The shakes, nausea, vomiting, and hallucinations. These are just a few of the symptoms you may have heard that people experience when they going through alcohol withdrawal. For those who have a moderate to severe alcohol dependence, it is recommended to be admitted to an inpatient alcohol treatment center for alcohol detox. At a treatment center, they can monitor your condition, help you manage your level of discomfort, and intervene in the event of a medical emergency. Admittance to an inpatient or residential treatment facility is particularly critical for those who could potentially experience a high-risk detox.
Inpatient Hospitalization for Detox
Not to be confused with residential treatment, inpatient treatment for drug and alcohol addiction in Florida is 24/7 treatment. Residential treatment is a long-term program that is typically 30 day or more, where as inpatient treatment is usually no more than 3-4 weeks. During this period of time, your wellbeing is assessed regularly and monitored very closely. Access to medical detox treatment and licensed therapists are consistently available through this level of care. This includes an on-premises medical professional, such as a physician’s assistant or nurse, and medications used to manage detox symptoms.
While admitted you are not able to leave the facility nor are you able to have access to your personal belongings. Inpatient hospitalization is typically reserved for people who are a risk to themselves or others, or who have been involuntarily admitted due to an overdose or psychotic episode. If admitted, you will not be discharged until you have been evaluated and it is determined that you have gotten past the most dangerous effects of detox and that you are not a risk to yourself or others. Inpatient treatment is different than a detox program in that detox only focuses on the physical withdrawal symtoms whereas inpatient treatment helps address mental health issues and withdrawal concurrently.
What constitutes high-risk?
If you have been using alcohol for many years and drinking heavily during this time, you have a significantly higher potential for experiencing moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms. The longer someone drinks and the heavier their consumption, the worse the detox process will usually be. This is a large part of why it is important to get someone into treatment sooner rather than later. The more severe the addiction, the higher risk there is for detoxification.
Another factor that would mark you as high risk, is the presence of an alcohol use disorder, as well as a behavioral or mental disorder. This combination is referred to as dual diagnosis.
If you are drinking heavily and are very depressed or anxious, you are at a higher risk for suicidal tendencies. At an inpatient center, you can get medical treatment for both your addiction and your mental health to increase the chances of long term recovery.
Have you been through treatment before? Did you complete the program? You are at a higher risk for not completing your program or for rapid relapse if you have previously been unsuccessful in these early stages of treatment. If you were previously a part of an outpatient treatment program and were unsuccessful, then an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab program are other options that you or your loved one should consider.
If you or your loved one are concerned about the potential risks of alcohol detox, or if you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm, consider an inpatient alcohol treatment center.