Drug and Alcohol Detox Services

There are many unhealthy substances that can deposit within the body after prolonged drinking and drug addiction. Part of detox is flushing those chemicals from the body. The major goal, however, is to cope with the withdrawal symptoms that addicts are terrified of. Detox must be completed as rapidly and safely as possible, and may involve the slow reduction of the chemical, briefly replacing with other chemicals, or going ‘cold turkey’ with supervision. Essentially, it must be realized that detoxification is most effective an efficient first step when followed by treatment.

There are two models of detox at most detox rehab centers: social detoxification and medically supervised withdrawal. Social detoxification is chiefly utilized with addicts that are not profound substance abusers. This model incorporates behavioral modeling, support from family and friends, and a semi-supervised setting so as to assist addicts cope with their withdrawal. Medically supervised withdrawal is ideally used with addicts who were chronic substance abusers and incorporates round-the-clock clinical supervision in an inpatient environment. This model of detox is commonly assisted by prescribed medicines that help decrease the discomfort of withdrawal. There are various groups of drugs, and these branches frequently share similar withdrawal symptoms. Different detox plans are utilized for different families of drugs. Depressants, such as barbiturates, benzodiazepines, alcohol, and others, cause a range of withdrawal symptoms, like nervousness, sweating, tremors, hallucinations, and seizures. Stimulants (amphetamines, methamphetamine, cocaine, Ritalin, and others) regularly require emotional and motivational support from friends, family members, and therapists. However, occasionally depression and stimulant psychosis can occur, so sometimes psychologists prescribe medicines to avoid suicidal thoughts, paranoia, and suicide. Opioids, including heroine, morphine, codeine, OxyContin, and various others, result in withdrawal symptoms varying from moderate (runny nose, sweating, diarrhea) to serious (rapid pulse and breathing, depression, bone and muscle discomfort, and cravings). Occasionally psychiatrists prescribe artificial opiates to assist in detoxification, but those must be used on temporarily since they are also addictive.

Types of Detox Services

Medically supervised withdrawal and social detoxification are the two methods used most often in detox centers. Health-care specialists will choose either method after evaluating:

• Psychological state of the patient
• Physical well-being of the patient
• Kind of setting specialists think will likely be the most helpful to the patient

• The type of drug being used
• Length of use
• Age of the patient

There are a few detox medications that can be prescribed by physicians to mitigate some of the worst symptoms of withdrawal. People who use drugs in conjunction with alcohol or who have a serious alcohol addiction are regularly advised to undergo medically supervised withdrawal. Withdrawing “cold turkey” from alcohol can cause people to hallucinate, have seizures or develop serious physical and mental conditions. All this can be avoided with specific medications used at medically supervised recovery rehabilitation drug detox facilities. Medically supervised withdrawal is strongly recommended for anybody who has ever experienced hallucinations or seizures, has a severe illness or has been diagnosed with particular psychological disorders.

Social detoxification is intended for those who are expected to only experience mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms due to use of such substances as:

• marijuana
• cocaine
• methamphetamine
• occasional opioid use
• occasional alcohol use

During this type of detox, patient health is supervised by nurses and counselors who also try to help them get through cravings without utilizing medicine. In social detoxification, patients are not kept apart in institution-like rooms while they detox. Instead, they are encouraged to live alongside and socialize with others in recovery. This way, they are ready to live with each other and work with other people in recovery when they enter a rehab program.

Taking the First Step

Detox helps by pacifying people’s fear of the discomfort and pain relating to withdrawal. By precisely evaluating the substances, and degree, of substances abused, withdrawal symptoms are easier to predict and managed. Several detox rehab centers will help people move towards the next step, which is recovery. Treatment educates addicts about addiction and can help them support their coping techniques to prevent relapse and temptation. Recovery professionals of numerous detox rehab centers are available 24/7 to address any questions concerning substance abuse and treatment, or for detoxification and rehabilitation facilities. Begin the process of recovery today!