Medical detox is the process and experience of a withdrawal syndrome under medical supervision. Medical detox is typically initiated to treat physical-somatic withdrawal symptoms, with programs also set up to enable drug discontinuation in the case of psychological dependence. Medical Detox Centers Delray Beach provides patients with substance dependency, a safe and comfortable environment to withdraw from the substances or substances they are addicted to.
The process of medical detox enables patients to safety withdraw from drug or alcohol while under the care and monitoring of medical professionals. Medications are often used to manage the withdrawal symptoms, medical experts are always on hand to help support the process.
Additional toxic substances are often used to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, with emphasis placed on ridding the body of particular drugs known to cause physical or psychological harm. Detox helps patients to get clean prior to psychotherapy treatment, giving them the opportunity to make healthier lifestyle choices and move on with their lives.
According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, there are three steps in the drug detoxification process. The first step is known as evaluation, with incoming patients tested physically and evaluated mentally before receiving treatment. Because medications are often used during the withdrawal process, this step is necessary to avoid dangerous drug interactions. Patients are also evaluated mentally for the existence of mental health disorders and behavioral addictions, with treatment dependent on the existence of dual diagnosis scenarios.
The second step of detox involves stabilizing the patient, with medications and support available to guide the process. It can be days, weeks or even months before a patient is considered stable, with formal rehab programs often following. Depending on the drug in question and extent of addiction, an extensive medication regimen may be necessary before someone is considered stable. Typical medications used during detox include prescription opioids, benzodiazepines and opioid antagonists. The third stage of detox involves directing the patient towards further treatment, with counseling, behavioral therapy and relapse prevention programs needed to treat the precedents of addiction.
Opioids are widely used during detox, both for pain relief and in the context of opioid replacement therapy. This form of therapy is administered to long-term and treatment-resistant heroin addicts, with prescription opioids like methadone and buprenorphine given to addicts to replace cravings for heroin. While this form of therapy has been criticized for enabling secondary addictions, it is a highly valuable method of harm reduction. Benzodiazepines such as Valium and Serax are also widely used during detox, with these drugs prescribed to alcoholics and benzodiazepine addicts under the context of dose reduction. Opioid antagonists may also be prescribed during detox, including Suboxone and naltrexone.
Due to the severity of withdrawal symptoms, attempting to detox without treatment almost always leads to relapse. In addition to the severity of symptoms experienced during acute withdrawal, intense cravings also make it nearly impossible to avoid use. Treatment can help to mitigate cravings and offer individuals other means of dealing with them when they are at their most severe stage.
If you or someone you love is living with a substance use disorder and requires medical detox, reach out to the addiction specialists at Drug Treatment Centers Delray Beach at (877) 804-1531. Let them help guide you through the steps of finding the best rehab center for you rehab and receive and help you decide which treatment options best suit your individual needs.