Alcohol Abuse, Addiction, and Treatment

Alcohol detox is the critical first step to overcoming alcohol dependence. It allows your body to safely rid itself of alcohol while managing withdrawal symptoms.

For those struggling with alcohol addiction, detoxing in a professional setting is essential for a safe and comfortable experience.

At Costa Mesa Detox, we offer a comprehensive, medically supervised detox program to help individuals begin their recovery journey with the needed support. Detoxing without medical supervision can be dangerous, which makes professional care vital to managing both the physical and emotional challenges of alcohol withdrawal.

What Is Alcohol Detox?

Detox is the process of clearing alcohol from the body, allowing it to adjust to functioning without it in the system. It’s a critical part of the recovery journey as it helps break the body’s physical dependence on alcohol. The detox process is more than just stopping drinking. It involves managing withdrawal symptoms and ensuring the body stays safe and stable during the transition.

Alcohol withdrawal typically occurs in stages. Initially, symptoms like headaches, nausea and anxiety may start within the first 6-12 hours.

As withdrawal progresses, more severe symptoms like tremors and elevated heart rate and blood pressure can develop. In severe cases, a person may experience hallucinations or seizures, which are potentially life-threatening without medical intervention.

Due to the unpredictability of alcohol withdrawal, medical supervision can be incredibly important.

The body’s reaction to an absence of alcohol can widely vary, and without proper care, the risk of complications, including dehydration, seizures or cardiac events, goes up significantly.

Medically managed detox offers the safety and support necessary to address symptoms, often through the use of medications to reduce discomfort and prevent dangerous complications.

Detox isn’t the final step in recovery, but it’s the first and most critical one, laying the groundwork for further treatment and long-term sobriety.

Our Approach to Alcohol Detox

At our Costa Mesa center, we take a personalized approach to alcohol detox, recognizing that each person’s experience with alcohol dependence is unique. From the moment you arrive, our team will work closely to develop an individualized treatment aligned with your needs and health conditions. Personalized care ensures your detox process is safe and tailored to your comfort and long-term recovery goals.

Our medical detox services are designed to provide around-the-clock supervision and support. We closely monitor progress to ensure that withdrawal symptoms are managed safely and effectively.

Our medical team is experienced in using evidence-based treatments to minimize discomfort and complications, including using medications when necessary.

In addition to medical care, we work to holistically support your mind and body during detox.

By integrating medical and holistic care, we provide a comprehensive detox experience that addresses the physical aspects of withdrawal but also nurtures emotional and mental health.

Our approach is deeply rooted in evidence-based practices, ensuring your care is based on the latest research and proven treatment methods.

Alcohol Withdrawal Treatments

Depending on individual needs, some of the specific treatments that may be administered during alcohol detox include:

• Anticonvulsants like gabapentin or carbamazepine may be used to reduce the risk of seizures. These medications stabilize electrical activity in the brain and can be especially useful when someone has a history of seizures or is at high risk for delirium tremens (DTs).
• Beta-blockers like propranolol can be prescribed to manage the physical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, like rapid heart rate or high blood pressure. They can control the cardiovascular effects of withdrawal, reducing strain on the heart and lowering levels of anxiety.
• Antipsychotics may be given when hallucinations or severe agitation occur. These medicines calm the nervous system and prevent dangerous psychotic episodes during withdrawal.
• Thiamine (vitamin B1) and folic acid may be administered to prevent or treat nutritional deficiencies common in alcohol use. Alcohol depletes essential nutrients, so replenishing vitamins can help the body and brain recover, reducing the risk of cognitive complications.
• Clonidine is at times used to treat withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, sweating and tremors. It works by calming nervous system hyperactivity to ease physical withdrawal symptoms.
• IV electrolyte replacement may be needed to address dehydration caused by vomiting, sweating, and diarrhea.

MAT for Alcohol Dependence

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for alcohol use disorder (AUD) is an approach that uses specific medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat alcohol dependence.

The goal of MAT is to reduce cravings, prevent relapse and help promote long-term sobriety by addressing both addiction’s physical and mental components.

Examples of treatments used in MAT for alcohol include:

• Naltrexone blocks euphoric and sedative effects of alcohol by binding to the brain’s opioid receptors. It reduces cravings and makes alcohol less pleasurable to support long-term abstinence.
• Acamprosate restores the chemical balance in the brain disrupted by chronic alcohol use. It’s particularly effective at reducing cravings and urges to drink.
• Disulfiram, available under the brand name Antabuse, discourages drinking by causing unpleasant physical reactions like flushing, nausea and vomiting when alcohol is consumed. It interferes with alcohol metabolism, leading to the buildup of acetaldehyde, causing the symptoms.
• Topiramate isn’t FDA-approved specifically for alcohol use disorder but is sometimes prescribed off-label to reduce cravings and the reinforcing effects of alcohol.
• Gabapentin is another off-label option. The medication was initially developed to treat seizures, but it may help with the cravings and anxiety associated with alcohol withdrawal.

What to Expect During Alcohol Detox

At Costa Mesa Detox, we provide a thorough, supportive detox process starting when you first contact us.

When you arrive, you’ll undergo a comprehensive assessment to evaluate your health, history of alcohol use, and any co-occurring conditions that could affect your detox.

This personalized evaluation helps us design a detox plan tailored to your needs to ensure your withdrawal is managed as safely and comfortably as possible.

Throughout the detox process, you’ll be closely monitored by our experienced team. We understand withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe, and we ensure you’re supported every step of the way.

Recovery doesn’t end with detox, so our team will work with you on a plan for ongoing treatment.

The Benefits of Detoxing at Costa Mesa Detox

Choosing to detox at our Costa Mesa facility comes with benefits that will make your experience as safe, comfortable, and effective as possible. Our team provides compassionate care throughout the alcohol detox process.

By choosing Costa Mesa Detox, you aren’t just detoxing. You’re taking the first step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life with ongoing support to help you maintain your sobriety long after detox is complete.