Addiction is a serious problem that impacts countless individuals and families across the country. Addiction is a disease. It is a serious mental health issue and should be treated as such. Sadly, in the past, there was a stigma surrounding mental health conditions. Now, that stigma is starting to fade. This has given rise to numerous new treatment options that can help people who are suffering from an addiction to drugs and alcohol.
For many people who are starting the road to recovery, this period begins with something called detox. For those who might not know, detox is the process of removing drugs and alcohol from the body. This can be a challenging period of time because people are going to go through withdrawal. This is where medical detox can be a great first step.
What is Medical Detox?
A medical detox facility is a specified area in a treatment center that is staffed with doctors and nurses who can help individuals cope with the withdrawal symptoms that are going to develop. When someone is addicted to drugs or alcohol, the body views these substances as a necessity for life. Therefore, when people go for a while without these substances, they are going to feel ill. In some cases, withdrawal can even be life-threatening.
The symptoms of withdrawal are going to vary depending on the substances to which the person is addicted; however, there are a few common signs of withdrawal. Some of the most common symptoms include fevers, shakes, chills, sweats, agitation, emotional lability, and trouble sleeping. Some of the serious symptoms can include hallucinations, which involve hearing or seeing things that aren’t actually there. Some people even end up thinking that bugs are crawling on their skin. In the most serious cases, people can even have seizures.
Clearly, withdrawal can be difficult for people to handle. This is why it is important for people to go through the process of “getting clean” in the presence of trained doctors and nurses.
Who Should Go to Medical Detox?
While not every patient is going to need to go to detox, this can be helpful for a large number of people who are addicted to alcohol or drugs. Some of the people who might benefit from detox include:
- Anyone who has a physical addiction to certain drugs or alcohol
- Individuals who would like to go through the process of withdrawal in the presence of other people
- Those who would be going to life-threatening withdrawal symptoms without the presence of medical professionals
There are a few common drug addictions that might require the presence of detox personnel. Some of the examples include:
Heroin: The withdrawal from heroin can lead to extreme discomfort. This should be managed by trained medical professionals who know how to handle this situation.
Pain Pills: Some of the most common examples include OxyContin, Percocet, and Vicodin. These are opiates that can lead to serious withdrawal symptoms that merit the attention of medical professionals.
Alcohol: Withdrawal from alcohol can lead to the development of something called delirium tremens. This is a withdrawal syndrome that can be life-threatening in severe cases.
Benzodiazepines: If someone suddenly stops taking these drugs, such as Xanax and Valium, this can be a life-threatening situation. This is why detox is necessary.
How Long Does it Take to Go Through Detox?
The exact length of time it will take someone to go through detox is going to vary. Some of the factors that will play a role include the identity of the addictive substance, how long that substance has been used, the amount of substance that was taken, and when the last dose was. Some detox processes will take a couple of days. In other situations, the entire process might take up to two weeks. For this reason, it is important for everyone to have support when they go through the detox process. This is a critical part of stopping substance abuse and breaking addiction’s hold on the individual. A detox center can be a great place for someone to start the addiction treatment process. Detox is the first step on the road to recovery.
The Detoxification Process with the Help of Laguna View Detox
Medical detoxification is the first step in addiction treatment. Anyone who would like to have access to the latest addiction treatment resources should rely on Laguna View Detox. We are a luxury drug and alcohol rehab center located in the scenic area of Laguna Beach, CA. Our professionals have a tremendous amount of experience working with alcohol and drug addiction. If you would like to learn more about how we can help you with addiction treatment, please contact us today. We look forward to hearing your story.