What You Need to Know about Detox

Photo by Vegan Liftz from Pexels

Drug and alcohol detox programs are essential as part of the addiction treatment plan. Detox assists patients in eliminating alcohol and drugs from their bodies safely.

Withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the addict and the substance of abuse. Withdrawal symptoms are potentially dangerous and can even lead to death. Due to these risks, people must know what to expect during the detox process.

What is Detox?

Drug and alcohol detox is the process of getting rid of all the addictive substances from your body so that your body and brain can gradually heal as you start your recovery journey. Medical Detox is fashioned to assist patients in going through the withdrawal process safely and in a supervised setting to minimize any physical symptoms.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms often occur when an addict is dependent on alcohol or drugs and either reduces or stops their drug use or drinking habits. The onset, types, and duration of withdrawal symptoms depend on the substance being abused. Some common withdrawal symptoms include:

• Gastrointestinal upset
• Headaches
• Hot flashes
• Muscle pain

Where Does Detox take place?

Detox occurs in various settings and with varying intensity levels, depending on the patient’s needs. In detox facilities such as Phoenix detox center, addicts must undergo an assessment to enable caregivers’ come up with the appropriate treatment plan.

According to SAMHSA, the success of Detox partly depends on whether an addict continues with an addiction treatment program after completing the initial detox phase.

Detoxification is the first phase of the addiction recovery process and is followed by long-term addiction treatment. Long-term addiction treatment equips patients with healthy coping skills and recurrence prevention skills. Moreover, it provides medication and psychotherapy, setting a robust foundation for recovery.

Process alcohol and drug detox

The detoxification process varies based on the substance of abuse and the patient’s needs. It involves the steps below:

• Evaluation refers to a comprehensive assessment of a patient’s past and current psychological and medical conditions and social history. The step involves carrying out a test on the patient to determine the nature of addictive substances. This gives the caregivers crucial information to offer appropriate levels of care to their clients.
• Stabilization: This step involves the management of acute intoxication and withdrawal safely. Medications are usually administered during the stabilization phase to assist in alleviating any withdrawal symptoms.
• Further treatment preparation: Treatment personnel will encourage you to continue treatment for successful recovery outcomes.

How Long Does Detoxification Last?

The period of detoxification depends on the patient and the drug abuse. The first phase of detoxification focuses on ridding the addict’s body of substances. However, some withdrawal symptoms may last a few days, and others might last longer. Each requires assessment to determine the appropriate duration for detoxification and continuation of addiction treatment.

The following are some factors that affect the length of withdrawal.

• Duration of use
• The severity of the addiction
• Route of substance administration; e.g., smoking, injecting, snorting, etc.
• Substance of abuse
• Family history of addiction
• History of previous withdrawals
• Current level social support
• Presence of co-occurring psychiatric or medical conditions
• History of previous relapses
• Risk of development of severe withdrawal symptoms

Uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms are common with many substances of abuse. Thus, it is crucial to have access to medical professionals who can assist you in managing symptoms and administering medications when necessary.

Which Substances of abuse need Detox?

Based on safety and humanitarian concerns, SAMHSA recommends medically-assisted detoxification for;

• Sedative-hypnotics
• Alcohol
• Opioids

Can you detox at home?

Due to the hazards that can occur due to withdrawal from some substances, it is best to detoxify with support and supervision from professionals.

How do you find detoxification programs?

Finding medical detox is crucial in ensuring your comfort and safety as you begin the process of recovery. Some factors to consider when seeking a reputable detox facility such as Phoenix detox center is:

• Detox plan offered
• Sensitivity to patient’s needs
• Length of detoxification.
• Capacity to address co-occurring psychiatric and medical conditions.
• Accreditation and licenses
• Staff experience