Drug Detox

Drug detoxification is the process of cleansing the harmful toxins from the body of a person who abuses substances. It is the first step in the rehabilitation process for the recovery from drug addiction. During detox at one of our drug detox facilities, a medical professional assists the patient in managing the symptoms that are associated with withdrawal.

When someone has used a substance for a long period of time or has become dependent on it, when they suddenly stop taking it, the body can experience several different and severe side effects. In some cases, the side effects of withdrawal can be life threatening. A detox center or a drug addiction rehabilitation center is a safe place for someone to go through the drug detox. In these centers, medical professionals assist patients with the detox process by using various techniques and medications that help to ease the effects of withdrawal. Our team at Start Sobriety Now is committed to connecting you with the best drug detox program possible to ensure a safe detoxification process.

Detox alone may help a person stop abusing drugs for a short period of time; however, it is important to receive additional treatment after the detoxification process, including therapy, to prevent the risk of relapse. Call us today for more information about how we can walk with you throughout the entire treatment process.

Who Would Benefit from Supervised Drug Detoxification?

When drugs are used for a prolonged period of time, the body becomes dependent on the substance. The substance affects the brain and the brain becomes accustomed to the effects. It adapts to those effects in order to function normally. Over time, the body builds a tolerance to the drug, which means that larger amounts of the drug have to be taken in order to experience the same effects that were experienced initially.

When a person develops a tolerance to drugs, typically, he or she becomes dependent on them, which means that he or she needs the drug in order to function. When the drug is not taken, the absence of the substance causes the body to have a negative reaction, which can lead to a number of side effects, including:

• Headaches
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Seizures

These side effects are known as withdrawal symptoms. In order to combat these effects, the body starts to crave the substance. The symptoms of withdrawal and cravings make it hard for a person to abstain from using drugs. Through supervised detox, a person can receive the assistance that is necessary to help him or her get through the effects of withdrawal safely and can avoid giving into the temptation that cravings create. It is important that you experience withdrawals under medical supervision because some can be life threatening. Speak with one of our treatment specialists about your detox center options.

The Process of Drug Detoxification

The beginning of detox can be very intense. After just a few hours of using the last dose of a substance, the person will likely start to experience withdrawal symptoms, which can include the following:

• Headaches
• Excessive sweating
• Extreme fatigue
• Anxiety
• Agitation
• Aches and pains
• Insomnia
• Vomiting
• Seizures and tremors
• Psychosis

In some cases, withdrawal symptoms are not life threatening, but rather they are physically and mentally uncomfortable. In severe cases, the symptoms of withdrawal are not only uncomfortable, but they can be lethal. In either case, it is best to go through the detoxification process at one of our detox center partners or a rehabilitation center. In these settings, patients will receive the care and support that is needed to get through the withdrawal symptoms safely.

Medical professionals, including doctors and nurses, monitor patients around the clock. Their vital signs are taken and their progress is assessed. If medical intervention is deemed necessary, the patient will receive the necessary assistance, which can include medication and other tactics that will stabilize the patient and help him or her get through the withdrawal symptoms. Speak with a trained treatment specialist today for more information on withdrawal symptoms.

The type and severity of withdrawal symptoms will vary from person to person and depend on a variety of factors. These factors include:

• The type of drugs the person was using
• How much of the drug the person was taking
• The length of time the patient was abusing the drug(s)
• The amount of the substance that is in the patient’s body upon entering detox
• Whether or not any physical or mental disorders exist in the patient
• The half-life of the substance. If the drug is short-acting, typically, the withdrawal symptoms occur immediately after taking the last does; if the substance was long-acting, the withdrawal symptoms can be delayed.
• The severity of cravings

Types of Drug Detoxification

There are several different types of drug detoxification options. The type of substance a person is abusing along with the type of withdrawal symptoms that he or she is experiencing will help us to determine which type of detox program is appropriate.

Some of the drug detox options include:

• Inpatient Detoxification. Generally, an inpatient detox program is recommended for those who abuse drugs and are trying to become sober. These programs allow patients to receive immediate assistance for any issues that may arise, as well as the guidance that is needed to successfully handle withdrawal symptoms.
• Outpatient Detoxification. This type of detox is not usually recommended; however, if a person has a less severe addiction, an outpatient detox program may be a good option. It usually involves checking in with a treatment team and medication is provided via prescriptions. In cases where finances are a factor or a patient has to continue working, an outpatient detox program may provide the treatment that is necessary to detox. If you are unsure if you can afford treatment, call us today to verify your insurance and discuss your options.

There are also detox programs that are specifically designed for certain drugs; opioid detox and alcohol detox, for example.

Drug Detox Methods

There are several different detox approaches. These include:

• Short-term medicated detox
• Long-term medicated detox
• Cold turkey detox – A person stops using a drug with nothing more than medical supervision in case an emergency arises.

The type of method that is taken depends on a person’s specific addiction; it varies from person to person. The type of drug(s) the person was using, the length of time the person was using the drug(s) and the level of dependency will help determine what type of detox method will be the most effective. Speak with an addiction counselor for a free, confidential assessment to determine the best route to recovery for you.

If you or a loved one is dependent on drugs, we are here to help you. Please call us today at (800) 553-6192 to learn more about our drug detox programs.