Alcohol addiction is a serious disease characterized by the misuse and uncontrolled consumption of alcohol. When you’re ready to overcome alcohol addiction, it’s important to do so in a way that is not only effective but also safe. Alcohol detox programs in Massachusetts are medically supervised and offer the intensive care that’s needed during this important stage of recovery.
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Understanding Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol addiction is a serious disease that has a significant impact on a person’s physical and mental health, along with their quality of life and relationships. Alcohol addiction doesn’t happen overnight and can sneak into a person’s life before they fully realize how serious it has become.
A drink or two every night after work can quietly escalate to more frequent and heavier drinking. Those who have a family history of alcohol use disorder are also at a higher risk of developing the disease, meaning that if those individuals aren’t consciously aware of their alcohol consumption, alcohol use disorder can develop.
At Rockland Recovery, we feel it’s important to acknowledge the seriousness and severity of alcohol use disorder. Our society goes through phases that seem to trivialize heavier alcohol consumption, such as recent trends of whiskey or wine culture.
Unlike many other types of addictive substances, alcohol use is considered socially acceptable. This makes it more challenging to recognize when casual or social drinking habits have transitioned into a more serious condition.
If you or your loved one are in need of help in recovering from alcohol addiction, please reach out to Rockland Recovery at 888-299-4833. Another wonderful resource is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). They offer an online provider directory, along with a 24-hour National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
What Is Medical Alcohol Detox?
Alcohol detox is the first important step to overcoming alcohol addiction. Detoxification from alcohol should take place in a medically supervised addiction treatment center or hospital setting.
When alcohol use is stopped, the body is going to go through a period of withdrawal that typically lasts about 24 to 72 hours. The symptoms of alcohol detox can be just as serious as detox from other forms of addiction and can range from mild to severe.
Some individuals navigate detox from alcohol with relatively mild symptoms that may include nausea, irritability, headache, and brain fog. Others may experience more severe symptoms, such as changes in heart rate and breathing, tremors, delirium, hallucinations, fever, and seizures.
Going through detox in a medically supervised setting can ensure that the individual’s medical and mental health needs are met and that detox occurs in the safest way possible.
Medication-Assisted Treatment and Alcohol Detox
In some cases, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for alcohol detox and addiction recovery may be prescribed. MAT is most commonly used in the treatment of opioid addiction, but there are a number of FDA-approved medications that are effective in lessening the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal while reducing cravings and preventing relapse after treatment. These medications include:
- Disulfiram (Antabuse) – Affects how the body breaks down and metabolizes alcohol, producing an unpleasant reaction when alcohol is consumed.
- Acamprosate (Campral) –Reduces alcohol cravings and quiets the urge to drink.
- Naltrexone (Vivitrol) – An effective drug for diminishing cravings and preventing relapse.
MAT is just one approach to alcohol detox and recovery. At Rockland Recovery, we complete a thorough assessment during the admissions process that considers the individual’s history of alcohol use and the use of other addictive substances, along with a mental health assessment and a look at social and support factors that may play a role in the development of AUD.
What Happens After Alcohol Detox?
At Rockland Recovery, we’re committed to supporting the individual through every step of alcohol addiction recovery. Alcohol detox is the first important step, but there is more important work ahead.
Our staff of clinical experts work with each person to develop an addiction recovery program for success after detoxification from alcohol. For many, the most effective approach is to enter inpatient treatment for addiction treatment. The transition after detox is difficult, and inpatient treatment can offer the support and structure needed in this stage of recovery.
Other addiction treatment options include partial hospitalization programs (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), outpatient therapies such as 12-step programs and individual counseling, and sober living communities.
Your Alcohol Detox Center at Rockland Recovery
When you’re ready to take the first important step toward overcoming alcohol addiction, Rockland Recovery is here to help. We can answer your questions about medical alcohol detox in Massachusetts and provide guidance in getting started. Contact Rockland Recovery today at 888-299-4833.
