Alcohol Withdrawal: Seeking Help for a Loved One

About Alcohol Withdrawal

Hello Doctor: My mother has been struggling with uncontrolled drinking for a long time.
For her health, I would like to arrange for her to undergo alcohol rehabilitation.
Can you tell me if the alcohol rehabilitation program at Show Chwan Memorial Hospital is available?

Ms. Wu, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/04/18

Dr. Zhang Gengjia reply Psychiatry

Dear Ms.
Wu,
Addiction is a significant issue that leads to a loss of control and choice over time, particularly with long-term alcohol consumption.
Seeking treatment for addiction is urgent.
Chia Nan Hospital serves as a core medical institution in the southern region.
If your mother does not have any major physiological conditions that we cannot manage (such as severe cirrhosis, hepatic encephalopathy, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, or progressive pancreatitis), we can consider assisting her with inpatient care for severe withdrawal symptoms related to alcohol addiction (such as alcohol-related psychiatric symptoms, seizures, or delirium).
For other self-funded inpatient alcohol cessation programs, we recommend an evaluation by our alcohol addiction outpatient clinic.
Our outpatient clinic physicians can provide specialized psychological therapy, laboratory test explanations (and refer to general psychiatry based on data and physical examination needs), and adjust medications for alcohol withdrawal as needed if her alcohol intake decreases or if she attempts to quit drinking.
We will also work to enhance her motivation to abstain from alcohol (considering referral to support groups or family therapy).
If there is continuous improvement, the outpatient physician will determine whether to discontinue detoxification medications based on the patient's abstinence status and will work to enhance her motivation to quit drinking, potentially transitioning to aversion therapy medications (with proper explanation and consent) or anti-craving medications.
Alternatively, she may be referred to participate in alcohol refusal groups.
I hope this information is helpful to you, and I wish for your mother's swift recovery.
Sincerely,
Dr.
Chang, Chia Nan Hospital

Reply Date: 2013/04/18

More Info

Alcohol withdrawal can be a challenging and potentially dangerous process, especially for individuals who have been consuming alcohol heavily for an extended period. Your concern for your mother's health is commendable, and seeking help for her is a crucial step in addressing her alcohol use disorder.

When someone who has been drinking heavily suddenly stops or significantly reduces their alcohol intake, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include anxiety, tremors, sweating, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, and in severe cases, seizures or delirium tremens (DTs), which can be life-threatening. Therefore, it is essential to approach alcohol withdrawal with caution and under medical supervision.

In terms of treatment options, many facilities, including detox centers and rehabilitation programs, offer specialized care for individuals struggling with alcohol dependence. These programs often include medical supervision during the detoxification process, which can help manage withdrawal symptoms safely. Medications may also be prescribed to ease symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.

Regarding your question about whether "戒酒秀傳" (which translates to "Alcohol Detox Show") accepts patients for alcohol withdrawal treatment, it is essential to contact the facility directly for specific information about their services, availability, and admission criteria. They can provide details on the types of programs they offer, the qualifications of their staff, and the overall approach to treatment.

In addition to seeking professional help, here are some steps you can take to support your mother during this process:
1. Educate Yourself: Understanding alcohol use disorder and withdrawal can help you provide better support. Familiarize yourself with the signs of withdrawal and the potential complications that can arise.

2. Encourage Professional Help: Gently encourage your mother to seek professional help. Emphasize that detoxing from alcohol is a medical process that requires supervision for safety.

3. Be Supportive: Offer emotional support and understanding. Withdrawal can be a difficult and emotional time, and your mother may need reassurance that she is not alone in this journey.

4. Create a Safe Environment: If your mother decides to detox at home (which is not recommended for those with severe dependence), ensure that her environment is safe and free from triggers that may tempt her to drink.

5. Consider Family Therapy: Alcohol use disorder often affects the entire family. Family therapy can help address underlying issues and improve communication among family members.

6. Follow Up: After detox, encourage your mother to engage in ongoing treatment, such as counseling or support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Recovery is a long-term process, and continued support is vital.

7. Take Care of Yourself: Supporting someone with an alcohol use disorder can be emotionally taxing. Ensure you are also taking care of your mental and emotional well-being.

In summary, seeking professional help for your mother’s alcohol withdrawal is a critical step. Contacting a facility like "戒酒秀傳" for their services is advisable, and providing her with emotional support throughout the process will be beneficial. Remember, recovery is a journey, and having a supportive network can make a significant difference.

Similar Q&A

Helping a Loved One Overcome Alcohol Addiction: Effective Strategies

Hello Dr. Tang, My friend's father has been drinking alcohol for many years, regardless of the circumstances or situations. We always hope he can drink less, but it seems like he is addicted and finds it very difficult to quit drinking. Many methods have been tried, includi...

Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Smoking Cessation
Dear Ms. Hsu, I am deeply touched by your concern for your friend's father! Quitting alcohol is a significant challenge, not only for the individual but also for their family and healthcare providers. In clinical practice, we often employ a method known as "motivationa...

Helping a Loved One Overcome Alcohol Addiction: Options and Strategies

Hello, doctor. My younger brother has been hospitalized multiple times due to alcohol abuse, and recently we found out that he is drinking again. He claims he wants to quit on his own, but our family has noticed that he secretly buys alcohol and stays locked in his room all day. ...

Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: Substance addiction is a chronic and relapsing disorder; the process of recovery is very lengthy and can generally be divided into several stages: Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance, and Relapse. In the early stages of recovery, such as when ...

Coping with a Loved One's Alcohol Addiction: A Guide for Family Members

He is my closest family member, and at home, it's just me and this elder. Every time I remind him, he really dislikes me telling him not to drink alcohol. However, I am very afraid that he will revert to his old ways. I am genuinely worried that he will struggle to quit his ...

Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, in such situations, my experience suggests finding a way to encourage him to see a doctor, allowing the doctor to address the issue. When persuading him to visit a doctor, it is crucial not to mention alcohol cessation. Instead, look for any problems he may have related to...

Managing Relapse Risks in Alcohol Recovery: A Guide for Families

I would like to inquire about a situation involving an elderly family member who had a long history of alcohol abuse. They managed to quit drinking with the help of a doctor and medication about one to two years ago, but now they have developed a habit of occasional drinking. Alt...

Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, I'm not sure what your relationship is with this elder, but you are only 17 years old. Regarding issues like alcohol addiction, he may have had many unpleasant experiences with close family members in the past. Unless you have a very good relationship with him, be pre...