Detoxification is the process of enabling alcohol or drugs to exit your body in a controlled manner. This can be done at a health clinic or outpatient treatment facility specializing in alcohol or drug detoxification. It permits those who have moderate to severe addictions to quit progressively in a medical environment where they can seek help with withdrawal symptoms.
During detoxification, an individual may feel withdrawal symptoms. Without competent supervision, such symptoms can be unpleasant and even hazardous. Medical personnel can assist the person in securely enduring the procedure.
Inpatient and outpatient detoxes are frequently handled using medicines. Medically controlled withdrawal is the term for this procedure.
Medically assisted detox
If you have a strong addiction, medically supervised detox may be necessary to avoid significant health consequences or death. People with serious addictions benefit from inpatient or residential treatment, where they can be monitored by medical and mental health specialists 24 hours a day.
Your doctor will gradually prescribe medication to help you get off the addictive chemical. Medication can assist in alleviating the symptoms of some unpleasant or severe medical or psychological conditions.
The FDA has approved many medications in medically assisted therapy (MAT). For opioid detox, buprenorphine and methadone are routinely utilized, while for alcohol detox, acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone are commonly used. If taken together, these medications can help reduce cravings and inhibit the impacts of alcohol and drugs on the mind.
Alcohol and Drug Detox Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms from substances like a weed, cocaine, and morphine, as well as prescription medications like opioids, stimulants, and depressants, include the following:
- Anxiety Cravings that are too strong to resist
- agitation or restlessness
- Dysphoria or depression
- Throwing up and nausea
- Extreme mood swings
- Blood pressure that is too high
- Suicidal or murderous ideas
- Cardiac event or rapid heart rate
- muscle pains, spasms, or pain
- Delusions, hallucinations, or anxiety
- Insomnia
- Shakiness
- Fever, chills, or excessive sweating are all symptoms of a fever.
Detox Treatment Program Process
Depending on the extent of substance use and the intensity of the addictions, the detox treatment program process might last multiple weeks and months. Detox is primarily intended to assist you in overcoming physical reliance. It usually follows the following three stages:
- You will be analyzed and validated by a specialist and psychiatrist first before real alcohol, or drug detoxification begins. They’ll determine the severity of your addiction, including whether you have had any psychological issues that are linked to substance misuse. Depending on your diagnosis, they’ll determine the treatment level you’ll need to recover.
- When your withdrawal symptoms have subsided, and you no longer desire alcohol or drugs, you’ve reached stabilization. You could be confused at this time. You may feel more responsible for your activities at this time. You may be more self-aware and recognize that substance misuse is a habit that is bad for health, close connections, and professional prospects.
- Detox also prepares you for therapy by allowing you to wean yourself off of drugs or alcohol mentally. The medical staff will go over your current situation and mentally prepare you for psychological treatment at an outpatient treatment rehab facility.
