Many people can drink in moderation and never have a problem with alcohol; while about 10% of the population has a problem with controlling their intake of an alcoholic beverage.
Those who have had problem with alcohol and have stopped drink do not experience alcohol withdraw symptoms and do not need medical assistance. However, there is a small group of people that need medical assistance do to the severity of their drinking. If they do not seek out medical assistance it can be life threatening.
Alcohol detoxification, also known as detox, is the removal of alcohol from the body and usually is done at a medical facility. Detox can last three to six days depending on the severity of ones drinking.
While in detox the administration of Benzodiaphines and Barbiturates can be used to help with the withdraw symptoms. Alcohol withdraw usually starts about 8 hours after an individual’s last drink. Symptoms of alcohol withdraw include:
-Excessive Sweating
-Shakiness, especially in the hands
-Irritability and restlessness
-Anxiety
-Difficulty sleeping
-Nausea, vomiting, and or loss of appetite
-Increase in blood pressure and pulse
-Seizures
Alcohol withdraw can also be fatal. About 1% of people withdrawing from alcohol will experience hallucinations and delirium tremens (DT’s).
Delirium tremens appear after a rapid reduction in alcohol intake. DT’s appear in individuals with a long history of alcohol abuse.
Someone who is need of medical detoxification can go to there local hospital and most insurance companies will pay for it. For those who do not need medical detox but want to receive help can do to a short term or long term residential facility which and cost anywhere from $11,500 -$94,000. Most insurance companies will not pay for this service.
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