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This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice.
The body of a person addicted to alcohol or drugs is in a vulnerable position. On the one hand, the continued use of substances leads to loss of health, sanity and even death, on the other hand – the difficulties that arise when trying to stop using. It’s all about withdrawal syndrome: the body’s reaction to giving up previous doses of drugs or alcohol. Detoxification can help you get through these symptoms.
What detoxification is and why it is needed
Detoxification literally means removing toxic substances and their metabolites from the body. This can take time. For example, alcohol is gone from the bloodstream in 6-12 hours, but its metabolites can remain in the body for several more days. It can take up to 5-7 days for opioids to completely clear out of the body. It is not easy to survive this time on your own, so it is recommended to resort to medically assisted detox. Why is this necessary?
Withdrawal from drugs or alcohol is accompanied by painful symptoms, including:
- severe pain throughout the body;
- seizures;
- difficulty breathing;
- heart palpitations;
- high blood pressure and fever;
- profuse sweating;
- nausea, vomiting and diarrhea;
- insomnia;
- psychosis
The stronger the substance previously taken and the longer the history of use, the more severe the symptoms. In some cases, abrupt withdrawal from drugs or alcohol can lead to the death of the addict.
How detox is carried out
Let’s describe how the ideal medical detoxification process should take place:
- Assessment of the condition. The addicted person is tested, information is gathered about their history of substance use, they are checked for medical conditions and an individualized treatment plan is developed;
- Substance withdrawal. After drug or alcohol use stops, withdrawal symptoms occur. Doctors monitor the process and prescribe certain medications to maintain physical and mental well-being. In some cases, methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone, and other medications are substituted for previous psychoactive substances. They are less destructive and help reduce cravings for another dose of drugs or alcohol;
- ongoing monitoring. Medical professionals during the withdrawal symptom management phase constantly monitor vital health indicators. Emergency treatment is provided if necessary;
- psychological help. Getting rid of physical dependence does not only happen by withdrawing substances. A person with withdrawal syndrome experiences severe stress, and therefore doctors provide all the necessary psychological support.
It may seem that the hardest detox takes place in the first days, but this is not true. The hardest days are 3-4 days, when the body gives the strongest reaction to the refusal of psychoactive substances. It is accustomed to them and requires a dose. It is important to wait out this process, providing the addict with maximum care and comfort.
Where to undergo detoxification
There are several approaches to detox. The most effective and comfortable is to go to a specialized treatment center. But not always the patient has insurance, so in addition to detox in a rehab, we will tell you about other options for detoxification.
In rehab centers
There are more than 16 thousand drug and alcohol rehabs operating in the United States. They offer detoxification as well as comprehensive rehab as an effective way to get rid of addiction. If you have strong cravings for drugs and alcohol, it is recommended to go there in the first place.
Inpatient and outpatient treatment is possible in rehab centers. The first option usually involves living in a clinic for a month. In the second case, the patient visits the rehab during the day and returns home at night.
In the hospital
In case of a serious deterioration of health during the phase of withdrawal from substances, you can try to go to the emergency room. This will help with breathing difficulties, seizures and heart problems. Some hospitals prescribe medications to help with withdrawal. For example, for opioid addiction, buprenorphine is prescribed for substitution therapy.
At home
The most dangerous option is to conduct detoxification at home. Here there is no such control as in medical institutions, so withdrawal symptoms are harder to manage. As a consequence, there is a high risk of relapse.
Treatment at home is possible only in the case of a short history of drug or alcohol use, provided that there is a clear plan agreed with the doctor. The support of friends and family plays an important role in this, which will help to get through the difficult days.
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This content is brought to you by Chris Reyes
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