There are many reasons why someone may want to stop drinking alcohol. But not all people will need to be admitted into an alcohol detox program. In many cases, someone taking part in an alcohol detox program is a patient that’s already been assessed and diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Some people may simply want to make a lifestyle change to say goodbye to blackouts, excess weight, hangovers, and unintended sleep loss. Others may want to stop drinking alcohol because of medical reasons. Maybe they’ve been diagnosed with liver disease, or they need to start taking medication that doesn’t react well with alcohol use.
Whatever the reason, the good news is that anyone can stop drinking. If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with AUD or is prone to drinking heavily, it’s important that you seek professional help instead of trying to quick alcohol by going cold turkey. Looking for an alcohol detox program in California? Contact DetoxLA today by calling 818.616.7341 or reaching out to our team online.
Where Can You Learn How to Stop Drinking Alcohol?
As mentioned earlier, if you think that you or someone you care about could be dependent on alcohol, you should consult a trusted doctor or set up a consultation appointment at the nearest health or rehab center.
Several national alcohol support services, such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)’s National Helpline, can also be of aid. You can contact any of them confidentially to ask for advice.
What Should You Expect from an Alcohol Detox Center?
It’s a good idea to research how to stop drinking alcohol because you never want to be forced to quit alcohol when you finally go to an alcohol detox center, urgent care, or the emergency room because of an overdose. An alcohol detox center provides medically assisted detoxification services to its patients. Medical detox is particularly recommended for patients struggling with severe substance use disorders (SUDs) that involve the following addictive substances:
- Alcohol
- Benzodiazepines
- Opioids
Some patients may not want to undergo medication-assisted treatment (MAT) because they don’t want to take prescribed medications on which their bodies will become dependent. However, the chances of a chemical dependency developing are rare in these instances. In general, MAT is an evidence-based intervention that uses only United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drugs. Taking these medications can help reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms, which can be discomforting and even dangerous for patients.
It’s also important to note that going through detoxification isn’t a cure for AUD. There’s no established cure for any SUD; rehab programs provide treatment that helps patients manage their addictive behaviors and maintain sobriety throughout their lives. Most alcohol detox centers also offer services to help patients who have gone through the detox process easily access comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment programs.
When Should You Consider an Alcohol Detox Program?
Did you know that alcohol is the third-leading preventable cause of death in the U.S.? Almost 100,000 Americans die from alcohol-related causes annually, and some of these deaths could have been prevented by seeking professional help.
People avoid alcohol addiction treatment for many reasons. Some don’t get professional help because they aren’t sure what to expect from rehab. Others may also be scared of the withdrawal symptoms brought on by detoxification, perhaps because they’re tried to quick alcohol by themselves before. These symptoms are exactly why you should consider an alcohol detox program for yourself or someone for whom you care. Taking the initial step toward addiction recovery alongside healthcare professionals provides safety, security, and support rarely available when detoxing at home. An alcohol detox program also often includes services that help patients transition into further addiction treatment programs.
Learn More About DetoxLA’s Alcohol Detox Program
If you’re searching for an alcohol detox program in California, contact DetoxLA today. Call 818.616.7341 or reach out to our team online.