Alcohol Withdrawal Detoxification in San Diego

The medical literature has filled the descriptions of alcoholism withdrawal, including delirium tremens (DTs). Decades later, alcohol withdrawal was labeled “brain fever” secondary to “frequent and excessive intoxication.” In that same year, the syndrome was called delirium tremens. A century later, abstinence syndrome (manifest by tremulousness and seizures) was observed in chronically alcohol-intoxicated individuals. Our understanding of these syndromes grew when Victor and Adams used a naturalistic setting to study 206 patients hospitalized for alcoholism. After their patients’ alcohol intake ceased upon hospitalization, 12% had seizures, 18% developed hallucinations, and 5% developed Delirium Tremens. All these symptoms were related to the cessation of alcohol consumption.

Over the years, various treatments have been tried for symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Fortunately, more modern attention to alcohol withdrawal leads to more significant outcomes and minor discomfort at the detoxification level. Long gone are the days of lumbar punctures, hydrotherapy and horrid electroconvulsive shock therapy, insulin coma therapy, and other outdated and ineffective treatments of alcohol withdrawal. We pride ourselves at La Jolla Recovery on using the most efficient evidence-based rehabilitation therapies for alcoholism.

Medication-assisted treatment is recommended for clients and will be monitored clinically. More modern medications such as suboxone, Sublocade, and Vivitrol have shown positive results in craving and withdrawal. With medication-assisted treatment, adequate nutrition, and active attention to the central nervous system (CNS), withdrawal symptoms are vital for reduced symptomatology and more outstanding outcomes. A supportive environment is essential as a client progresses through phases of alcoholism rehab. How family can continue is critical, and we want you to be involved.

At some time, 20% of men and 10% of women in most Western countries will have an alcohol-use disorder, defined as repetitive alcohol-related problems in at least 2 of a dozen areas of life. These conditions can decrease the life span by a decade and are associated with severe impairments in social functioning and many medical problems. About 50% of persons with alcohol-use disorders have symptoms of alcohol withdrawal when they reduce or discontinue their alcohol consumption; in 3 to 5% of these persons, convulsions or severe confusion (delirium), or both develop. Although alcohol-related conditions occur in persons from all social levels and affect more than 20% of patients in most medical settings, few physicians have been adequately trained in identifying and treating these severe problems.

Withdrawal symptoms associated with depressants such as alcohol include insomnia, anxiety, increased pulse and respiration rates, body temperature, blood pressure, and hand tremors. Because of the fast action of ethanol (beverage alcohol), withdrawal symptoms usually begin within 8 hours after blood alcohol levels decrease, peak at about 72 hours, and are markedly reduced by days 5 through 7 of abstinence. Alcohol withdrawal and the severity of its symptoms are closely monitored at La Jolla Recovery alcohol detox to identify the most effective treatments.

Background Alcohol withdrawal delirium (AWD), known as delirium tremens, is the most severe manifestation of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. The classic clinical presentation of AWD includes hyperpyrexia, tachycardia, hypertension, and diaphoresis. The incidence of AWD averages 5% in placebo-treated alcohol-dependent patients entered into clinical trials of inpatient drug treatment for alcohol withdrawal. Clinical features of alcohol withdrawal syndrome can appear within hours of the last drink, but delirium typically does not develop until 2 to 3 days after the cessation. Alcohol withdrawal delirium usually lasts 48 to 3 days, but there have been case reports of much longer duration. Initial studies found mortality to be as high as 15%, but with advances in treatment, mortality rates have fallen, with more recent studies indicating mortality of 0% to 1%. The pandemic has seen the number of alcohol abusers increase exponentially. We understand how stress and anxiety affect our alcohol consumption and its impact on our lives.

At La Jolla Recovery, we attend to the alcohol withdrawal symptoms at the detox level for rehab to be more effective.

Medication-assisted treatment may be used for the appropriate treatment of alcohol withdrawal delirium. Medications should not be used as a stand-alone treatment for alcohol withdrawal, hallucinations, or other symptoms, so a comprehensive detox approach is suggested. Medical and clinical attention to the proper alcohol withdrawal and detox will be provided to your unique needs.

Severe alcohol addiction and withdrawal symptoms like delirium tremens may add to the fear or anxiety of getting help or beginning the alcohol detox step. La Jolla Recovery combines cutting-edge western techniques with eastern modalities at our state-of-the-art addiction and detox center. Contact our experienced team of clinicians if any of these alarming signs of alcoholic intoxication feel familiar to you. Be aware that a loved one may have a dual diagnosis, mental health, and abuse substances such as heroin, prescription, or cocaine. Whether adhering to 12 steps or needing a non-spiritual approach, such as Practical Recovery, we want to provide the right program for your alcohol detox and withdrawal needs. La Jolla, Pacific Beach, and Mission Bay beaches will wake you up with a breeze to support the positive transition toward health. After alcohol detox, you might continue recovery at one of our rehabs or outpatient centers. Are you wondering to choose inpatient or outpatient? We’re here to answer all your alcohol rehabilitation questions. If you abuse Klonopin, benzodiazepines, or heroin, we will attend to your alcohol withdrawal with the proper attention, including multiple substance addictions or opiate support.