Are there any special features of alcohol withdrawal?
Alcohol withdrawal is associated with particular difficulties. Frequently, abrupt detoxification leads to the so-called alcohol withdrawal delirium. This means the occurrence of various severe withdrawal symptoms.
Typical symptoms are clouding of consciousness, hallucinations and circulatory problems. Medical attention is urgently required. If necessary, the circulation should be closely monitored and the patient should be given fluid infusions.
In addition, there is the danger of seizures, which one tries to counteract by the precautionary administration of epilepsy medication. As described above, antihypertensive drugs and sedatives can also be used. In long-term weaning there are drugs such as “Acamprosat”, “Disulfiram” and “Naltrexone”, which are intended to prevent the craving for alcohol and thus also relapses.
How long is the duration of drug withdrawal?
Withdrawal consists of (rather physical) detoxification and (rather psychological) weaning. The former usually lasts between two and six weeks. The length of the subsequent weaning cannot be predicted exactly.
Often those affected suffer from psychological problems that are at the root of or have been caused by drug abuse. To achieve the goal of long-term abstinence, a holistic approach is necessary. In most cases, long-term psychotherapeutic support is provided in the form of one-on-one interviews or group therapy. In addition, there are influencing factors such as the patient’s self-motivation, the drug, previous consumption behavior, regulated everyday structures, the connection to family, friends and professional life. Overall, long-term weaning can take several months to years.
How high is the relapse rate?
There are no exact figures, but relapses are unfortunately frequent. Often several attempts at withdrawal are necessary. Of course it depends on the drug, the severity of the addictive behavior and the social environment.
Physical withdrawal is only the first step. Long-term abstinence often remains a challenge for years or even a lifetime. In addition, drug use has usually left clear traces in the lives of those affected: Unemployment, withdrawal of relatives and friends as well as psychological problems due to the sudden loss of the previously always available feeling of intoxication.
A lack of perspective and isolation creates a difficult environment that offers little support for drug abstinence. Thus it happens that formerly dependent persons return to their old consumption behavior. Therefore, professional psychotherapeutic and, if necessary, social service support is important.
These help those affected to create suitable living conditions and thus reduce the risk of relapse. It is important to create the right conditions for a permanently drug-free life. Important are a drug-free social environment, a regular daily routine, a professional activity, sports or other leisure time compensations.
Long-term psychotherapy can help and support this. In conversations, topics such as addiction, fear of a relapse or other psychological problems can be discussed and thus relieve those affected. Drug counselling centres also provide information on offers such as group therapy or discussion groups.
Creating the awareness that one is not alone can be motivating and can also prevent a relapse. Drug withdrawal is a matter of years and support from relatives or other affected people is helpful.
