Many people who enter professional, intensive rehabilitation programs have plenty of questions. Understanding what medical detox entails can help you determine whether or not you need this service before you start therapy.
What is Medical Detox?
Detox, or detoxification, refers to physically removing the alcohol or drugs from your system. Depending on how much you used, how long you used, and the drug itself, detox may take several days. Some substances, namely alcohol, and benzodiazepines, may be deadly for people to quit abruptly. Medical attention can reduce the risk of severe consequences or death.
Medical detox refers to supervised monitoring of withdrawal from alcohol or drugs. Many people who have been using drugs for a long time may feel significant physical withdrawal symptoms and other complications. Depending on the nature of the substance and the depth of the addiction, withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Anxiety
- Sweating
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shaking or tremors
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- High blood pressure
- Racing or irregular heartbeat
Long-term recovery means addressing the underlying need to use and dealing with trauma that a person may be masked by using drugs or alcohol. However, that important mental and emotional work cannot start until the body is cleansed of the harmful substance and the most severe withdrawal complications subside. Safe, effective medications administered by trained medical professionals can minimize the physical pain of getting clean.
What is the Difference Between Inpatient and Outpatient Detox?
Different facilities offer medical inpatient detox or outpatient medically supervised detox. Hickory Treatment Center recommends inpatient detox, as it allows for immediate medical attention in the event that you require it.
How Long Will My Inpatient Detox Take?
The exact time it takes to be completely detoxified depends on the substance you’re addicted to and the extent of your addiction. It can take as long as two weeks or just a few days. Some factors that may affect the length of detox include:
- What drug or drugs you’re detoxing from
- How long you used and how much
- Whether or not you enter detox sober
- How severe your withdrawal symptoms are
- Any underlying medical conditions
What Happens During Inpatient Medical Detox?
When you receive medically supervised detox, you’ll receive medications that help ease the symptoms of withdrawal and reduce the physical side effects of withdrawal. Plus, you’ll be in a safe environment that focuses on your physical and emotional comfort.
Every medical detox is customized to the individual’s unique needs and medical condition. Unlike natural detox, or “cold turkey,” medical detox is a closely supervised health care procedure and involves medication to help facilitate the process.
What are the Next Steps After Medical Detox?
Healing the body is only the first step. Long-term sobriety involves fixing the emotional and mental aspects of addiction, too, not just removing the substance from the body. Professional counseling, such as that from Hickory Treatment Centers, can help. We offer programs designed to address your mental well-being and give you the foundation you need to address impulse triggers and impulses to use. As your physical dependency diminishes, then the hard work of addressing the behavior begins.
What Happens Next?
If you’re concerned about whether or not you’re addicted to drugs or alcohol or having severe physical symptoms trying to quit on your own, you may need medical detox. We can help. Contact Hickory Treatment Centers today for a confidential assessment.
