Drug Detox Program - What Is It

Drug detoxification, popularly known as detox, is the period of abstinence from the drugs or substance of abuse in order to remove the poisonous wastes that have accumulated in the system (directly or indirectly) because of their prolonged use. When a drug addict suddenly stops using the drug, the withdrawal symptoms that he/she may experience can sometimes be more severe and dangerous than those caused by the use of the drug. The addict may experience severe side effects and cravings become very intense during the detox period. However, the severity is dependent on factors such as the nature of the substance that has been abused, the period for which the addict has been using the substance, the current health condition of the patient and the dosage of the drug. This experience can be extremely distressing and is observed to be the main reason as to why addicts refuse to go through the detox process.

It is crucial that the addict realizes the role played by a professionally managed drug detox program in eliminating the influence of the drug. It is impossible for just the friends and family members to help an addict quit the drug habit. Enrolling into a comprehensive detox program on the other hand ensures that treatment is provided for both the physical and mental ills that are caused by prolonged drug addiction.

Detox Process

The detox process consists of three steps. The first step is evaluation. In this step, the substance being abused and the extent of addiction are determined. A medical expert also makes an assessment of the current health status in terms of the accompanying physical and mental disorders. In the stabilization phase, in a majority of the cases, the patient is treated with medications for the purpose of detoxification. The treatment procedure is explained to the patient and support from the immediate family members and friends are organized. The final phase involves guiding the patient into rehabilitation to remove the psychological distress.

Detox Duration

The length of detox is dependent on both the history and period of the addiction. The concerned medical specialist is the best person who would suggest the duration of treatment. The average time taken for detoxification is about 7 to 10 days and can be carried out as inpatient or outpatient programs.

Detox Facilities

Detox is usually carried out at professionally managed centers that have comprehensive medical support facilities. They are equipped to handle both the routine and emergency medical problems that may arise for different patients. Whereas withdrawal from alcohol and tranquilizers may cause sweating, chills, palpitations, etc., during detoxification, street drugs such as heroin and crack cause withdrawal symptoms of an emotional nature such as insomnia, depression and paranoia, among others. High-risk patients can also have seizures, strokes or heart attacks during the detox phase. If the detoxification is conducted under adequate medical supervision, such problems can be avoided or managed in case they occur. The cost of detoxification depends on factors such as the length of stay, medications that need to be administered, testing and consultations, etc., in addition to others.

Drug Detoxification

There are two stages in drug detox treatment: acute and post acute stages. In the acute stage, the physical symptoms of withdrawal are more prominent, whereas in the post acute stage, the physical symptoms reduce and the psychological symptoms become more pronounced. These symptoms occur because of the influence of the drugs on the hormonal and nervous systems of the individual.

Prescription medicines such as benzodiazepines and methadone are used to treat meth, heroin and cocaine addictions. These are addictive by themselves and therefore are administered under very strict supervision. The emotional problems such as depression because of withdrawal from cocaine are treated with the neuroleptic class of drugs. Vitamin C and calcium-channel blockers are also used for treatment.

Summarizing, the drug detox program will be successful if the toxic residues are completely removed from the body. This can eliminate cravings for the drug and prevent relapse. The drug detoxification program tends to be successful if the addict acknowledges the existence of an addiction and wants to get over it with the full support of family members and friends during the program. If the addict is teachable and follows all the instructions of the consulting specialist and if he/she is ready to cut all ties with the source of the drug, it is easier to get rid of the addiction.