What is the most effective treatment for alcohol dependence?

Campral (acamprosate) is the most recent medication approved for the treatment of alcohol dependence or alcoholism in the U.S. It works by normalizing alcohol related changes in the brain, reducing some of the extended physical distress and emotional discomfort people can experience when they quit drinking (also known …

Which organ is responsible for oxidizing 90% of consumed alcohol?

liver
The liver is the primary site of oxidation of alcohol, some alcohol is oxidized the in the stomach, too. The primary metabolite of ethanol oxidation, is acetaldehyde. This compound is relatively toxic, and it is responsible for alcohol-related flushing, headaches, nausea, and increased heart rate.

What are the worst days of alcohol withdrawal?

For many individuals, the worst stage of withdrawal is the fourth stage. Around 72 hours into a withdrawal from alcohol, symptoms peak. This is the time when some patients will experience hallucinations, seizures or delirium tremens.

Can tapering down reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms?

Unfortunately, there is little if any research that shows that tapering off actually reduces the effects of alcohol withdrawal. That could be because withdrawal symptoms vary widely from one person to the next, and there is no way to compare results between daily, heavy, or binge drinkers. Rationale for Tapering Down Instead of Cold Turkey

What is the treatment for severe alcohol withdrawal?

The typical treatment of alcohol withdrawal is with benzodiazepines such as chlordiazepoxide or diazepam. Often the amounts given are based on a person’s symptoms.

Why can alcohol withdrawal be fatal?

Alcohol withdrawal can be deadly – here’s why. Alcohol affects neurotransmitters – the chemicals that send signals between nerve cells. Alcohol damages the brain, heart, liver and pancreas, and it increases the risk of some cancers, such as mouth and bowel cancer.