Drug and substance abuse addiction is a chronic condition, just like any other form of illness. It involves removing harmful addictive substances from the body with the guidance of a medical team headed by a physician and comprising therapists, clinical staff members, and nurses.
Medical detoxification plays a significant role in the treatment of addictions. It provides stability in the management of the condition and occurs at the start of treatment. You can get in touch with industry leaders in a medical detox at https://www.gallusdetox.com/.
How to determine the need for Medical Detox
You know that it is necessary to seek the services of a medical practitioner to help you navigate through the detox process when you become dependent on the use of drugs and substances for body function. Physical dependence happens when you crave a substance regularly when you do not have access to it, use a substance regularly for an extended period, consume an increasing amount of substance to achieve the usual effect, and try to stop using a substance without success.
Withdrawal symptoms affect many individuals trying to quit addictive behavior, and each substance has its unique symptoms associated with reduced usage. Medical detox helps in the management of the discomfort and pain of withdrawal.
The following steps are followed in the detoxification process:
Evaluation
The first step in medical detox involves evaluation of the kind of detox you need for your problem. The physician may take your vitals such as pulse rate, temperature, and blood pressure. Your doctor will ask questions to determine the type of drug you have been using and for how long. The practitioner may also carry out various lab tests to find out the concentration of the substance in your body.
Stabilization
Upon evaluation, your doctor may prescribe some drugs to help you with the withdrawal effects, such as headaches. In cases where addiction is not severe, the professional team may opt to observe you for a specific duration of time to ensure that you are safe.
Preparation for treatment
Medical detox is a process that helps patients deal with withdrawal symptoms but does not stop the addiction problem. The doctor will give you information regarding addiction treatment options. Physicians may also provide referrals to facilities with better treatment programs for your form of addiction.
Administration of detox varies depending on individual needs. Your physician works with the professional team to find out the ideal plan for you. The method may involve take-home medication or regular visits to the facility for a withdrawal program session. In cases where the addiction level has advanced to a severe life-threatening form, the doctor may recommend a detox center where you can stay in the detoxification process.
Drugs that require Medical Detox
Opioids
The type of drug used determines the severity of opioid withdrawal symptoms. Regular intake of the drug leads to addiction, and the absence of opioids causes withdrawal symptoms characterized by flu, anxiety, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting.
Alcohol
Medical detoxification from severe or moderate alcoholism needs proper monitoring and supervision. The withdrawal symptoms from alcohol can cause anxiety, increased tremors, high blood pressure, and increased heart rate. In severe cases, withdrawal symptoms from alcohol use can be fatal without intervention. Hallucinations and seizures characterize it.
Prescription drugs
Prescription medicine may be overused to relieve stress and induce sleep which can be addictive. These drugs include muscle relaxants and sleeping medication. They can cause severe withdrawal symptoms when you stop using them.
The detoxification process can be uncomfortable for patients, but once it is complete, a patient’s health improves. It prepares addiction victims for the treatment process based on the kind of drug or substance abused.
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We are not doctors and this is in no way intended to be used as medical advice and we cannot be held responsible for your results. As with any product, service or supplement, use at your own risk. Always do your own research before using.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.