Understanding Drug Detox
An inpatient drug detox is widely considered the most practical way for most people to begin recovery. The work of recovering from a substance use disorder is challenging. For many, it will be the most difficult thing they ever do. But it can also be an incredibly rewarding and transformative experience. But to reach a place where deeper therapeutic work can begin, first the physical effects of drug use must be addressed. A medical detox from drugs is the safest and most comfortable way to accomplish this. The majority of substances people abuse have physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped.
Not only are these withdrawal symptoms uncomfortable and distressing, but they are one of the most common reasons for relapse. Further, the withdrawal effects of some substances, like benzodiazepines or barbiturates, can include potentially fatal seizures. Fear of withdrawal symptoms is also one of the most common reasons for people to resist getting help for addiction. Assuring them that they will receive a safe and comfortable detox can go a long way towards allaying fears of getting the treatment for addiction that they need. With a supervised medical detox, any discomfort a client experiences can be managed in real time. TruHealing Centers facilities follow the highest standards for medical detoxification.
Advantages of Drug Detox at TruHealing Centers:
- The safety and security of 24-hour detox nurses on duty for observation.
- Medications to ensure clients are able to sleep and rest comfortably.
- Counseling and therapy are available as soon as client is willing and ready.
- Careful detox protocol prevents most withdrawal symptoms before they can occur.
- Additional addiction treatment is available at TruHealing Centers for continuity of care.
How Does Drug Detox Work?
The precise drug detox protocol that is followed depends on the class of substances a person is using. The amount and frequency of use, the persons age and relative health and any history of seizures can all be factors that affect the drug detox procedure. But the objective is always the same. To help a person safely and comfortably stop the use of a controlled substance.
TruHealing Centers drug detox programs do this by medically stabilizing the client and treating any withdrawal symptoms as well as tertiary symptoms. For example, in an opioid detox protocol, a client might be administered buprenorphine to alleviate opioid withdrawal and craving. But they may also receive Clonidine to reduce sweating, hot flashes and restlessness. Anxiolytics may be prescribed to control anxiety. Colace can be introduced to help restore regularity.
TruHealing Centers detox physicians have the expertise to make detoxing from drugs far safer and more comfortable than it would be otherwise. This is one of the major advantages of a medical inpatient detox. Aside from the 24-hour clinical supervision for safety, a drug detox facility like ours can take a much more nuanced approach to managing symptoms. This level of care, safety and comfort simply cannot be equaled in any home or outpatient detox scenario.
Symptoms of Drug Withdrawal to Watch for:
- Agitation
- Yawning
- Watery eyes
- Anxiety
- Headache
- Nausea
- Inability to sleep
How Long are Drug Detox Programs?
If a person decides to accept help for addiction, two factors often stand out among their primary concerns. The first is withdrawal symptoms, which we covered in the previous section. The second is the length of stay. It’s not unusual for people to feel some worry about going to treatment for addiction. After all, it means leaving behind a substance that was a form of comfort to them and it also means entering the unknown for a period of time where they know their freedom will be somewhat limited for their health and safety. It’s only natural to have questions about the length of stay.
When it come to a detox from drugs, treatment centers rarely have a set length of stay. There are far too many variables for this. What a person is using, how much they use, their age and health are all factors that affect the length of detox.
Some General Guidelines About Drug Detox with Different Substances:
- Stimulants: Drugs like cocaine or amphetamine tend to have a shorter detox. They enter and leave the bloodstream quickly. A shorter medical detox is usually called for, with supplemental treatment, including MAT possible for some time afterwards.
- Benzodiazepines: Benzodiazepines stay in the body longer than many other drugs. It is critical to get a medical detox in this case due to the elevated risk of seizure. The length of the medical detox varies depending on how much a person took, how long, the person’s relative age among other things.
- Opioids: Opiates like heroin or oxycodone usually leave the body (aside from hair follicles) in less than a week. Medical detox can usually be accomplished in less than a week, however some medications may continue beyond the medical detox phase to help ease the transition. Synthetic opioids like fentanyl or methadone stay in the system for far longer and can sometimes require a longer detox period.
- Alcohol: Alcohol moves through the system quickly. The majority of alcohol metabolites clear the system within 24 hours. Medical detox for alcohol usually takes less than a week. Again, some medications may be continued beyond the medical detox phase for comfort and/or to control cravings.
- Marijuana: Marijuana alone does not require a medical detox, however there can be some relatively mild withdrawal symptoms like irritability, insomnia and depression. Marijuana is psychologically addictive and a person who abuses marijuana can absolutely benefit from treatment.
- Hallucinogens: Hallucinogens like LSD or psychedelic ‘research chemicals’ generally do not require a medical detox. However, the purity of street drugs can never be guaranteed. Fentanyl and methamphetamine are often found in a wide variety of street drugs and these can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Drug Detox at TruHealing Centers
The personalized drug detox and addiction treatment at TruHealing Centers is designed to help you or your loved one put their best foot forward. The detox process is the beginning of recovery. Clearing the body of intoxicants and stabilizing the client. This prepares the person for the deeper therapeutic work of recovery which will help them stay drug-free for the long term. TruHealing Centers addiction treatment identifies core issues and applies practical and effective solutions. Addiction also affects the people we care about most.
This is why we emphasize the importance of family and social involvement in recovery. Clients at our medical detox facilities receive the highest standard of care available with 24-hour medical supervision and attention to everything from nutritional needs to psychological well-being. TruHealing Centers is more than a healthcare provider. We’re a partner for recovery. We are ready to give you or your loved one everything they need for successful recovery. All that’s needed to begin is enough willingness to try.
You Don’t Have To Go It Alone
If you or a loved one would like more information on dual diagnosis treatment, Truhealing Addiction Services can help! Contact us today to discuss your treatment options with an addiction treatment specialist.
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