Medical Detox guide
What is Drug Detox?
A medical drug detox program, also known as “medically managed withdrawal,” is usually the initial step to recovery for many who suffer from substance abuse.
Professional drug and alcohol detox involves administering treatment interventions like medication and therapy to cautiously manage drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms that can arise when an individual stops using drugs or alcohol.
The objective of drug detox is to minimize the physical harm that may arise as a result of quitting drugs after prolonged use. During medically assisted detox, a medical team of addiction professionals typically monitors vital signs such as body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure to ensure the patient is safe and comfortable throughout the detox process. Medically supervised detox programs often incorporate medications to assist with severe withdrawal symptoms, such as anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants.
Detox vs. Rehab Services
It’s important to differentiate a professional detox program from addiction rehabilitation. While “detox” and “rehab” are frequently used interchangeably to describe addiction treatment, substance abuse rehabilitation provides a combination of ongoing addiction and mental health services that aim to socially and psychologically rehabilitate individuals suffering from alcohol or drug addiction.
On the other hand, medical detox centers strive to stabilize patients medically, decrease addiction symptoms withdrawal, prevent dangerous withdrawal effects, and help smoothly transition to substance abuse treatment or other post-care programs.
What’s the Process of Detox?
The drug detox process is highly individualized and often includes a variety of treatment interventions, depending on the type and severity of each person’s addiction. Generally, medical detox programs involve three stages:
- Evaluation & Assessment. A comprehensive medical assessment helps identify any existing health issues or co-occurring mental health disorders that may need to be addressed during treatment.
- Detoxification. During detox, medications may be administered to reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms, like hallucinations or nausea. Additional therapies may be incorporated to foster relaxation and ease physical discomfort depending on the individual’s needs. Stabilization during the detox process is often the most challenging part of the process and can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
- Ongoing Treatment. Once stabilization is achieved, a personalized treatment plan is created to help individuals progress in their recovery journey and prevent relapse. The most successful treatment plans involve evidence-based psychotherapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), group or individual counseling sessions, and activities to increase positive coping skills and build a strong support network.
A medically supervised detox program is only the first step in recovery, but it’s essential. If you or someone you know needs help with addiction, consider contacting a rehab advisor or a professional rehab center directly that offers personalized treatment plans and supportive care throughout the recovery process. Treatment centers are available to help you take the first step and start on the path to recovery.
What Are The Side Effects of Drug Detox?
It’s common for people undergoing drug detox to experience withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms can vary in severity and duration, depending on the individual and the type of drug they are using.
Generally speaking, common symptoms associated with drug detox include but are not limited to insomnia, anxiety, irritability, nausea, vomiting, sweating or fever, elevated heart rate and blood pressure, muscle aches, and tremors. In more severe cases of addiction and/or prolonged substance abuse, more serious physical and prolonged symptoms can occur, including seizures, delirium tremens (DTs), extreme confusion, and hallucinations.
Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms may occur in various stages, leading to further health problems if left untreated. Symptoms can remain for days, weeks, months, or even years, depending on the type of addiction, the amount of time a person has struggled with addiction, and their physical and mental health.
It’s common for addiction withdrawal symptoms to appear as early as 1-2 hours after your last drink or use of addictive substances. While there is no exact timeline for when or what addiction withdrawal symptoms you will experience, the following is a general guideline of what you can expect:
First 6-12 Hours
Withdrawal symptoms may appear within the first six to twelve hours after the last use of drugs or alcohol. Early signs of drug and alcohol withdrawal often show as mild symptoms but can quickly worsen as time goes on. Some early withdrawal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and sweating.
Day One
As you end the first 24 hours of detoxification, more intense addiction withdrawal symptoms may occur. In addition to the drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms experienced in the first 12 hours, additional symptoms may include intense cravings, disorientation, tremors, severe agitation, confusion, and paranoia.
Day Two
Comparable to the first full day of drug and alcohol detox, more severe withdrawal symptoms will continue into the second day. During this time, an individual may experience intense psychological symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and panic attacks.
Day Three
More serious symptoms may develop during the third day of withdrawal. These can include seizures as well as delirium tremens (DTs). Delirium tremens is a condition associated with alcohol withdrawal that includes extreme confusion, hallucinations, and seizures. DTs can lead to a stroke, heart attack, and even death if not treated immediately.
