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Drug Addiction
Detox is a shortened version of the word detoxification, which means to remove toxic substances from the body. Within the confines of conventional medicine, detoxification can be achieved by dialysis and in special cases chelation therapy (to remove heavy metals from the body). The word detoxification also refers to the withdrawal period during which a body goes through getting rid of drugs or alcohol and returns to normal homeostasis.
Alcohol detox is the process in which an alcoholics system is brought back to a normal condition after being accustomed to having large amounts of alcohol on a continuous basis. Withdrawal to long-term alcoholism without medical intervention and supervision can cause dangerous health conditions and may be fatal. Alcohol detoxification is not a “treatment,” for alcoholism, once detoxification has been completed other treatments and programs must be done to handle the underlying alcohol addiction which caused the person to drink excessively.
Drug detox is used to alleviate or relieve withdrawal symptoms by helping the person with an addiction adjust to living without drugs. Drug detoxification is not considered a treatment for drug addiction, but is rather the first step in long-term treatment. Detoxification from drugs can be done by the addict giving up the drugs, or medication can be used in conjunction with treatment. Most drug treatment centers provide the patient with treatment that helps to alleviate or avoid the physical symptoms of withdrawal. Most centers use counseling and therapy during the detoxification period to help addicts understand the consequences of withdrawal and addiction.
Most people with a drug or alcohol problem who seek treatment do not truly understand what is involved with the detox period. However, it is probably important to note that alcohol detoxification can be more significant in treating alcoholism than detoxification can be for a person with a drug addiction.
The detox process begins by making sure the patient lives in an isolated setting away from the people and triggers that fuel the addiction. It is important for a patient to be kept away from familiar surroundings if the person is to really overcome the temptations and pressures of substance abuse. For a person with a serious addiction issue, the withdrawal period can begin quite quickly and can start as quickly as 1-2 days of a person commencing with detoxification.
Some people may find the concept of detoxing to be a bit off-putting. An addict might be completely aware of the fact they have a problem and be searching for assistance in overcoming an addiction to drugs or alcohol. The road to recovery begins with the detox process, the body becomes cleansed from drugs or alcohol while under the supervision of medical professionals and rehabilitation experts. If a person has been using drugs or alcohol for an extended period of time, the detoxification process is harsher, but can be controlled with medical attention.
Some people with an addiction find it difficult, shameful or even embarrassing to admit to a problem. If a person cannot get past these feelings, the assistance of a medical team and rehabilitation specialists can provide much needed encouragement,support and counseling. The detoxification process requires a patient be closely monitored and medical professionals
The process should include all aspects of a patients withdrawal and purification from drugs or alcohol. The removal of drugs and alcohol residuals from the body is the key goal of detoxification. Without detoxing, the residual toxins can remain in the body and cause cravings for many years after the addiction has ceased. A vital step in the detoxification process is to flush out all the accumulated toxic residue so that an addict no longer has unwanted physical effects from the substance.
Detox can take place in an inpatient or outpatient treatment facility and one of the main keys to being successful is to have a planned detoxification. The detoxification period should take place under the supervision of a medical management team, who will monitor vital signs, temperature, pulse and respiration rates.
There are also a number of side effects that can be alleviated by a detox management team such as; nausea, vomiting, headaches, shaking, cravings, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, sleeplessness, mental confusion, agitation, mood swings, depression and other behavioral changes.
There are many benefits to be had from attending a detoxification program, it effectively prepares the substance abuser for rehabilitation and treatment. Some doctors believe the withdrawal period is similar to the addiction, the worse the withdrawal period, the more likely a person is to continue use of the chemical or substance of choice, which is why a person needs detoxification to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
There are several factors which are the key to successful alcohol or drug detoxification. The addict must acknowledge the problem and be prepared to do something about it, the addict must get rid of drugs and all related paraphernalia and must disassociate with the people, triggers and events tied to the addiction.
An addict should seek support from friends, spouse and family and prepare for the detoxification symptoms by consulting with a detoxification specialist. If the patient needs tranquilizer medications for a few days, they should be dispensed and handled by a medical professional only, oftentimes an addict will use one addiction to replace another.
If an addict attempts to enter a drug or alcohol treatment facility without first completing a detoxification process, the chances for success are drastically diminished. There is a beacon of hope for those who genuinely seek to overcome an addiction to drugs or alcohol, rehabilitation programs are equipped to provide individual, group and family counseling, detoxification, medical supervision and spiritual guidance or counseling (if requested).
All of the services provided by a detoxification facility combine to help a patient learn a new healthy way of life and to prepare them for a life beyond the confines of an alcohol or drug addiction. Detoxification programs are comprehensive and provide total and complete treatment for substance abuse issues which can truly help a person fight back against the crippling effects of addiction.
