Alcohol Withdrawal in Danville, VA

To those who tend to be skeptical of the modern claim that addiction is a mental disorder and not simple weakness or irresponsibility, a look at the way in which science comes to this conclusion can be convincing. As an example, proof that dependence is a measurable physical and mental phenomenon are apparent in the existence of the Severity of dependence scale. It's important that you look for the best, evidence-based alcohol withdrawal in Danville is able to provide you with.

The study Development of a rational scale to assess the harm of drugs of potential misuse in Lancet goes into detail on the nature of the scale. On a scale of 1 to 3, heroin ranks at the top at 2.89 out of 3; alcohol is close behind at 2.13 out of 3. It is proof that alcohol is one of the toughest drugs to withdraw from. If you are ready to leave addiction behind, then, you need to go in prepared.

What Makes Alcohol the Hardest Drug to Withdraw From?

Drugs are rated for their addictive qualities on two different scales -- the depth of physical dependence, and the depth of psychological dependence that they produce. When it comes to alcohol, a dependence of either kind tends to be particularly strong.

Psychological dependence on alcohol: Psychological dependence arises when alcohol is used in excess, and too frequently. When alcohol repeatedly acts on the brain's reward and learning center to both produce pleasure, the greater its action on the learning center as well, to produce the habit.

This habit of self-harm it involves physical changes to the brain and cannot be changed. It is one reason it is categorized as a form of brain damage.

While such habit tends to form in every addictive drug, it tends to be particularly deep with alcohol. It can be extremely difficult, for example, to convince a person psychologically dependent on alcohol, of the harmful nature of the habit.

Physical dependence to alcohol: As alcohol consumption puts this substance into the brain to coax pleasure out of the reward and learning center, the brain attempts to protect itself from such interference. It does this by raising the reward and learning center's tolerance. The higher the tolerance bar is set, the less effective a given quantity of alcohol becomes in producing pleasure.

While this would work in ordinary circumstances, it doesn't for someone determined to extract pleasure from alcohol. Many people with an alcohol habit simply consume more. When the brain's tolerance defense mechanism is overwhelmed at some point, the brain is no longer able to defend itself.

With externally supplied alcohol in full control of the reward and learning center, the brain's own chemical controls of are rendered redundant. With no function left, the brain goes into dormancy in this area, leaving the reward and learning center fully dependent on the presence of alcohol to function. The brain, at this stage, is said to be physically dependent on alcohol -- it depends on it for basic function.

With alcohol, physical dependence tends to be the most dangerous of any drug. When a person attempts to stop drinking, it is as if the brain loses an essential chemical. Severe functional breakdown ensues, with serious withdrawal symptoms appear. From seizures to cardiac arrest, recovering addicts can experience dangerous health conditions. It is the likelihood of such conditions that make it particularly important that alcohol withdrawal in Danville be done at competent drug withdrawal treatment programs.

How Does Medical Supervision Help?

As with any other addiction, withdrawal is treated with medical detox in Danville. It takes expert supervision by medical personnel to observe for withdrawal symptoms, and administer preventive drugs. While the cravings of psychological dependence can be treated with medications such as naltrexone, physical dependence is treated symptomatically. Heart function stabilizers help avert cardiac arrest, anti-epileptics help with seizures and so on.

Some of these medications can be rendered unusable in cases where a patient experiences addiction to multiple drugs, or when a patient is too ill from long alcohol use. In these cases, inpatient treatment for alcohol withdrawal is usually required. Here, experts are able to closely watch patients at all times to help with complications.

It's Important to Seek Medical Treatment

When people attempt alcohol withdrawal on their own, they may temporarily succeed, but will usually stumble when it comes to maintaining the momentum gained. Relapse is common. Even worse, 5% of those who attempt it never make it out of detox -- they succumb to cardiac arrest or one of other dangerous symptoms.

It's important to address addiction with the best treatment for alcohol withdrawal in Danville offers. When you seek good care, you can be sure of a better chance at recovery. Call Danville Drug Treatment Centers now for help (877) 804-1531.