily creeps into lives, often unnoticed at first then gradually tightening its grip, becoming a major concern and affecting health, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Alcohol Use Disorder is not just a habit; it is a complex health issue that involves psychological, physical, and social factors. The journey to overcome this begins with a critical and challenging first step: detox and withdrawal.
Alcohol detox is the process of purging the body of alcohol and managing the withdrawal symptoms that follow when you quit drinking. This is a necessary phase and a foundational step on the road to reclaiming one’s life from alcohol. It is not merely about stopping alcohol consumption—it is about safely navigating alcohol withdrawal, which can be as perilous as it is pivotal.
Whether you or a loved one is facing this challenge, understanding the intricacies of alcohol detox—the timeline, the various alcohol addiction treatment methods, and the journey toward recovery—can be empowering and help lead to long-term success.
Finding the Right Alcohol Detox Program For You
There are several different types of alcohol detox treatment programs, each suited to different levels of dependence, addiction, and personal circumstances. Each method varies in terms of the level of medical intervention, support, and environment in which the alcohol detox occurs. Choosing the right type of detox is crucial, as it can significantly impact the individual's comfort and safety during the withdrawal process, as well as the likelihood of successful recovery.
Self-Detox: Abruptly discontinuing alcohol consumption can lead to significant discomfort and serious health risks. Individuals who do not perceive their drinking to be excessive can face alcohol withdrawal seizures upon sudden cessation. Attempts to gradually decrease alcohol intake over a period often fail, as the discomfort during this tapering process is usually too severe. Patients attempting to detoxify on their own without medical assistance may suffer from symptoms like confusion, agitation, hallucinations, tremors, or even Delirium Tremens (DTs). Additional risks include hyperthermia, cardiac arrhythmias, and complications from concurrent medical or psychological conditions. Seeking professional medical assistance is crucial to mitigate these risks.
Inpatient Detoxification: This process is conducted in a hospital or drug rehabilitation center and typically spans 4 to 10 days, varying from patient to patient. During inpatient detox, medications such as benzodiazepines are administered to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and prevent seizures. However, inpatient detoxification can be costly and disruptive to everyday life. Additionally, health insurance may not always cover the entire duration needed for a patient to fully recover.
Outpatient Detoxification with The Coleman Method: Our innovative alcohol detox method offers a comfortable and effective outpatient detoxification alternative. Patients appreciate the ability to undergo detox in the comfort of their home or hotel, away from the clinical atmosphere of a hospital. We utilize Phenobarbital and other medications to safely and comfortably detoxify patients, often within just three days. Phenobarbital is particularly effective for detox due to its targeted action on the brain and its long-lasting effects, which aid in a smoother transition to recovery. Our patients are monitored daily, and medication dosages are adjusted to ensure comfort without excessive sedation.
Typical Timeline for Alcohol Detox and Withdrawal
The timeline for alcohol detox can vary depending on the individual's level of alcohol dependence, physical health, and other factors. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the alcohol detox timeline when using the Coleman Method:
Before the Detox Begins: Before your first appointment, one of our physicians or nurses will speak to you over the phone and conduct a screening evaluation. It is advised to not stop drinking suddenly before beginning treatment as it may cause seizures. Our protocols allow alcohol consumption until midnight the day of your first appointment. We will also request that you arrange to have a support person who can be with you during the entirety of your treatment and for 48 hours following treatment. Patients in detox should not drive a motor vehicle, and they should be monitored at all times to ensure their safety and comfort.
Day 1: Your first alcohol detox appointment will start at around 8:00 a.m. We will take a thorough medical history and give you a physical examination including procedures like blood work, EKG, and other labs as necessary. We will also measure your vital signs, take a breathalyzer, and assess your level of withdrawal. From there, we start the detox treatment by replenishing all of the vitamins and minerals that alcohol has depleted from your body. We stabilize your condition and give you comfort medications to help calm you and reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms. This first appointment typically takes about 6 to 8 hours. After this appointment, you will be discharged into the care of your support person. They will be given detailed instructions to ensure your detox goes as smoothly as possible.
Intermediate Day(s): The Coleman Method alcohol detox process typically takes 3-4 days. After the first day, patients attend the clinic daily and continue oral Phenobarbital medications along with their other comfort medicines. Doses of medicines are reviewed daily and adjusted.
Final Day: By the final day of the detox, the patient’s body is completely free of alcohol. We review and agree on a comprehensive treatment plan for long-term recovery. We administer long-acting Naltrexone, and the patient can be discharged. Plans for follow-up medical care are established.
What Is Naltrexone Therapy for Alcohol?
After finishing your detox, we use Naltrexone Therapy as part of the Coleman Method to help patients sustain their momentum as they make the transition to post-detox recovery.Naltrexone, a non-addictive medication, binds to the opiate receptors in the brain that are associated with the rewarding sensations experienced during alcohol consumption. By blocking these receptors, Naltrexone reduces the craving for alcohol and diminishes the enjoyment derived from drinking.
At the Coleman Institute, our unique formulation of Naltrexone is designed to slowly release the medication over a period of eight weeks through a
pellet-sized implant that is inserted under the skin. We typically recommend patients remain on Naltrexone Therapy for at least one year following detox to provide time for the brain and body to heal, to establish strong support systems, and to develop new, healthier habits to help ensure recovery success.Make the Choice to Get Help Today
Following detox with the Coleman Institute, many of our patients in long-term recovery say the same thing
—they wish they decided to detox sooner.There is no better time than now to
start the process of reclaiming your life from alcohol dependence and addiction, and we are here to help you detox safely, comfortably, and as quickly as possible, with sustained support, resources, and addiction medicine expertise.Contact our home office in
Richmond, VA, or one of our nationwide clinics near you and take the first step toward overcoming Alcohol Use Disorder and creating a brighter future for you and the ones you love.