If someone is severely physically addicted to alcohol, and is at risk of getting DT's or having siezures if they quit cold turkey, is it possible to slowly reduce the amount of alcohol consumed in order to taper off of the physical addiction over time? This person can't afford to go to a medical detox facility, but they want to quit drinking.
2007-04-06 19:31:46 · 7 answers · asked by Chef 6 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
I need real medical advice here. I know all about detox and Librium and all the possible severe reactions to detox, including the possibility of death. I just need to know if it is even possible medically to slowly reduce consumption to stave off side effects of detox. Forget the psychology, forget the odds, is it physically possible?
2007-04-06 20:02:12 · update #1
I know they withdraw some people off certain drugs like sedatives by gradually reducing the dosage but I haven't heard this done with alcohol. I think it would be very difficult for a person who is severely dependent on alcohol to taper off on their own. Even reducing normal alcohol intake can cause withdrawal symptoms. The standard treatment for alcohol withdrawal is to eliminate alcohol and give benzodiazepines to ease the withdrawal symptoms and help prevent more serious complications such as seizures, withdrawal delirium and severe autonomic hyperactivity. Many times doctors will treat people as outpatients with benzos and have them go to follow-up counseling or support groups. However, people who have been drinking heavily, daily for long periods of time may need to withdraw until medical supervision for four or five days until they're out of the danger zone.
2007-04-07 02:33:25 · answer #1 · answered by DawnDavenport 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's possible, but not probable. You have to stop in order to deal with the addiction. Call the doctor - many medical plans cover detox now. If there is no medical plan, call you local county hospital - they too have services for recovery.
2007-04-06 19:38:35 · answer #2 · answered by Aileen C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not likely because your body gets so used to needing alcohol the craving is nearly impossible to fight. Addiction is physical, emotional and behavioral. There are places to go without needing tons of money.
2007-04-06 19:40:27 · answer #3 · answered by MissWong 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is and should indeed be nothing impossible for one to achieve in this world! If you are determined, you can stop drinking and see for yourself spectacular positive changes in your health!
By the way, your picture is an exact replica of the North Korean leader who too reportedly has similar problems!
2007-04-06 19:37:36 · answer #4 · answered by Sami V 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Another words is there a methadone like product for alcoholism? Not likely, antabuse comes the closest and that will make you vomit immediately after reacting with alcohol.
2007-04-06 19:40:46 · answer #5 · answered by jaypea40 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
normally this is done in a hospitalor related facility as they have access to tranquilizers and know what doses to give and how to watch for signs of trouble Maybe someone else can pipe in here In the meantime try AA
2016-04-01 01:48:00 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes when your doctor tells you your liver is going tostop functioning and you know it will kill you one usually tapers off to stave off death,,...Ive seen it happen to people they do slow down
2007-04-06 19:37:24 · answer #7 · answered by jigadee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