Drug Detox

Medical detox is an extremely important first step in treating drug or alcohol dependence, as it clears the body of substances of abuse so individuals can begin addressing the psychological issues that led to substance abuse and addiction. Medical detox is best explained as a set of interventions that help individuals manage the withdrawal period from drugs.

What Is Withdrawal?

Since drugs and alcohol cause both physical and mental effects in individuals, medical detox is needed so the body can begin producing its own neurotransmitters again, instead of relying on drugs and alcohol to do this. When individuals have become dependent on drugs and/or alcohol, they will most likely experience withdrawal symptoms if they attempt to stop taking these substances – especially if they stop abruptly.

Some individuals can safely and comfortably stop using drugs and/or alcohol without experiencing any serious adverse events; however, this mild detox experience is more common in those with low-dose substance usage or short-term substance abuse habits. For many with long-term or high-dose addictions, withdrawal is a severe process. Certain substances of abuse, such as benzodiazepines, alcohol, and opiates, always require medical
detox due to the potential for life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, regardless of the severity
of the addiction present.

For example, if individuals wish to detox from alcohol, the process could lead to death if they undergo it alone. Withdrawing from heroin or prescription painkillers is not deadly, but it can be extremely painful and uncomfortable. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be life-threatening as seizures may occur. In all these cases, committing to medical detox while in a certified treatment center can ensure the safety of participants.

The Medical Detox Process

Medical detox has three components that are essential to the process: evaluation, stabilization, and fostering an individual’s readiness for – and entry into – substance abuse treatment.

In the evaluation component of medical detox, individuals undergo blood testing to determine which substances are in their systems, as well as a complete medical history to screen for any co-occurring medical or psychiatric diagnoses. This is important because the National Alliance on Mental Illness has reported that approximately a third of individuals with a mental health diagnosis also battle a substance use disorder. Their personal situation, including their home environment, will also be assessed to determine what treatment type will be most appropriate. This serves as the basis for the first treatment plan once withdrawal has been completed.

Stabilization occurs when individuals are assisted through the acute intoxication and withdrawal processes and have attained a medically stable and substance-free state. This may be done with or without medications. In some instances, such as with opiate detox, maintenance medications may be used, and individuals may proceed to the therapeutic portion of care before they are completely substance-free. During the stabilization phase, clients learn what they can expect – and what is expected of them – during the treatment and recovery process. This is also the stage when families may become involved if they wish.

The final component of fostering individuals into comprehensive treatment is accomplished by preparing clients for treatment. Detox in and of itself does not constitute addiction treatment. Those who simply detox without comprehensive care following the medical process are likely to return to drug or alcohol use. Detox only addresses the physical component of addiction; therapy addresses the psychological component, which is necessary to maintain sobriety.

Variations in Experience

Withdrawal is a different experience for each individual, depending on personal specifics as well as the substances of abuse and the duration of abuse. Withdrawal symptoms can be treated on an individual basis as appropriate. In some instances, medications may be prescribed to help individuals cope with specific withdrawal symptoms. Such medications may include anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, anti-nausea medications, medications to promote sleep, and mild pain management medications.

Detox is defined as a process wherein toxins inside the body are broken down so they may be more easily removed by the body.

Medical detox involves undergoing the process in a treatment center under the care of medical staff members. A successful detox is not measured by how many toxins are removed or whether or not an individual experiences cravings after detox; a successful detox minimizes harm to the individual and gets the person safely through the withdrawal process, readying the person for the therapeutic portion of care.

At times, individuals will be weaned off a substance, meaning that the dose will be gradually reduced until the person is able to safely stop taking the substance altogether. This tapering process is used when stopping a substance cold turkey can be dangerous, such as with benzodiazepine withdrawal. This helps the body maintain gradually decreasing levels of the drug in the bloodstream so it does not go into shock. This process will also be different for each individual, as each individual has a different metabolism. Determinations on tapering dosages should be made on a case-by-case basis by supervising physicians.

Length of Detox

There are no set timeframes when it comes to medical detox. Again, each individual has a different metabolism, and some individuals’ bodies will be able to eliminate substances faster than others. Also, each substance has a different half-life – the time it takes for half of the substance to leave the body – which affects how soon the substance will completely leave the system.

As a broad generalization, the most intense symptoms of withdrawal pass within 5-7 days. As a result, medical detox often takes up to a week. In some instances, medical detox may take up to 10 days.

Type of Detox

Medical detox can be done on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Relapse is more likely on an outpatient basis, because individuals are less equipped to deal with uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms on their own. Relapse is less likely with inpatient detox, due to the fact that individuals will be in a treatment center where they do not have access to the substance, so they can’t begin using again if the symptoms become difficult to bear. Instead, withdrawal symptoms are managed by medical personnel.

Since some substances can cause a life-threatening withdrawal syndrome, this will also play a role in whether or not the individual can detox on an outpatient basis. Inpatient medical detox is always required for alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal and most often also required for opiate withdrawal.

Although medical detox is an important first step, individuals are not “cured” or in recovery after completing it. Detox addresses only physical withdrawal symptoms, and individuals need to pursue an entire treatment plan that will assist them with the psychological aspects of their addiction. The National Institute of Drug Abuse summarizes that while medical detox is the first step and allows individuals to get clean, they will need to participate in full treatment to achieve recovery.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction and are ready to start discussing treatment options, call us today at . There, a compassionate treatment navigator can help you create a plan to attend treatment at one of our rehab facilities across the United States. River Oaks, American Addiction Centers’ Tampa addiction rehab center, may be a good fit for you. Call us today to find out more.