Our goal is for our residents to achieve full sobriety without the use of medication, but we understand that this can be difficult for some. When suitable, we use medications to help residents manage cravings and other needs. Therapy is adjusted to ensure medications are used correctly and not misused.
Our doctors and therapists are skilled in using these medications and can tailor our therapy to maximize their effectiveness. In these cases where medicinal assistance is indicated our doctor can prescribe Naltrexone, Methadone, Suboxone, and other effective medications to help control cravings.
Naltrexone is an oral medication that prevents people suffering from alcoholism from feeling euphoria or a “high” from drinking alcohol. This eliminates the motivation to drink.
The oral form of naltrexone, which is just as effective for the treatment of alcohol addiction.
Oral medication that causes unpleasant reactions if alcohol is consumed. It’s taken once daily, and it’s important to engage in behavioural therapies and support groups while using disulfiram. Abstinence from alcohol is crucial to avoid severe reactions.
Acamprosate is a medication that helps reduce cravings and the desire to drink alcohol. It is approved by Health Canada for adults who want to stay away from alcohol. This medication is for people with a history of alcohol use, but who are not drinking when they start taking it. It might take a few days to a week for acamprosate to work fully. After taking it for several days, you may find that your cravings and urges to drink alcohol have lessened.
Medications are helpful tools that work best with therapy, counseling, and support groups. They can guide you during recovery. Medications have greatly improved alcohol treatment, giving hope to many people with AUD. While they may not work for everyone, they can support recovery. Remember, recovery takes time, and each resource helps you move toward your goal.
For residents going into treatment, detox is done on-site and is medically supervised. Our doctor and nurse make sure that our residents are both safe and comfortable during their withdrawal. Our detox physicians are licensed by Health Canada to prescribe suboxone and methadone and other withdrawal medications.
Searidge Alcohol Rehab is also prepared to address general health needs for residents during their stay at our center. Our resident nurse is on site. Our Addictions Doctors and Psychiatrist sees residents as required.
In cases of severe alcohol dependence and withdrawal, individuals may develop a condition known as delirium tremens (DTs). This involves increased activity of the autonomic nervous system and significant changes in mental state. Although not very common, DTs typically occur in people who have a long history of alcohol use, specifically those who have withdrawn from alcohol after abusing it for more than 10 years or those who have been drinking daily for several months.
Changing habits is important for staying sober. People who drink too much should find healthier activities like exercising and eating well. Taking up new hobbies can help avoid old habits, and spending time with others focused on sobriety encourages positive changes and reduces temptations. It’s also important to manage stress since many people turn to alcohol for relief; practices like meditation or yoga can offer better coping strategies and improve resilience.
Detox is a key first step in recovery. When needed, it helps to ease withdrawal symptoms safely before starting treatment. Care and medication are tailored to each person and their specific substance use. We offer Medical Detox for our residents when necessary.
When someone who drinks a lot stops drinking alcohol, they may have withdrawal symptoms. For those at risk of serious withdrawal, medications can help ease discomfort, prevent symptoms from worsening, and lower risks of complications.
In serious cases of alcohol withdrawal, doctors may be required to provide medications that control those symptoms. While some withdrawal episodes may seem manageable without medication, avoiding it can lead to worse effects in future withdrawals.
Improper management of withdrawal symptoms with medications can cause neurotoxicity, where “kindling” raises the risk of seizures during repeated withdrawal experiences.
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