The natural process of eliminating a chemical from the body is known as drug detox. A professional drug detox program, often known as “medically managed withdrawal,” on the other hand, comprises a series of treatments (such as medicines and other therapies) to control the adverse effects of stopping drugs safely.
It’s critical to understand the distinction between a professional detox program and substance abuse rehabilitation. In contrast, the terms “detox” and “rehab” are frequently used interchangeably. Substance abuse rehabilitation entails a collection of ongoing services to socially and psychologically rehabilitate someone suffering from drug addiction. On the other hand, medical detox facilities seek to medically stabilize patients, minimize withdrawal symptoms, prevent potentially hazardous withdrawal consequences, and help them transition into a substance
When detoxing from drugs or alcohol, like with any severe disease or condition, you should do it under the care and supervision of a medically qualified specialist. A person in detox is at great risk for various problems, some of which are potentially fatal. Being accompanied by a team of skilled addiction experts, physicians, and therapists guarantees that you are kept as secure, stable, and comfortable as possible during the detox process.
Specific withdrawal symptoms are associated with various substances of abuse. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening, depending on the drug. As previously stated, withdrawal symptoms are physical and mental symptoms when a drug-dependent individual abruptly stops or lowers their substance usage.
SAMHSA recommends medically assisted detox for the following substances based on safety and humanitarian concerns:
Detox frequently involves medicines that imitate the effects of narcotics in order to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Medicines can also be used to treat co-occurring disorders or to alleviate general pain. Cocaine withdrawal, for example, is purely psychological. Detox entails dealing with early cravings and anxiety. However, physical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal might result in convulsions or death in certain situations.
Alcohol and benzodiazepines are the most hazardous drugs to detox from and frequently necessitate medicine. Opioids, particularly heroin, are thought to be the most difficult to detox from.
The detox process varies according to the individual’s requirements and the substance of abuse, but it typically includes the three phases listed below:
Incoming patients are screened for physical and mental health concerns by the medical staff. Blood tests are used by doctors to determine the amount of drugs in a patient’s system. This aids in deciding the quantity of medicine required.
There is also a thorough examination of the drug, medical, and psychiatric histories. This data serves as the foundation for the patient’s long-term treatment strategy.
The patient will then be stabilized with medical and psychological therapy. The objective of stabilization is to keep the patient safe from injury. Addiction therapy medicines can be prescribed by doctors to avoid problems and minimize withdrawal symptoms.
The final stage in detox is to become ready for a treatment program. Doctors educate patients on the treatment procedure and what to expect. After detox, inpatient rehab gives the highest odds of recovery.
The detox timeframe varies according to the individual and the substance being detoxed from. The first phase of detox is focused on purging the body of toxins, although withdrawal symptoms might linger for a few days or months. Each person must be evaluated to determine the appropriate amount of time for detox and ongoing addiction treatment.
A variety of circumstances can influence the length of withdrawal. These include:
Many drugs of misuse carry the potential of unpleasant or deadly withdrawal effects. As a result, it is critical to have immediate access to medical personnel who can help control symptoms and, if required, provide medications. Because of these concerns, it is not recommended to detox at home or without medical supervision.
Detoxing from drugs may be a difficult and hazardous procedure. This is why medical detox is essential. Patients can detox under medical supervision in a secure and comfortable setting. The level of supervision varies between inpatient and outpatient treatment.
Although medical detox reduces withdrawal symptoms, some remain unavoidable. Some of the most prevalent adverse effects are as follows:
Individuals typically wish to accelerate the detox process and make it as quick and painless as possible. While there are rapid and ultra-rapid detox procedures marketed, there is no proof that they are beneficial, and they can be deadly.
While a quick detox may seem enticing, research has revealed several possible symptoms and hazards linked with rapid or ultra-rapid detox that are not often observed in standard detox techniques.
Rapid detoxification can result in:
Remember that detox is not the same as addiction therapy, but it is the first step in a complete treatment strategy. Once you’ve finished detox, it’s a good idea to go on to an addiction treatment program that will help in your long-term recovery.
Detox is only the first step in addiction therapy. Detox alone is generally insufficient for a full recovery. Addicts must address the psychological aspects of their addiction. Counseling, support groups, or an inpatient recovery program can help them do this. Find a treatment center near you by contacting a treatment provider.
