7 Best Medication for Alcohol Withdrawal Options in 2025

Additional doses may be given every 2 to 3minutes, if symptoms return before medical help arrives. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully. Yes, withdrawal is a possible complication of misusing benzodiazepines. Unfortunately, it’s also possible with long-term use of these drugs even when you take them as prescribed. If you have concerns about dependence and withdrawal from benzodiazepines, your healthcare provider can help you plan the timeline for your treatment. They can also recommend switching you to longer-acting benzodiazepines, which are less likely to cause withdrawal symptoms.

• It is very important that your doctor check the progress of you or your child at regular visits to see if the medicine is working properly.
• This article will guide you through the key signs and symptoms to watch for during alcohol withdrawal, the timeline of when they typically appear and what to do if you suspect someone is at risk.
• Supplementary medications and interventions can bolster your recovery success.

Benzodiazepines (Chlordiazepoxide, Diazepam, Lorazepam): The Gold Standard

Supervised detox typically happens in an inpatient environment, such as a hospital unit or specialized treatment center, where you receive 24/7 observation and rapid medical intervention if symptoms worsen 1. This level of care is the foundation of a safe detox program because it reduces the risk of life‑threatening complications that can occur when alcohol leaves your system. Some people with drug addictions don’t go to rehab at all but instead attend support group meetings through a program like Narcotics Anonymous (NA). While this may be effective for a few people, it’s not a standalone treatment for those who need medically supervised detox or who have a severe, long-term addiction.

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Several types of treatment settings, including inpatient and outpatient settings, as well as short-term care and long-term therapeutic communities, are available. One of the more common and most deadly complications of substance use disorder is overdose. They release dopamine, a chemical in your brain that makes you feel good — until the substance wears off.

What are the risk factors for delirium tremens?

It can, however, complement other forms of treatment for everyone. For any drug or alcohol dependence, a period of medically supervised inpatient detox is highly recommended. The goal of detox is to keep you safe and as comfortable as possible as you go through withdrawal. In detox, it’s also important to eat regular meals and get a good amount of sleep to let your body heal and re-balance. If you have alcohol use disorder and want to stop drinking, talk to a healthcare provider. They can help you find resources, care and support that’ll help you reduce alcohol intake safely, and also give you the best chance at a positive outcome.

You’ll experience peak symptoms at hours after your last drink, with most physical effects resolving within a week. However, you might face psychological symptoms for several weeks or months afterward. While 95% of people complete withdrawal in 2-8 days (averaging 4.83 days), you’ll need ongoing monitoring if complications arise. For medication management, choose shorter-acting benzodiazepines like lorazepam or oxazepam, starting at one-third to one-half the standard adult dose. Regular monitoring through CIWA-Ar scales and critical signs is essential, while continuous staff education guarantees proper implementation of safety protocols. Optimize environmental factors by maintaining a quiet, low-light setting to reduce agitation risks.

Medical professionals may also evaluate for alcohol-related physical complications, such as abnormal liver function, and address any co-occurring mental health conditions. When considering over-the-counter (OTC) medications for symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, it is crucial to approach with caution due to the potential risks and complexity of withdrawal symptoms. Given the serious nature of alcohol withdrawal, which can include complications such as seizures and delirium tremens (DTs), self-medication can be dangerous and is not recommended. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using any OTC medications for alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

What may interact with this medication?

Behavioral therapies can help people develop skills to avoid and overcome triggers, such as stress, that might lead to drinking. Medications also can help deter drinking during times when individuals may be at greater risk of a return to drinking (e.g., divorce, death of a family member). Diazepam is used to relieve symptoms of anxiety and alcohol withdrawal. This medicine may also be used to treat certain seizure disorders and help relax Alcohol Withdrawal muscles or relieve muscle spasm. Diazepam buccal film is used as short-term treatment for seizure clusters (also known as acute repetitive seizures) in patients 2 to 5 years of age. Benzodiazepines belong to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) depressants, which are medicines that slow down the nervous system.

• A healthcare provider will treat this using drugs that reduce how active your CNS is.
• In severe cases, you may experience some symptoms for weeks to months.
• The data clearly demonstrates their life-saving impact, highlighting their crucial role in safe medical detoxification.
• You may need continuing care throughout your life, as SUD is a chronic condition.
• Yourdoctor or pharmacist will show you and others how to use it.
• You’ll benefit from structured aftercare through sober living environments or outpatient programs.

How Long Does Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment Typically Last?

Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects. You might need different types of treatment at different times during your recovery.

This is just an example, as this condition looks very different and ranges in severity from person to person. No matter where you are, know that this condition is treatable and help is available when you’re ready. If you are taking diazepam to control seizures and have an increase in their frequency or severity, call your doctor. If you use diazepam for seizures, carry identification (Medic Alert) stating that you have epilepsy. It is based on technetium tc-99m sodium pertechnetate generator (the active ingredients of Technetium tc 99m generator) and Technetium tc 99m generator (the brand name). Other drugs that have the same active ingredients (e.g. generic drugs) are not considered.