Posted by Caper on May 14, 2004, at 7:06:13
In reply to Re: want to use valium for alcohol detox on my own » Sophie33, posted by Alara2 on May 8, 2004, at 1:25:50
Hi Alara,
I just wanted to say that in-patient detoxes can be fairly short, as little as three days, although I think about 5 or 6 days is better because the detox symptoms can come back _hard_ and suddenly at about day 3 or 4.
I think if you've never tried in-patient detox before, it might be really helpful. Your cat will forgive you for your being gone as long as it's fed, trust me, mine did and I've had her 15 years and she is VERY spoiled!
Anyway, my main points are: #1 if you need in-patient detox, give it a try. It can be worked out somehow, don't you think?. The group atmospheres are very supportive too, which is helpful; #2 you may be more likely to develop a problem with valium, xanax, ativan etc. if you detox on your own. In the in-patient detoxes I went to there was a "withdrawal protocol"- which basically means they take your vital signs and ask you about nausea, agitation, etc. and you get a score based on all of your answers. If you score "high" enough, you get 2mgs of Ativan. After the first 24 hours, if you score "high" again it's cut down to only 1mg of Ativan. So they use those type drugs yes, but they taper the dosage fairly gently over 3 or 4 days. By the time you leave you will probably not have had any valium-type drugs for at least a day. The doctors and nurses know that if they discharge you with you still wanting Valium and you have none, alcohol will be your back-up so they are pretty insistent about patients being done with the worst of detox symptoms before they recommend discharge.
Just wanted to share my experience for you or anyone else considering in-patient detox. I ended up doing it again since my last post and today is one week sober and no cravings (so far anyway!) I'm just not strong enough for the self-detox thing I guess.
Good luck to you.
Caper
> > Hi, Caper:
> >
> > I did the same as you-the valium to get through the home detox. And like you-I did it on my own-even my own husband wasn't aware that I had been secretly drinking (a bottle of wine a night!)
> >
> > I'm also 31-female-and had absolutely enough of the secret drinking. I was becoming hostile, aggressive etc. Finally decided that enough was enough and went to see my GP and told him that I wanted valium so I could detox myself. He was VERY supportive-and gave me the meds no problem. Although I did have a check up first.
> >
> > The dosage: Well, this depends on how severe your withdrawl symptoms are-I had a bottle of wine a night habit and I took a 5mg three times a day. Morning-afternoon and night. This worked well for me. I also didn't need the valium until day 3 of being alcohol free-I think that's when the syptoms got the worst of me-very edgey, anxious etc. Only needed the valium for 2 weeks.
> >
> > Hope this helps-please let me know how you're doing.
> >
> > Sophie
>
>
> Hi Sophie,
>
> I have been wondering about how you got on since your last post. It sounds as though you've done wonderfully! Great stuff. :)
>
> Sophie, did you develop any tolerance and/or dependence towards Valium over the two-week period. I'm ashamed to say that I've stayed a bit lost in my drinking after writing my original post and really think that a short-term benzo script may be the answer. (Can't leave my gorgeous cat in order to detox as an in-patient!)
>
> I'm just a little weary about getting hooked on benzos during a two-week period as I have had minor issues with Xanax and Valium in the past.
>
> Glad you are doing so well. Maybe some of your motivation and resolve will rub off on me. :)
>
> Thanks for the update!
>
> Alara
>
>
>
>
poster:Caper
thread:321829
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/subs/20040409/msgs/346712.html