Paragraphs on De-Alcoholism!
Treatment of alcoholism is called de-alcoholism. It includes the treatment of withdrawal symptoms and the treatment of alcoholics. It requires help from family, friends and society to break off the habit.
1. Treatment of Withdrawal Symptoms:
The first step is to perform a thorough physical examination in all alcoholics who are considering to stop drinking.
The second step is to give patients adequate nutrition and rest.
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The third step is treatment. Thus Benzodiazepines are the drugs of choice for withdrawal symptoms.
The most effective treatment of severe withdrawal is controversial. Phenothiazines (e.g., Chlorpromazine) — a group of antipsychotic drugs are required for alcohol hallucinosis. Other antipsychotic drugs such as Thioridazine or Haloperidol are sometimes used for delirium tremens (DTs). Delirium is a condition of extreme mental and usually motor, excitement, marked by a rapid succession of confused and unconnected ideas.
2. Treatment of Alcoholics:
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Motivation towards abstinence includes educating the patient about alcoholism and teaching the family members and friends to stop protecting the alcoholic from the problems caused by alcohol. The second is to help the patient to readjust to life without alcohol and to re-establish a functional lifestyle through personal counselling, vocational rehabilitation, family support.
They should follow a rigid bed time and awakening schedule and should avoid use of caffeine i.e., tea, coffee and cold drinks in the evening.
One medicine, Disulfiram has been used in alcohol rehabilitation. Disulfiram must not be given to patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart disease or a history of stroke because in such persons this medicine may be dangerous.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a self-help group of recovering alcoholics (men and women who have stopped drinking, perhaps many years ago). AA offers an effective model showing that abstinence can be achieved. The alcoholics should join Alcoholics Anonymous.