Day Four to Seven
During the fourth to seventh day of detox, symptoms of drug and alcohol withdrawal may come and go. This is the period when individuals are at greater risk for life-threatening symptoms such as delirium tremens.
Beyond Day Seven
After a full week of detoxification, most physical drug and alcohol addiction withdrawal symptoms will have subsided. However, depending on the individual, the severity of their addiction, and any underlying medical conditions, some people may experience symptoms or cravings for up to two weeks or more after their last use.
Even when the most serious drug or alcohol addiction withdrawal symptoms have tapered down, some people will experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) – a set of withdrawal symptoms that can last several months to a year and may include insomnia, anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating, delayed reflexes and cravings.
The length of detox and the physical symptoms experienced during detox depend on several factors. However, by understanding the various stages and symptoms associated with drug and alcohol detox, individuals can feel comfortable receiving the proper medical care to safely manage the addiction withdrawal process. Hillside Detox provides comprehensive addiction care for substance abuse and mental health challenges, including detoxification and treatment services for even the most severe addictions.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and/or mental health, do not hesitate to reach out for help. We understand how overwhelming it can be to make the decision to enter a treatment program, and we’re here to answer any questions you may have. Call (866) 716-0971 today to have your questions answered with no obligation to enter treatment.
Addiction Medications to Overcome Severe Withdrawal Symptoms
For individuals experiencing severe drug or alcohol addiction, medications may be used to help reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms. The most common addiction medications prescribed during detox include benzodiazepines, naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram.
Benzodiazepines
These drugs help reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms and may also be prescribed to manage seizures, muscle spasms, or insomnia. Commonly prescribed benzodiazepines include Valium, Klonopin, Librium, or Ativan. They work by calming the central nervous system and reducing anxiety associated with withdrawal.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone is a medication that helps to reduce the craving for alcohol. It works by blocking the opioid receptors in the brain, which reduces cravings for alcohol. It is typically administered in pill form and has been found to be effective in curbing cravings and preventing relapse.
Acamprosate
When you quit drinking after alcohol dependence, your brain chemistry and electrical signals become imbalanced. Acamprosate helps to restore this balance by helping the brain maintain its equilibrium in the absence of alcohol. It has been found to reduce cravings for alcohol and prevent relapse after detoxification.
Disulfiram
Unlike other addiction medications, disulfiram is a medication that discourages drinking by producing an unpleasant reaction when alcohol is consumed. It works by blocking the body’s ability to metabolize alcohol, resulting in an accumulation of acetaldehyde which produces physical symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and headaches.
Overall, these addiction medications can help reduce severe physical withdrawal symptoms during detox. It is important to note that medications are not a cure for addiction and should be taken in conjunction with therapy and other therapies for long-term recovery.
Detox & Tapering
Tapering off a substance can manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of other health complications. Tapering involves gradually decreasing drug or alcohol use over time to allow the body to slowly adjust to lower levels of substances. Tapering can be used for opioids, benzodiazepines, alcohol, or other drugs, depending on the individual’s situation. Tapering is generally done under the medical supervision of an addiction specialist at a rehab facility to ensure that an individual struggling with drug or alcohol abuse has the proper support and resources to manage their withdrawal symptoms safely.
Quitting Drugs Cold Turkey
Individuals may sometimes attempt to quit drugs or alcohol “cold turkey.” This is when an individual suddenly stops drinking alcohol or using drugs without reducing their dosage or consulting an addiction specialist at a clinical practice. Quitting drug or alcohol use abruptly can be dangerous and cause serious health problems due to the sudden shift in the body.
If someone with an alcohol addiction stops drinking suddenly, he or she may experience alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). AWS is a set of symptoms that affects people accustomed to habitual alcohol intake who either reduce their alcohol consumption or stop drinking completely. Symptoms of AWS can range from mild to life-threatening and can include anxiety, seizures, sleep disturbances, shaking, confusion, and hallucinations. In extreme cases, AWS can be fatal if the person does not receive proper medical care. For this reason, it is recommended that individuals struggling with drug or alcohol addiction detox under the care of a medical professional or addiction specialist in an addiction treatment center to ensure safety.
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