Recovery continues after acute alcohol withdrawal has ended. During remission, people may experience episodes of intense cravings, anxiety, irritability, sleep disturbances, inner tension and a general decline in well-being. For some, these symptoms persist or recur weeks or months after stopping alcohol use. The scientific literature describes this, among other terms, as protracted withdrawal.
Intense cravings may be accompanied by severe anxiety, sometimes reaching the level of a panic response, and physical symptoms such as sweating, tremor, palpitations, blood pressure fluctuations and marked inner tension.
What does the service include?
Short-term intravenous therapy and symptomatic treatment are provided to stabilise physical health and reduce pronounced distressing symptoms.
An ENTHELOS counsellor works alongside the healthcare professional. Together, you can explore the cravings, the circumstances that preceded them and the next steps for maintaining remission.
This is not detoxification
If the person is in remission and is not drinking alcohol, this is not a repeat detoxification.
The service aims to help the person through a difficult episode during remission, stabilise physical well-being and reduce the risk of returning to alcohol use.