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Suggest Remedies To Detox Alcohol From The Body

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Posted on Sat, 5 Nov 2016
Question: Hi, this is about my boyfriend who drinks approximately 1/2 a pint to sometimes almost a full pint or more, just about every day, of Vodka. He is not enrolled in a chemical dependency program per say, but he met with a new psychiatrist early this month. She recommended he wean over a three day period, but didn't tell him specifically how to do that and he didn't ask her either. Over a week ago he weaned and was only sober for 5 days. Then relapsed.
Of course I know that he has to ultimately choose when to quit, but I thought I'd do some research in the meant time.
Considering how much he drinks, and if and when he ever decides to quit, what amount each day should he drink in order to taper as safe as possible? I hope he follows up with his psychiatrist and I've already encouraged him to do so, but can't force him to.

Thank You, XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX and thanks for your question.

Unfortunately, it is not safe for your boyfriend to detox himself at home. His level of drinking puts him at imminent risk of serious withdrawal including seizures, coma, and death. He needs to be admitted to an inpatient detox unit to have a carefully controlled detox using benzodiazepines for symptom management. He should then go into inpatient rehab. If he is serious about quitting, he needs to do all of these things in that order.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2014

Answered : 2236 Questions

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Suggest Remedies To Detox Alcohol From The Body

Brief Answer: Consultation Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX and thanks for your question. Unfortunately, it is not safe for your boyfriend to detox himself at home. His level of drinking puts him at imminent risk of serious withdrawal including seizures, coma, and death. He needs to be admitted to an inpatient detox unit to have a carefully controlled detox using benzodiazepines for symptom management. He should then go into inpatient rehab. If he is serious about quitting, he needs to do all of these things in that order. Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied. In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers