Medical detoxification, or detox, is the crucial first step in the fight against drug and alcohol addiction. The medical detox process allows people to cleanse their body of the harmful toxins from the drugs and alcohol. Once medical detox is completed, there is a much higher probability of achieving a long-term recovery with a drug rehabilitation program.
The length of a medical detox program can vary depending on the length and severity of an individual's addiction to drugs and alcohol. The length of a quality medical detoxification program also depends on the unique personality and physiology of each person. The average medical detox program can last anywhere between several days to two weeks. Once the medical detox is completed, the difficult work of treatment can begin.
During medical detox, individuals can expect to experience a range of withdrawal symptoms. Depression, anxiety and insomnia are the most common withdrawal symptoms that impact people going through a medical detoxification program. A person may also experience strong cravings for the drugs and alcohol, as well as sudden mood changes and extremely irritable behavior. In rare instances, some people may have seizures during the medical detoxification process. Withdrawal symptoms can be mild to severe and last several days. Withdrawal symptoms often present a challenge to both the individual and their care team of medical professionals.
Quality medical detoxification programs are often part of an inpatient treatment center. The benefit of this is the continuity of care experienced from the beginning of medical detox to the completion of the treatment program. It is comforting to know that there is a competent, trained team of medical professionals caring for your needs every step of the way. It is important to recognize that medical detox will be difficult, both physically and emotionally, and can often feel defeating. Having the support of a dedicated team of physicians, nurses and counselors will make the first step of the journey much smoother.
A good medical detox program will provide round the clock medical supervision. This will include physicians and nurses trained and experienced in every aspect of the process. Before beginning any medical detox program, time should be taken to create an individualized treatment plan. This will allow the individual to have the best chance for a successful outcome. Completing medical detox and then progressing to the next step of comprehensive, inpatient treatment will allow the body, mind and spirit to recover, paving the way to a renewed, healthy new life.
