Detox programs are widely available for drug addictions today. There are different programs for different addictions but the main goal of any detox program is to rid the addict’s body of the addictive substance. Detoxification is the first step to treating an addiction. It simply eliminates the drug from the person’s body. It doesn’t address any of the emotional aspects of addiction such as behavioral changes, psychological impacts and social issues. These must begin to be addressed as soon as Detox is completed.
Detox programs involve either a medical detoxification and or a non-medical detoxification of the addict’s body. Medical Detox encompasses a wide variety of detoxification techniques used by medical professionals. They can include everything from simple observation by professionals during the natural physical detoxification of the addict’s body to medical intervention. This includes the use of tranquilizers or other drugs to lessen the addict’s withdrawal symptoms. A variety of medical Detox programs can be used, depending on the type of drug, how severe the addiction is and the general philosophy of the Detox facility.
Non-medical detox allows the body to rid itself of drugs (including alcohol) IF no more toxic substances are introduced. This is sometimes called “going cold turkey.” Many people try this option for addictions such as cigarette smoking and other nicotine dependencies. Non-medical Detox can be detrimental to the user in cases of severe addictions and heavily dependent drugs. Check with a physician before attmpting this type of detox.
Drug detox can be a painful process, both mentally and physically. The side effects of heroin withdrawal, for instance, can include nausea, dry throat, headaches, hallucinations, fevers, chills, shakes, paranoia, and a host of other un-pleasantries. Alcohol addicts often go through what are known as DTs during withdrawal. Heavy opiate users might have to be brought down with specific detoxification medicines. In certain cases, going cold turkey can actually create major health hazards which will require hospitalization.
Detox is best done under the supervision of a medical staff trained in drug treatment and specializing in detoxification. Some things to consider when choosing a medical Detox program include the number of medically trained staff on site versus the number of patients, the philosophy of the Detox program’s facility, what post-detox treatments are available (if any), how the actual physical detoxification process will take place (for example, will there be a nurse available at all hours?), and what the facility specializes in.
With knowledge and courage, the right Detox program help any addict to begin the process of drug addiction recovery.
"Thank you for helping me find a great rehab. I am really glad I called. Privacy was a big concern for me. Alan was very knowledgeable about all the top-tier rehabs and helped me narrow it down to the ones where I could be sure my privacy would be respected. "
"I just want to say thank you. You found me a rehab center where for the first time I was able to get the healing I needed in a quiet, private space without constant attention. All I could hear when I woke up in the morning was the sound of the ocean and the birds. It was exactly the kind of space I needed to heal."
Detox Programs
Detox programs are widely available for drug addictions today. There are different programs for different addictions but the main goal of any detox program is to rid the addict’s body of the addictive substance. Detoxification is the first step to treating an addiction. It simply eliminates the drug from the person’s body. It doesn’t address any of the emotional aspects of addiction such as behavioral changes, psychological impacts and social issues. These must begin to be addressed as soon as Detox is completed.
Detox programs involve either a medical detoxification and or a non-medical detoxification of the addict’s body. Medical Detox encompasses a wide variety of detoxification techniques used by medical professionals. They can include everything from simple observation by professionals during the natural physical detoxification of the addict’s body to medical intervention. This includes the use of tranquilizers or other drugs to lessen the addict’s withdrawal symptoms. A variety of medical Detox programs can be used, depending on the type of drug, how severe the addiction is and the general philosophy of the Detox facility.
Non-medical detox allows the body to rid itself of drugs (including alcohol) IF no more toxic substances are introduced. This is sometimes called “going cold turkey.” Many people try this option for addictions such as cigarette smoking and other nicotine dependencies. Non-medical Detox can be detrimental to the user in cases of severe addictions and heavily dependent drugs. Check with a physician before attmpting this type of detox.
Drug detox can be a painful process, both mentally and physically. The side effects of heroin withdrawal, for instance, can include nausea, dry throat, headaches, hallucinations, fevers, chills, shakes, paranoia, and a host of other un-pleasantries. Alcohol addicts often go through what are known as DTs during withdrawal. Heavy opiate users might have to be brought down with specific detoxification medicines. In certain cases, going cold turkey can actually create major health hazards which will require hospitalization.
Detox is best done under the supervision of a medical staff trained in drug treatment and specializing in detoxification. Some things to consider when choosing a medical Detox program include the number of medically trained staff on site versus the number of patients, the philosophy of the Detox program’s facility, what post-detox treatments are available (if any), how the actual physical detoxification process will take place (for example, will there be a nurse available at all hours?), and what the facility specializes in.
With knowledge and courage, the right Detox program help any addict to begin the process of drug addiction recovery.