Drug detox is the initial step in the rehabilitation process for addiction recovery. It is typically followed by behavioral treatment, medication, and ongoing support.
Drug detox is the process of eliminating toxic chemicals from the body of a substance-dependent patient. It is intended to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and assist patients in overcoming physical dependence.
In certain circumstances, withdrawal from an addictive drug can be life-threatening. Health experts utilize medications and other ways to ease the withdrawal process and carefully manage the adverse effects of withdrawal in detoxification and rehabilitation facilities.
Types of Drug Detox
Knowing that several detoxification options may pique patients’ attention is crucial. The intensity of withdrawal symptoms will determine which detoxification method you should use.
Inpatient Detoxification
Inpatient detox provides that proper medical treatment in the event of an emergency. This is one of the primary reasons why inpatient detoxification has been deemed the most effective way to eliminate drug misuse habits. In inpatient detox treatment, patients are admitted to a clinic staffed by medical professionals providing care around the clock.
Residential Detox
Clinically supervised residential detox occurs in a residential treatment center where clinical professionals continuously monitor patients. They provide various services, such as behavioral counseling and 24-hour living assistance and structure.
Medications are often used in these circumstances to alleviate severe withdrawal symptoms. However, patients with severe illnesses who are in danger of life-threatening withdrawals are usually hospitalized for inpatient detoxification. Residential detoxification help ease withdrawal symptoms by offering monitoring, observation, and support.
Intensive Outpatient (IOP)/Partial Hospitalization (PHP) Detox Programs
Intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization are two categories of treatment that offer detoxification programs in outpatient settings to those who do not require supervision 24/7. Psychotherapy and medication management are provided at both levels of care.
A person can live at home and regularly visit an outpatient detox clinic. Depending on their degree of care, they may need to be present for several hours per day or several times per week.
This environment may suit those with mild to moderate alcohol or drug withdrawal symptoms. If your symptoms become more severe, you may be transferred to a hospital or another facility providing higher care.
Partial hospitalization is a more intensive kind of therapy than intensive outpatient treatment. PHP requires more weekly treatment hours (an average of 20 hours per week), whereas IOP therapy gives around 9 hours per week.
Intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization include alcohol and drug detox programs staffed by physicians, nurses, and clinical staff who provide treatment throughout the day. If required, addiction counselors and clinicians can give additional interventions.
Medical Detox Program: What Is Required?
Addiction to substances is a complicated phenomenon. Professional assistance is required to guide you, manage your withdrawal symptoms, and create treatment solutions tailored to your unique demands and requirements. Participating in a drug rehabilitation program is one of the most effective strategies to overcome addiction.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a drug detoxification program can assist individuals in overcoming their addiction if they continue in treatment for the required period. The institute also describes detox as a 3-step process:
- Stabilization
- Detoxification
- Monitoring
What to Expect During Medical Detox
The process starts with an assessment. Medical staff will inquire about the patient’s medical history, substance use history, and the severity of the problem. Patients will be screened for concurrent mental health conditions, infections, and dietary deficits. In addition, several facilities examine patients for skin disorders, TB, oral health deficits, and physical trauma.
An addiction expert will build a strategy to ensure the patient’s safety and comfort after knowing more about them. The patient will be allocated a room and monitored around the clock for approximately one week in inpatient facilities. Physicians or therapists will develop a treatment plan and appointment schedule in outpatient facilities.
Detox can be painful despite the best efforts of health experts. Patients are healthier and more equipped to focus on the next phase of treatment following its conclusion. Depending on the drug or substances abused, the particular detoxification therapy methods differ.
How Long Does Detox Take?
In general, addiction recovery is a lengthy or even lifelong process. In comparison, drug detox is far faster. On average, completing a drug detox takes between a few days and a few weeks. Unfortunately, withdrawal symptoms and cravings may persist much longer depending on the drugs taken, although the drug will be officially eliminated from the body.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many months does it take to get rid of an addiction?
It takes 21 days to overcome an addiction. According to psychologists, while it takes around 21 days of conscious and continuous effort to form a new habit, it takes far longer to break an established one.
What is the important first step in treating addiction?
Usually, detoxification comes first in a treatment plan. It involves eliminating a drug from the body and reducing withdrawal symptoms. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a treatment center will utilize medication to lessen drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms in 80 percent of cases.
How does drug rehab work?
Drug rehab intends to help patients overcome their addiction through counseling and medication. However, it must be understood that drug rehab is only successful when the patient genuinely wants to overcome their addiction. Adverse effects may result if the patient is pushed into a treatment facility even though he does not want to overcome his addiction.
How long can a patient stay in drug rehab?
The general length of rehab programs is 30-day, 60-day, 90-day, and extended programs, such as sober living facilities or halfway houses.
The Haven Offers a Safe and Effective Detoxification Process
Drug detox is a crucial step in the recovery process. Contact a professional medical detox center for assistance if you are considering stopping drugs but do not know how to get started. It can help in making the process safer and more pleasant for you.
The Haven treatment facility recognizes the challenge of starting drug addiction treatment. Our mental health professionals will be with you throughout your drug detox and will assist you in breaking the seemingly unending cycle of quitting and relapsing.
To get professional medical support, contact us at (561) 328-8627 today!
