While alcohol addiction recovery in Florida may not be easy, there are some medications can give you an advantage. They help control certain side-effects and symptoms of alcoholism that could otherwise lead to relapse.
In combination with other treatments, such as residential or outpatient care and therapy, medications may be part of a treatment program that is customized for you. Here’s a look at some of the medications that may be used during withdrawal and recovery, and how these drugs help you get through the withdrawal and resist alcohol later.
Anti-Anxiety and Seizure Medications Help Manage Dangerous Withdrawal Symptoms
Alcohol withdrawal and detoxification may trigger uncomfortable symptoms and some that are life-threatening. WebMD says delirium tremens or DTs, for example, can cause uncontrollable shaking, high blood pressure, hallucinations, and even death. Seizures are also possible.
Michael James Burns, MD, FACEP, FACP, says benzodiazepines are typically “the drug of choice” for managing every stage of alcohol withdrawal, including delirium tremens and seizures. They include:
- Diazepam (such as Valium)
- Lorazepam (such as Ativan)
Phenobarbital, which is a barbiturate, is sometimes prescribed for patients who have not responded well to benzodiazepines. Seizure medications, such as Depakote and Dilantin, can help manage both seizures and withdrawal-related emotional distress.
Some Recovery Medications Alter the Effects of Alcohol
If you are determined to make a success of addiction recovery in Florida, certain medications can improve your chances of long-term sobriety. Some drugs interfere with the pleasurable sensation you get from alcohol. If you relapse, DrugRehab.com says Disulfiram, also called Antabuse, makes it as unpleasant as possible. It causes nausea, flushing, and sweating if you have one drink or go on a binge.
According to Addictions and Recovery, the reaction to Antabuse is enough to make anyone in recovery think twice about having a drink. Because it takes weeks to leave the body, you cannot skip a dose and have a drink the next day, at least not without regretting it. The sickness is as severe and unpleasant as food poisoning.
This is how the body reacts to Antabuse after drinking one beer, one glass of wine, or one shot of liquor:
- Face flushing
- Headache
- Lowered blood pressure
- Fast heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Severe Vomiting
Whether or not you are at a high risk of relapse, you will probably experience alcohol cravings in recovery. They come with the territory, so your doctor may prescribe Naltrexone, known as Revia and Vivitrol, to help manage them. These drugs build a wall that prevents intoxication. They also block the euphoria and other pleasant sensations that you normally get from alcohol.
Medications can help you get through the most difficult stages of withdrawal and recovery. That means your chances of long-term sobriety have never been better. Your doctor may even prescribe vitamin supplements for better overall health.
Programs for alcohol addiction recovery in Florida address a wide range of physical and psychological needs. Because no two people are alike, your program should be uniquely yours, as well. Contact us today to learn more about admissions for a healthier, sober life.
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The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.