How Detox Treatment Can Help Addiction

Addiction is a common problem across the entirety of the United States. In fact, around 23% of people who use heroin develop an opioid addiction. Most people who live with drug addiction cannot break out of it themselves, so providing help is a top priority. Different treatment options are available for those living with addiction and detox is one of the most notable. Let’s look into the specifics of detox and how it can help people recovering from addiction.

What Exactly Is Detox?

Detox is the process of removing all traces of a drug from an individual’s body. In order for someone to be physically capable of undergoing addiction therapy, this process is essential. Before a detox, the body is still heavily reliant on the drug so it is near impossible for the person to combat their addiction. Gradually removing the traces of the drug allows for the body to properly prepare itself to handle the psychological challenges of addiction.

How Does the Detox Process Work?

When Starting detox treatment, a medical professional will perform a detailed assessment that will be used to develop the most suitable detox plan for the individual. Previous medical history and other important details are taken into account when performing this assessment. At the start of the treatment, the toxins in a patient’s system will be slowly reduced. This will cause the patient to experience withdrawal symptoms because the brain needs to adjust to the absence of the chemicals produced by the drug.

Physical withdrawal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, sweating, increased blood pressure, and headaches. Patients can also experience psychological effects such as paranoia or depression so it is imperative that these symptoms be monitored closely. One of the main benefits of checking into a detox facility is that there will always be somebody closely monitoring the patient’s well-being during the process.

What Is the Average Length of the Detox Process?

Detoxing can take up to 10 days. This can vary depending on how many drugs are in the patient’s system, what kind of drugs they’re using, and how well they handle the process, both mentally and physically.

How Long Does It Take?

The detoxification process and its duration vary widely depending on the substance involved. It’s likely for addiction doctors to tell patients that factors such as the substance, method of administration, frequency of use, and average dose can significantly impact the withdrawal timeline. For instance, while some drugs may trigger withdrawal symptoms almost immediately after cessation, others might take days to manifest symptoms. Additionally, individual differences such as physiology, age, gender, and mental and physical health play crucial roles in the onset and duration of withdrawal symptoms. The type of detox program chosen, whether medical or social, also affects the detoxification timeline.

Can Detox Be Done at Home?

Yes, detoxification at home can be a convenient option, however, a detox doctor should be the one to decide based on several factors, including the severity of the addiction, the type of substance being used, the individual’s medical history, and the risk of withdrawal complications. For some people with mild substance use disorders and no history of severe withdrawal symptoms, a home detox program might be considered safe with proper medical guidance and support. In any case, medical detoxification should always be done under professional supervision to ensure safety, effectively manage withdrawal symptoms, and address any complications that may arise. At Peace Medical, custom treatment plans are available, and our home detox program is extremely safe, providing patients with the necessary support and medical oversight to facilitate a successful detox process in the comfort of their own homes.

What to Know About Medical Detox Programs

Medical detoxification programs done by addiction doctors offer a structured and supervised environment, providing medication and treatment to prevent complications during withdrawal. These programs are crucial for substances like alcohol, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates due to the potential for severe withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures or delirium, which require immediate medical intervention. For opioid addiction, while not typically medically dangerous, medical detoxification can help alleviate the intense discomfort associated with withdrawal, preventing relapse.

Another important thing to know about detox programs is that some include medication to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. These medications, when combined with behavioral therapy, can support long-term sobriety and reduce the chances of relapse. Some of these include:

• Methadone: A full opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms by activating opioid receptors in the brain.
• Buprenorphine: A partial opioid agonist that provides a milder opioid effect, reducing the risk of abuse. Suboxone, a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, helps prevent misuse.
• Naltrexone: An opioid antagonist that blocks the euphoric effects of opioids, reducing the likelihood of relapse.

Choosing the Right Detox Program

Selecting the appropriate detox program is a critical decision that can impact recovery success. Detox programs are generally recommended for those with severe addiction or those at risk of dangerous withdrawal symptoms. If you or a loved one are in need of one, the best thing is to contact detox or addiction doctors. They can guide you in choosing the most suitable program based on the specific needs of the individual and the severity of the addiction. A professional evaluation ensures that the chosen detox approach is safe, effective, and tailored to provide the best chance for a successful recovery.

Detox is the first step on the road to recovery so it’s important for somebody going through it to have a reliable support system. If you or your loved ones are living with addiction, reach out to qualified detox doctors to learn more about the steps you can take.