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It is a fact that when people abuse alcohol and substances, it leaves harmful toxins inside their system. These toxins alter the normal functioning of the body and mind of any individual. To remove these from the patient’s system, one must undergo a drug and alcohol detox process.
Detoxification, or detox, is the first step in overcoming addiction. It is a process of ridding the body of toxins that have built up from drug and alcohol use. Detox can be done on an outpatient basis, but for those with a more severe addiction, inpatient care may be necessary.
Detoxification is simply a part of a rehab treatment process, and cannot be solely considered a stand-alone cure. It must be combined with other treatment processes like medication and counseling, to be considered an effective recovery program.
What Happens in Drug and Alcohol Detox?
During detoxification, the toxic residues from substance abuse and alcoholism are gradually excreted out from the patient’s system. During this period, withdrawal symptoms may be experienced by the patient.
The withdrawal symptoms from addiction vary depending on how severe the addiction is and what substances were abused. It is always a good idea to have the help of certified medical professionals when someone is detoxing. This is because the withdrawal symptoms can be very painful and dangerous.
Detoxification has the goal of helping the patient reach sobriety while minimizing these side effects. There are times when doctors will prescribe medications to help make the withdrawal process less uncomfortable. Some common side effects are:
- Unstable mood and emotion
- Easily irritated
- Difficulty sleeping
- Agitation
- Depression
- Difficulty in staying focused
- Restlessness
The detox process will involve therapies and medications to help minimize the side effects of quitting drugs. Patients receive different detox programs that fit their needs and conditions.
The length of time a person spends detoxifying will vary from one person to another depending on the level of addiction and alcoholism. Different addictions have different levels of discomfort. For example, withdrawal side effects for someone addicted to cocaine or heroin will be more severe than for someone addicted to alcohol.
There will always be a slight or major difference between the detox program from one patient to another. However, here are the basic steps when a person decides to detoxify one’s system.
1) Patient Evaluation
Before a person can start a detox program, the medical staff needs to evaluate their physical and mental condition. The doctor or medical staff will also run some tests to check the level of toxins in their system. This is to make sure that the person is safe and secure during the detoxification process.
2) Stabilizing Patient’s Condition
When a patient is going through treatment, they are unstable in many ways. To keep them safe, the medical staff and doctors work to stabilize their bodies and behavior. This can help reduce any withdrawal symptoms the patient may experience.
3) Comprehensive Preparation for the Treatment Proper
The main point of letting the patient undergo detox first is to fully prepare him for the main treatment process. For severe cases of addiction and alcohol use disorder, an inpatient detox plan is often recommended. This is because there is strict supervision by qualified medical staff in a licensed rehab facility.
How Long Does Detox Lasts?
There is no set amount of time for a detoxification procedure to take for each patient. However, two main factors affect how long the detox will last. These are the type of substance abuse and how long the patient abused the substance.
To get a better idea, it is best to speak with an addiction treatment specialist about your condition. They will be able to tell you what kind of detox process you need, and how long it is likely to take.
Is Detox Safe?
Usually, detox is done gradually so that it doesn’t endanger the person’s life. However, some people can go through a fast detox process with the permission and supervision of a doctor or medical staff.
It is important to know that there is a higher risk for rapid detox because you are also increasing the side effects. To make sure the patient is safe, the medical personnel will give them anesthesia to minimize discomfort.
There are also risks associated with hastening detoxification, including difficulty breathing, heart attack, seizures, nausea, and infections in some cases.
Is it Safe for Pregnant Women to Undergo Detox?
Pregnant women are highly sensitive to chemicals and this applies both to the mother and unborn child. Nevertheless, it is safe for pregnant women to undertake detoxification as long as it is supervised by a doctor or well-trained medical staff.
This ensures that the mother and unborn baby receive safe medication for eliminating the toxins inside the patient’s system. Without proper supervision and medical assistance, the safety of the mother and the unborn child is compromised and can lead to early labor or miscarriage.
Is it Effective to Detox at Home?
It is possible to have one’s detoxification process done at home, but it must be administered by certified medical personnel. Oftentimes, outpatient detox is plausible for patients with low to mild issues of alcoholism and substance use disorder.
However, if the person has a severe issue regarding alcohol use disorder and addiction, then an intense inpatient detox process is most suitable. This is preferred because there will be 24/7 supervision by a trained medical assistant, who can help manage the withdrawal symptoms that may appear during the detox process.
Choosing a Drug and Alcohol Detox Facility for Addiction Treatment
If you want to stop taking drugs or alcohol, it’s important to do so in a safe way. Withdrawal symptoms can start very soon after you stop, and in some cases, they can be dangerous.
That’s why it’s a good idea to go to a detox facility where you can get help from a doctor or other medical staff. This will help ensure that you’re safe and comfortable while you detox.
