Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a very serious and possibly life-threatening condition that happens to people who have been consuming large amounts of alcohol for weeks, months, or years then stop or considerably reduce their alcohol intake.
Learn About Alcohol Withdrawal
Learn more about alcohol withdrawal treatment at Lakeview Behavioral Health Hospital in Atlanta, GA
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can start within two hours of the last drink and continue for weeks. Symptoms range from anxiety and trembling to far more dire consequences, such as seizure activity and delirium tremens (the “DT’s”). The mortality rate from the DT’s is about 1% to 5%.
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome can begin innocuously and quickly become severe, so prompt medical attention is required, even in the absence of severe symptoms. Treatment for alcohol withdrawal syndrome can greatly reduce the risk for developing seizures or delirium tremens. These severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms are considered a medical emergency.
Drinking copious amounts of alcohol over long periods of time can greatly suppress the way in which the neurotransmitters of the brain transmit messages to the body. When alcohol consumption is ceased, these formerly-suppressed neurotransmitters rebound, causing a state called “brain hyperexcitability,” which causes the effects of alcohol withdrawal.
With prompt medical treatment and therapeutic management to assist in recovering from alcoholism, alcohol withdrawal syndrome can be overcome. The earlier you seek treatment, the more effective the treatment will be.
Why Consider Us
Why consider treatment for alcohol withdrawal at Lakeview Behavioral Health Hospital in Atlanta, GA
At Lakeview, we understand what a dramatic change you’re undertaking as you decide to stop drinking and seek treatment. We know that alcohol is something you’ve relied on for many years and facing a sober life can be daunting. Our expert team of dedicated medical professionals are ready to support you as you make your recovery and begin healing.
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a serious condition that requires the skills of our medical staff and crack team of therapists to manage. Without seeking inpatient treatment for this syndrome, you run the risk for developing life-threatening deadly consequences. We will monitor your health medically after you have been successfully detoxed from alcohol as we guide you through our inpatient therapy program.
One of the most effective ways of managing alcohol withdrawal syndrome is through an inpatient rehabilitation program like Lakeview, who utilizes the most up-to-date and scientifically proven treatment methods to help you get sober and stay sober. Our staff is waiting to help you change your life.
Our Philosophy
Lakeview Behavioral Health’s philosophy and treatment benefits
At Lakeview, we aim to do right by every person who comes to us for help. We firmly believe in treating the whole person, not simply the symptoms of their disorder, in order to promote optimal well being and recovery. We know that asking for help can be hard and we’re ready to provide the support you need from the moment you come to us.
We believe in incorporating a number of types of therapeutic modalities into your recovery, all of which are empirically based, so that you know you’ll be getting the best treatment available. We will work hand-in-hand to create a plan of care that addresses all of your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Treatment Approaches
Treatment approaches for alcohol withdrawal syndrome at Lakeview Behavioral Health in Atlanta, GA
The best approach to treatment for alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a combination of inpatient detoxification, medication, and therapies and at Lakeview, we use these treatments to help you on your journey through recovery. The goals for treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome are reduction of immediate withdrawal symptoms, prevention of complications, and long-term therapy to promote abstinence from alcohol.
Detoxification involves the usage of therapies and medical management to reduce the withdrawal symptoms and prevent complications from alcohol withdrawal. Benzodiazepines are usually used to control the anxiety, confusion, and tremors as well as reduce the risks for developing the DT’s and seizure activity. Certain other drugs will be used during the stabilization part of alcohol withdrawal, such as an anti-psychotic, beta-blockers, and anti-convulsants. Medical management of withdrawal symptoms as well as treatment for any health-related concerns will also be established during detox.
Detox from alcohol withdrawal syndrome does not address the underlying issues causing alcoholism, so the last step of detox involves preparing you for our inpatient treatment for alcoholism. At Lakeview, we use a number of different types of therapies to fully understand the root of your addiction, manage any co-occurring disorders, and help you to learn coping skills to prevent a relapse.
Individual therapy is used to address problems that alcohol has caused in your life. You’ll explore the reasons you drink, any other mental health disorders you may have, and other factors that have caused your addiction. You’ll discuss coping strategies and learn about your triggers to avoid a relapse.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a very effective form of therapy that seeks to challenge the negative thoughts you may have about yourself or your addiction and replace them with more constructive ways of thinking.
Strengths-based counseling focuses on empowering you to take charge of your recovery and manage your stresses. Through strengths-based counseling, you’ll unearth the strengths within you so that you can use them as building blocks in your continued recovery.
Group therapy: We’re very proud of our group therapy programs as they allow you to connect with individuals who are struggling with similar disorders. Process-based groups will focus on a specific theme, such as addiction, and allow you to discuss your feelings in a safe and moderated environment. Psycho-educational groups are designed to teach you about topics such as medication and relapse triggers to help further your healing.
Family therapy: As you are a part of a family unit, we do focus on family therapy as a way to help you battle your addiction to alcohol. In family sessions, your family will learn about your addiction and recovery. In addition, your family will have a supportive place to discuss the ways in which alcoholism has affected them. We’ll help your family locate community resources to allow them continued healing.
In addition to traditional therapies, Lakeview is proud to offer a number of experiential treatments. These include:
- A.A. and N.A.
- Nutrition and wellness counseling
- Art therapy
- Expressive therapy
- Recreational programs
- Music therapy
Continuing Care
Continuing care and what comes next after alcohol withdrawal treatment
After you have been medically stabilized and on the road to recovery, you and your treatment team will devise a post-discharge plan of care to address your continuing sobriety. If you’re not ready to leave the inpatient environment, you may opt for a residential program. Others decide to join our partial hospitalization program (PHP) or intensive outpatient Treatment (IOP) for continuing care. If you’ve made enough progress to go home, we’ll work to set up appointments with local providers and connect you with available community resources to allow for your continued healing.
