Medical Detoxification

Detoxing is the first step to recovery!

Medical detoxification is a primary method of initial treatment for those who suffer from various forms of substance abuse and are trying to get off the drugs. This is a necessary first step for any individual who is physically addicted to drugs and suffers from withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit. Although not a requirement for all cases of addiction, those who have serious side effects and withdrawal symptoms when they quit using the drugs should undergo medical detox to help ease their symptoms in a safe environment where they do not have a risk of relapse or other medical complications.

Stringent regulations are in effect to make sure that medical detoxification facilities are safe and properly regulated. These facilities also regulate how their staff and patients are affected by the outside world such as by friends or family members of the patient, other treatment professionals or potential environmental hazards. Most of the time, during medical detox, the patient will not be allowed to leave the facility where they are being treated until the detoxification has been completed. This safety measure is in effect to ensure that the patient does not have access to drugs and cannot leave, get high, then return.

Contact is often limited for patients who are in medical detox to help them focus more on recovery and less on matters occurring outside of recovery. Detox usually only takes about a week for most drugs so although contact is limited during this time, it’s not a major factor as most people can effectively manage in life without talking to their family members at least for a few days. The primary reason for this contact limitation is to keep the individual focused on his or her recovery and not worried about their family, bills, household matters or other scenarios which can add stress to the situation.

Evaluation

Upon entering a medical detoxification facility, the individual will be evaluated so that the treatment facility can determine an appropriate course of treatment and a plan of action. During this time, the treatment professional or entrance counselor may ask a number of questions related to drug use, emotional health or physical health. It’s very important that you answer every question to the best of your ability and as honest as you can in order to get the most out of the detoxification program. Answering questions incorrectly, lying about drug use or symptoms, or otherwise withholding information can lead to improper or ineffective treatment.

Benefits of Medical Detoxification

There are a number of benefits associated with medical detoxification. If you cannot handle your drug addiction on your own or if you have tried to quit in the past and have relapsed, medical detox can help by providing a safe atmosphere where you can be removed from the situations in which you are accustomed to using drugs and allow you to heal.

Medical detox also kick starts your recovery by helping you to overcome physical symptoms of drug addiction and prepare for psychological healing. You cannot effectively heal from the psychological elements of the addiction until you are no longer feeling physical symptoms of withdrawal which is why the primary focus in medical detox is to provide you with quality care that helps you to overcome withdrawal symptoms and feel better. This way you are prepared for emotional healing and behavioral changes to come.