If you are interested in outpatient detoxification from alcohol, Dr. Locketz will assess your safety for this type of treatment. Here are some important things to know.

DO I ACTUALLY NEED DETOX?

Many patients come to their first appointment asking for detox. Frequently, after doing a history and exam with vital signs, we find that detox is not needed. Alcohol withdrawal is diagnosed for the most part by hand tremors, abnormal vital signs (elevated heart rate and elevated blood pressure), feeling generally ill, anxious, and irritable. In order to develop a withdrawal syndrome, the body needs to have a physical dependence on alcohol. With physical dependence, a characteristic withdrawal syndrome will develop as the blood alcohol level progressively goes down to zero. Physical dependence to alcohol develops when a person drinks throughout the day and evening.

ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL IS A SERIOUS MEDICAL CONDITION

Alcohol withdrawal should be taken very seriously and treated with caution. The first and most important reason for detox is to try and prevent life and limb threatening complications like seizures. Two life-threatening complications of alcohol withdrawal are grand-mal withdrawal seizures and delirium tremens (“DT’s”). Delirium tremens is alcohol withdrawal with hallucinations and unstable vital signs. Outpatient medical detox from alcohol is not safe for everyone.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

Please note that the first appointment is an evaluation only. Medications are never prescribed at the first appointment. Please also note that you must stay with a responsible adult friend or family member during your detox. That person will be administering your medication to you.

For an appointment at any one of our clinic locations, call us at (651) 333-9133.