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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Remedy To Stop Drinking

Is it possible for an alcoholic to stop drinking without going to rehab. If his boss knew he was an alcoholic, he would be fired. His drinking is getting worse. I am a family member and wonder if he can go to a primary care doctor or psychiatrist for help.a
Wed, 7 Jan 2015
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

It is not mandatory to get admitted in rehabilitation centre to quit alcohol. Alcohol is a brain depressant and sudden stoppage may result in alcohol withdrawal syndrome in form of tremors, anxiety, restlessness, hallucinations, confusions, seizures or delirium. So alcohol deaddiction should be done with proper consultation of a psychiatrist only.

First thing that is needed is motivation of patient to quit alcohol. Without motivation or in forceful deaddiction usually relapse occurs. Medicines like benzodiazepines as Lorazepam, Chlordiazepoxide etc are commonly used in alcohol deaddiction. The doses are used to prevent withdrawal, and are gradually tapered by 20% each day and complete stoppage is done at end of 5-7 days. Along with these medicines anticraving drugs like Acamprosate, Naltrexone etc can be used. Visit a psychiatrist along with patient for prescription of these drugs.

Thanks, hope this helps you.
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Suggest Remedy To Stop Drinking

Hello thanks for asking from HCM It is not mandatory to get admitted in rehabilitation centre to quit alcohol. Alcohol is a brain depressant and sudden stoppage may result in alcohol withdrawal syndrome in form of tremors, anxiety, restlessness, hallucinations, confusions, seizures or delirium. So alcohol deaddiction should be done with proper consultation of a psychiatrist only. First thing that is needed is motivation of patient to quit alcohol. Without motivation or in forceful deaddiction usually relapse occurs. Medicines like benzodiazepines as Lorazepam, Chlordiazepoxide etc are commonly used in alcohol deaddiction. The doses are used to prevent withdrawal, and are gradually tapered by 20% each day and complete stoppage is done at end of 5-7 days. Along with these medicines anticraving drugs like Acamprosate, Naltrexone etc can be used. Visit a psychiatrist along with patient for prescription of these drugs. Thanks, hope this helps you.