Alcohol Detox: Methadone Facts

Question: How can i help my fiance while he goes through alcohol detox, he is always tired, shaking, no appetite?

(Posted by: concerned on 2009-04-17 12:31:38)

I feel helpless, and don't know what to expect. He is going on his second day of no alcohol

Posted by: James P on 2009-04-21, 10:35:06

Alcohol detox can be quite dangerous to do on your own - especially if the symptoms progress to having DT's. People can die from this. But, if you are going to do it at home there are a couple of things to keep in mind. 1. Keep hydrated. Drink lots of water. 2. Keep nourished. The body of an alcoholic is often low in a lot of different vitamins and minerals. Thiamine supplementation is essential in malnourished patients for the prevention of Wernicke's encephalopathy. 3. The body has also become used to having a sedative (alcohol) in it and the body has increased the amount of certain neuro chemicals to compensate. Without the alcohol, these neurochemicals will be overabundant. This will cause restlessness, sweating, and possibly pins-and-needles feeling and inability to sleep. You can try to make the body more tired than it usually is by doing strenuous exercise. This may or may not be advised due to other health reasons. In treatment centers they often regulate all of this with some medications that are NOT available over-the-counter. 4. It's also quite common for people going through alcohol detox to feel like they are hot or burning up. Keeping the room cool and placing a moist towel on his forehead/ back of neck can relieve some of the discomfort. Again, the BEST way to deal with detox is through a professional Detox center - usually at a hospital.

Posted by: Vicky on 2009-04-17, 12:38:39

Ice cream helps alcohol cravings I don not know why but it does.

Posted by: Husky Loving Nurse on 2009-04-17, 12:40:49

He should be in a treatment center. DT is a complication of alcohol withdrawal and can be a medical emergency. He can also become very dehydrated. Alcoholics usually lack the essential vitamins and mineral necessary for a safe detox center Good Luck to both of you