Alcoholism Medicine

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In severe cases, detoxification may require medical supervision in a hospital setting in order to alleviate the worst reactions to withdrawal. This can include the use of tranquilizers such as diazepam or alprazolam to control seizures, certain vitamins (particularly vitamin B1, vitamin C, and folic acid) to address deficiencies and prevent complications, and rehydration therapy. Monitoring to prevent accidental injury may be necessary and counseling is a standard part of treatment as well.

Disulfiram is sometimes prescribed for persons who are motivated to quit drinking. If a person taking this drug drinks even a small quantity of alcohol, he or she will experience a toxic reaction whose symptoms include intense nausea, vomiting, severe headaches, blurred vision, and a feeling of impending death. Needless to say, as long as a person continues to take this drug, he or she will have motivation to avoid alcohol in any form.

Naltrexone is a drug that blocks the pleasurable effects of alcohol. Some studies have shown that people who took this drug were three times as likely to stay with their recovery programs as those who did not. This drug is not suitable for people with liver disease, however.

Counseling and support are considered very helpful, if not vital, to the recovery process, Participation in Alcoholics Anonymous (for the patient), A1-Anon (for the spouse), and Alateen (for adolescent children) has helped many people to deal with alcoholism in themselves and in their families. There are also other group approaches, such as Women for Sobriety that can help. Private psychological and/or religious counseling can be beneficial as well.

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