Detoxification is an essential first step of any addiction treatment program. The goal of medical detox is to allow an individual to withdraw from a drug in a safe and comfortable manner. As the person is weaned off of the substance, their body is purged of accumulated drug residuals that build up over time. Uncomfortable symptoms are likely to occur when an addicted individual quits using alcohol or drugs, but the care provided by a medical detox center can make the process go more smoothly.
Medical detox can be helpful for many substances of abuse. Drug Treatment, Mesquite provides information to Texas addicts and their loved ones at (214)-414-1108.
According to research from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), about 41 percent of annual admissions to treatment centers are for alcohol abuse. Among drug-related admissions, heroin and other opiate medications were responsible for the most admissions, followed closely by marijuana.
When a person has an addiction to drugs or alcohol, they develop a physical dependence on the substance, and the resulting addiction triggers chemical changes in the brain. These effects make it unsafe for an individual to try to withdraw from a drug on their own. A “cold turkey” approach is uncomfortable and can be quite dangerous.
A medically supervised program takes a less-abrupt approach to withdrawal. The substance of abuse may be tapered off gradually to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms, and some patients are given medications that serve as a substitute for the drug of addiction.
This substitute medication can be slowly reduced and ultimately stopped after the patient has conquered their original addiction. At a detox center, medical professionals monitor each patient’s condition and provide additional hydration and nutrition if needed.
Specific symptoms of withdrawal depend on the substance of addiction and the duration of the addiction. Withdrawing from alcohol, for example, is known to cause anxiety, sweating, seizures and shaking. A dangerous condition called delirium tremens may occur: This state of agitation is usually accompanied by hallucination and confusion. Without medical supervision, these symptoms may be fatal.
Opiate withdrawal can be intense and uncomfortable, but it is usually not dangerous. Individuals going through opiate withdrawal may experience nausea, vomiting, insomnia and increased heart rate. Stimulants such as crystal meth and cocaine can cause depression and excessive tiredness during withdrawal, and some users experience hallucinations.
Many acute physical and psychological symptoms may be displayed during the initial hours of withdrawal. Suicidal thoughts and psychotic behavior are not uncommon. Stabilizing a patient is the first priority of the detox staff; after that goal is accomplished, they can focus on keeping the patient comfortable through the rest of the withdrawal process.
A major benefit of undergoing detox in a controlled environment is the ability to receive medications that ease the symptoms of withdrawal. Opiate withdrawal is frequently treated with some form of buprenorphine: Suboxone, Subutex and Buprenex are common formulas. Methadone and naltrexone are also given for this purpose. Opiates can be some of the most difficult drugs to stop, and these medications have been shown to reduce relapse rates.
Antabuse is a prescription drug that is often administered in treatment programs for alcoholism. The medication causes symptoms that are similar to a hangover when alcohol is consumed; this unique effect helps users manage their cravings to drink. Some rehab centers administer Neurontin as part of their treatment for alcoholism.
The chemical composition of this drug resembles that of GABA, which is one of the brain’s chemicals that is affected by drug and alcohol use. This similarity may help correct chemical imbalances that fuel addictive behavior.
Call (214)-414-1108 to contact Drug Treatment Centers, Mesquite for information on alcohol and drug medical detox treatment today.
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