Strategy

If you have a person in your life who is chronically addicted you must become their advocate.  Depending on where you live, opportunities for treatment or long term support will vary. For the most part, larger communities and cities will have more options.  And the strategy to access support services need to be tailored to geographic resources.

Treatment is totally unnecessary, it is a choice. It should only be a short term choice. The minimum option is 3 day hospital detox.  This is prudent, particularly if the person involved is addicted to alcohol. Seizures are very possible in alcohol detoxification. Other painful, totally unpleasant symptoms of any withdrawal will be present. Being in a hospital or other facility that is experienced in medical detox is smart.

Nowdays, however, these options are less and less available. Often what you can get is 3 days of medication such as  Librium from a family doctor or emergency room and the detox is your responsibility.

This is not the best situation. Not having experienced staff observing the detox is definitely indicated. It is not uncommon to find that the dose of withdrawal medication needs to be tailored to the person and altered during the detox time.  This cannot be done at home. But, often this is all that you can access for the person you are helping.

AA’s history and treatment before medications used alcohol tapering to detox.  Again, this should be done by someone who is experienced.

The good thing is the most acute withdrawal usually only lasts about 3 days. However, that is not the end.  Post acute withdrawal symptoms can last up to 6 months. Seriously. The damage done by long term alcohol or drug abuse is extensive.

The best advice is during the 3 day period to go to as many meetings as possible. Three a day is smart. The person experiencing the detox will find some relief in each meeting, despite their being very uncomfortable. They will find support from many others who have gone through the same experience.