Drug detox is a reference term used for multiple drug addiction treatment options. Mainly, drug detox is used for chronic and acute drug addiction. The process also includes pharmacological management of the patient. In drug detox, the following factors should be considered.
- Psychological dependency arising from drug addiction
- Socioeconomic status of the addicted person
- The sociodemographic situation of the addict
- Behavioral patterns of the patient To understand the process of drug detox, let us evaluate detox:
What is detox?
Essentially, detoxis the process through which your body gets rid of the drug or drugs that you have developed a dependency for. In addition, detox is safely managed and helps an addict cope with withdrawal symptoms. This treatment eventually helps an addict to quit the addiction. Additionally, experience from detox varies from one person to the other. Simply put, the process can take days or even months. The length of the duration is dependent on the following factors.
- The substance that causes the addiction
- The length – in regards to time- of the duration
- Addiction severity
- Methods used in abusing the substance
- Amount of substance in the body
- Genetic history
- Other medical conditions
- Mental health conditions
Essentially, drug detoxis a clinical outcome that results from medication therapy and helps in improving response to anti-addiction medication, and allows better handling of withdrawal symptoms.
What Is the Process of a Detox?
Before initiating any detox process, it is crucial to understand that all addicted individuals have different needs and detoxapproaches. Therefore, what works for your friend or another patient might necessarily work for you. That said, let us look at the detoxprocess.
Steps to Achieving Complete Detox
Evaluation of the Patient
Before the doctor can prescribe any treatment or medication, they will first evaluate your condition. This evaluation will be on your physical and mental health. Typically, the doctor will take some blood tests. The blood tests will be used to evaluate the number of drugs that are in your system. With these tests, your provider can decide on the levels of medication required. In addition to blood tests, the doctor also comprehensively evaluates your medical, psychiatric, and other drug histories. The information from this evaluation is then used to set a basic long-term schedule for the treatment plan.
Stabilization of the Patient
Once your doctor gets a complete understanding of your addiction problem, they will start the stabilization process. Typically, the stabilization process is strictly dependent on your particular condition. With that said, your doctor will prescribe medication and behavioral therapy. Usually, medication is used in relieving you of the withdrawal symptoms and keeping you in control. To supplement this treatment, the doctor will prescribe psychotherapy. Typically, psychotherapy is a type of therapy where an addict is taught how to live without the drug. Additionally, to promote behavioral change, the addict gets to engage with fellow addicts who have recovered from addiction.
Long Term Treatment
Now, getting detox and relapsing is not what you would want. Usually, after a successful stabilization, your provider is bound to prescribe an outpatient or inpatient recovery program. These programs are rehabilitation processes that can take place either at a rehab center or at home. In rehab, you can take between several weeks to several months to achieve the capability of dealing with real-life problems that can cause a relapse. For most patients, residential rehabilitation – inpatient programs- are the most effective. However, with a personal determination to recover and complete the rehabilitation, even an outpatient program addict can enjoy long-term sobriety. You should, however, not get worried about relapsing since your doctor will prepare you adequately.
Is It Possible to Detox At Home?
Detox should be done with the help of a medical practitioner. Usually, quitting drug abuse can be a complicated process. Therefore, though home detox is possible, it is highly recommendable that you seek professional help from a drug addiction treatment center. Your home is an unsafe environment for detox. Additionally, since there is little supervision, you might find it hard to stay away from the drug and, therefore, go into a relapse.
Is Detox Enough for a Drug Addict?
Drug detox is rarely enough to aid your addiction recovery. Essentially, you will have to undergo other processes such as rehabilitation from substance abuse and psychological treatment. In essence, complete recovery is only achieved when all the factors leading to your addiction have been addressed.
Conclusion
If you are ready to detox, you are ready to get started with a new life free of addiction. For questions or guidance, we are here to help. So call us today at 833-846-5669 and get assisted.