Drug and Alcohol Detoxification is a medically supervised process to rid the body of drugs or alcohol. Detox is the first step in addiction treatment and can be challenging, but it’s vital for long-term recovery. Detox helps people address the physical aspect of their addiction so they are better prepared to tackle the psychological features as part of an intensive rehab program.
A detox program will help keep a person as comfortable as possible during the withdrawal period and may administer medication to ease withdrawal symptoms or prevent complications. Medications used to treat withdrawal can include benzodiazepines, such as chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, or lorazepam; barbiturates, such as phenobarbital; or anticonvulsants, such as carbamazepine or gabapentin. Some detox programs also administer supportive therapy, such as motivational enhancement therapy.
During the detoxification process, patients receive educational materials and counseling to prepare for recovery. They learn about their addiction and why it’s important to quit. They also discuss the importance of following through with treatment and what to expect in the future. This type of counseling is called motivational enhancement therapy, and it can help increase a patient’s willingness to enter detox.
Some detox programs offer outpatient detox, which is less expensive than inpatient detox and may be more convenient for some people. However, it’s not appropriate for everyone. Outpatient detox is not safe for alcoholics who experience serious or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, such as delirium tremens, or have associated health issues such as pancreatitis or cirrhosis. It is also not safe for those who are suicidal or homicidal, or those who are in adverse family or work situations that would make it difficult to travel daily to detox.
A patient’s progress during detox can be tracked through urine and blood tests, which provide information about the presence of substances in the body. They also monitor heart rate and blood pressure, and assess other health-related factors. If a person experiences nausea, doctors and nurses can prescribe anti-nausea medications such as Zofran or promethazine.
Many people try to quit using drugs or alcohol on their own, but that’s often dangerous. It’s important to go through detox under the care of a medical professional, especially if you are addicted to a very powerful substance such as heroin or opium.
A trained medical professional can help you develop a customized treatment plan that will take into account your specific situation and needs. They will also track your progress during detox to ensure you’re on the right track to recovery. The most successful detox programs provide support for their patients throughout the withdrawal process, including helping them transition into ongoing treatment (either inpatient or outpatient). They can also connect you to supportive community groups that will help you stay sober. In addition, they can teach you coping skills to use when cravings strike so that you don’t return to drug or alcohol use. They can even help you find employment, housing, and social activities to keep you busy in recovery.
