If you are looking for MAT near me, you might already have an idea of what it is all about. Detoxing from alcohol can be quite a challenging personal goal. Thankfully, with the help of medically-assisted alcohol detox, it can become a bit more manageable. Do you or someone you know have a problem with alcohol? Sometimes it is easier to look at someone else than to look at your own life and make an admission.
We at Asheville Detox are experts in medically-assisted alcohol detox for helping others overcome their addiction. How can you be certain if you have a problem with alcohol in the first place? Let’s begin by taking a look at some of the common signs of alcoholism.
Why Is Alcohol Detox Necessary?
Abusing alcohol arouses destructive patterns in all areas of your life, including work and relationships. Having impaired judgment harms those that you love and causes you to engage in risky behaviors. Here are some signs that you are abusing alcohol and are in need of detox:
- You have developed a tolerance to alcohol, and you need to drink a lot more to get the same results.
- You experience symptoms of alcohol withdrawal several hours to a few days after cutting back on drinking.
- You have tried to quit but have not been successful.
- You have been spending an excessive amount of time recovering from hangovers.
- You have been avoiding social functions so that no one notices your heavy drinking.
- You keep drinking alcohol even though it is causing you health issues.
All or any of these reasons show that you may have a problem with alcohol. In order for you to rid yourself of your addiction, naturally, the first step has to be to let go completely of the substance. Trying to slowly wean yourself off of alcohol won’t do the trick. Although detox is going to be a bit difficult, with the help of professionals giving you guidance and medicine, this should make the situation a bit easier.
Can’t I Detox from Alcohol on My Own?
The short answer is no, not really. It is far too risky, for several reasons. First of all, the most serious cases of alcohol withdrawal may cause a condition called delirium tremens. When left untreated, DT can lead to stroke, heart attack, and even death. When under medical care, DT is treatable with the help of medically-assisted detox. Antipsychotic drugs, benzodiazepines, and others may be used to keep the situation under control.
Another reason why detoxing at home is not a good idea is that the temptation is just too great. Alcohol is just too easy to get your hands on. Your chances of relapsing during your withdrawal period are much greater if you try and detox without professional help.
About Alcohol Withdrawals
When you go through alcohol detox, you experience a set of uncomfortable and sometimes serious withdrawal symptoms as a result of abstaining from using it. Your mind and body have to become stable again, after experiencing the highs and lows that come with excessive drinking.
Here are some of the symptoms you should expect to experience while you are detoxing from alcohol:
- Being nervous or anxious
- Feeling depressed
- Being tired
- Being irritable
- Being jumpy or shaky
- Mood swings
- Vivid nightmares
- Unclear thinking
- Sweaty, clammy skin
- Dilated pupils
- Elevated heart rate
- Nausea and vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
- Shaky hands
- Headaches
In the most severe cases, alcohol withdrawal can cause delirium tremens. This serious condition can cause seizures, severe confusion, hallucinations, fever, and agitation.
As you can see, you may be in for a rough road when going through alcohol withdrawals. This is why at Asheville Detox, we take your care one step further, offering medically assisted alcohol detox.
What Is Medically Assisted Alcohol Detox?
Medically-assisted treatment, or MAT, is basically when a patient who has alcohol use disorder is given medication to treat their condition and help them recover. It is important to note that though medication is given, counseling and behavior therapies are also utilized to help heal the individual.
It should be noted that taking medication to help remedy alcohol use disorder is akin to taking medication for any other medical condition. Medically assisted treatment is not like replacing one addiction with another. When instructions are followed, a new addiction will not be created.
Specific Medications That May Be Utilized
At this time, there are four medications that are approved for treating alcohol use disorder.
1. Acamprosate is used to decrease the number of possible relapses experienced after your detox has been completed. It works by repairing the chemical imbalance in your brain that is responsible for becoming excited about drinking alcohol.
2. Disulfiram stops you from wanting to drink alcohol because it causes undesirable side effects if you do choose to drink. Although it doesn’t decrease cravings for alcohol, if you drink it will give you a throbbing headache. You will become nauseous and likely vomit. It also has several unpleasant potential side effects that you need to watch out for.
3. Naltrexone decreases the number of times you are likely to relapse as it lessens or completely hinders the enjoyable effects of drinking alcohol.
4. Topiramate works by lessening your craving for alcohol. Like acamprosate, it repairs chemical imbalances in the brain.
MAT Near Me at Asheville Detox
If you are searching for MAT near me, look no further. We at Asheville Detox are here to help you remain as safe and comfortable as possible during both your detox period and your recovery time, with the help of MAT and other helpful modalities.
All you need to do is be ready to admit that you have a problem, and be willing to release alcohol completely. Our team of professionals is here to help you, as we speak. Contact us today and work towards a stronger and brighter tomorrow.
