Understanding Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Alcohol use disorder affects an estimated 28.6 million adults in the United States, making it the most prevalent substance use disorder nationally. Despite this, fewer than 8% receive any form of treatment in a given year. Effective treatment exists across a continuum from medical detox through long-term aftercare.
Alcohol addiction treatment typically begins with medical detoxification (5-7 days), followed by intensive therapy in either inpatient or outpatient settings. The risk of seizures and delirium tremens makes professional medical supervision essential during the withdrawal phase.
Alcohol Detox: Managing Withdrawal Safely
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome follows a predictable timeline: minor symptoms (anxiety, insomnia, tremors) begin 6-12 hours after the last drink; hallucinations may occur at 12-24 hours; seizure risk peaks at 24-48 hours; delirium tremens can develop at 48-72 hours. Medical detox uses benzodiazepines on a tapering schedule to manage these symptoms safely.
Sources & References
- [1] NIAAA. Alcohol Use Disorder: A Comparison Between DSM-IV and DSM-5. 2024.
- [2] SAMHSA. NSDUH 2023 Key Indicators.
- [3] CDC. Excessive Alcohol Use: Preventing a Leading Risk for Death. 2024.