What Is Medical Detox?
Medical detoxification is a critical phase in one’s recovery process. It is an important step for users of drugs and alcohol. It helps in building a better life by improving healthy habits thereby dealing with addiction. This process usually involves behavioral therapy and medication. Support is also offered by medical professionals throughout the process.
Toxins are cleared from one’s body during medical detox. This helps with withdrawal symptoms that an addict may exhibit after cessation. It goes a long way in enabling patients to shun physical dependence on drugs.
Withdrawal may at times be life-threatening. One can fall into severe depression and exhibit various other symptoms. Addiction rehabilitation centers and detox centers are ideal for such individuals. These centers offer safe environments where professionals can help in the management of withdrawal symptoms.
Medication and other useful techniques can be used to help in the management process. These help in addiction treatment. Needless to say, withdrawal is very different for everyone. The treatment process, therefore, involves different durations and medications. It is also dependent on the resources that a facility has in place.
Medical detox does not, however, deal with and treat some underlying factors that drive addiction. These include genetic, behavioral and environmental factors. It is just the first step in treatment. There is a need for it to be followed up with therapy, education and continued support services.
Who Requires Medical Detox?
The body usually becomes dependent and used to the presence of a drug or alcohol. This happens after one has used a drug for a long period. The brain eventually gets used to how it’s affected by the drug. Adaptation occurs in order for the brain to be able to function normally.
Tolerance is then developed as time goes. This means that one has to consume a higher amount of the drug in order for him or her to feel the same effect. Tolerance often results in dependence. Dependence is where the body requires a drug for proper functioning. Side effects such as headaches, vomiting, and fevers can be experienced if one does not take the drug. Cravings are also experienced when the body does not receive drugs.
Medically overseen and supervised detox programs can help one deal with both dependence and withdrawal symptoms. The body is able to relearn how to properly function without drugs. Cravings eventually subside. Where addiction is not severe, medical detoxification can be offered on an outpatient basis.
Recovery from addiction is a difficult process, especially without assistance. Supervision during detox significantly increases the chances of one’s full and long-term recovery. It also provides a safe environment that is critical for one to achieve long-term recovery.
Medical detox is critical when it comes to recovering from many addictive drugs. Alcohol addiction can be dealt with from such programs. It can also help in the management of opioids such as heroin, stimulants such as cocaine and crystal meth. Marijuana and products containing tetrahydrocannabinol can also be managed through detox.
The long-term benefits of detoxification can help one fully recover from substance abuse. They can help in dealing with cravings that one may have. Withdrawal symptoms are also managed through detox. Support group meetings that happen during detox are useful in management and treatment. For substance abusers, medical detox can significantly help in the management of addiction.