Medical Detox
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Step
Medical detox is not always a necessary step for the treatment of drug and alcohol addictions. However, in some cases, medical detox is warranted for the safeguard of the person wanting to get drug-free. Rehab centres assess the drug-addicted person to see what exactly the situation is at present. Among other things, they can see if this step is justified or if the person can go through regular detox.Heavy Alcohol Use
Someone abusing heavy amounts of alcohol for some years will usually require a medical detox. When a person attempts to stop their alcohol consumption, they can have severe episodes of delirium tremens or DTs. These DTs can be very disturbing and life-threatening. According to Medscape, the mortality rate from severe alcohol withdrawal and DTs was as high as 20%. Early detection and treatment have lowered the percentage to 1 to 5% fatality.
During Alcohol Withdrawal
A person can exhibit various stages of psychosis and can require mild sedation while detoxing from heavy alcohol use. Also, there is other medical monitoring needed. Are the person’s liver and kidneys functioning correctly or damaged by alcohol to the point of non-function? The person’s blood pressure might be too high or too low and need surveillance. All these factors must be taken into account when dealing with the withdrawal of severe alcohol abuse.
Polydrug Users & Detox
Most polydrug users require medical detox. When a person abuses street drugs or mixes alcohol with prescription medication, medically supervised detox is mandatory in many cases.
Mixing Prescription Medication with Recreational Drugs
For example, a person taking Xanax as directed but misusing any recreational drugs like Percocet may need this service. Generally, street drugs are easier to withdraw from than synthetic prescribed drugs.
In some instances, people wanting to come off methadone will experience many unpleasant side effects. It does require, by all means, medically supervised detox to wean the person off slowly.
Withdrawal Symptoms
The withdrawal of some drugs can cause severe aches and spasm with muscles and bone pain, with a very bad “headspace.” Withdrawing can be life-threatening if the dose is high and taken for an extended time. Increased anxiety and even seizures can occur during the detox period. Also, withdrawal becomes more complicated with a physical ailment, whether one takes prescription drugs or not. The assessment is a vital part of drug or alcohol rehabilitation.
Medical Detox Hospitals and Centers
Medical detox is to prevent worsening health conditions. It also helps overcome the withdrawal effect or symptoms during the treatment. Most medical withdrawals will last on average between 5 to 10 days with constant supervision and monitoring of vital signs by trained medical professionals. After this step is complete, most centers encourage their clients to enter a drug rehab center. Detox is not an end-all treatment for addiction but a first step. Most good hospitals have this service. Private centres also offer the service and have no waiting list and personalized care.
Looking for Medical Detox Centers
If you are unsure whether a medical detox is necessary or would like to locate a private treatment facility, call or request a callback. Speak with one of our experienced referral counsellors. They will be able to answer your questions and advise the best treatment approach. They will guide you to the proper service.
Not everyone requires this step of recovery from their misuse. However, those with heavy alcohol consumption and people with polydrug abuse usually need medical attention while detoxing. As well, individuals with medical conditions will need professional observation during any program. If you don’t know if you need this type of service, speak with our treatment referral counsellor for guidance.
