Importance of Medical Detox in Recovery

If you are addicted to alcohol or drugs, you know how difficult (if not outright impossible) it is to break that addiction on your own. Choosing to fight your addiction is complex and frightening, and many people are unwilling to go “cold turkey” because withdrawal symptoms can be excruciating. However, getting sober is a worthwhile decision — the beginning of the journey to recovery and a healthier life.

Truly Understanding The Detoxification Process

Many types of rehabilitation programs are available, but before any rehab can begin, you must break the physical aspects of the addiction through detoxification. Detox is more than just getting substances out of your system. It also deals with the physical and mental effects as your body adjusts to the absence of drugs or alcohol — better known as withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe, so undergoing detox under medical supervision is crucial because of potential risks and complications. The detox duration varies; it is just the first step toward recovery.

What Is Medical Detox?

Medical detoxification is the first, and best, way to get started. Medical detox safely and comfortably cleanses the body of toxic and addictive substances while managing withdrawal symptoms and overcoming physical dependencies under medical supervision. It is usually needed if you cannot fight the cravings on your own and are likely to relapse or are addicted to a substance that can cause death or severe harm if you quit cold turkey.

Each time you use drugs or alcohol, the brain and body grow accustomed to the substance’s presence. These substances are addictive because they change how the brain releases or absorbs neurotransmitters or chemicals like dopamine or serotonin — the “feel-good” hormones. The resulting “dopamine rush” produces the high that most drug users experience and that euphoric sensation encourages them to use it again. Your brain’s chemistry changes as it adapts to the drug, and repeated use may make your brain incapable of functioning properly without the substance, creating an addiction.

When you stop using the substance, your body must learn to function without it. You experience withdrawal symptoms as your body tries to heal and regain balance.

What Is The Withdrawal Process Like?

Withdrawal is different for everyone and depends on the substance, the length of time you were using, general physical condition, age, body weight, etc. Typical withdrawal symptoms usually include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Anxiety
• Sleep problems
• Head and body aches
• Fever
• Sweating
• Shaking
• Tremors
• Changes in mood and appetite
• Hallucinations
• Intense cravings

While these are not fatal, they can be dangerous depending on underlying health issues.

When detoxing from alcohol and certain benzodiazepines (e.g., Ativan, Klonopin, Xanax), medical support is essential, as going cold turkey can be fatal. Suddenly stopping alcohol use can trigger high blood pressure, stroke, or heart attack. Quitting benzos suddenly can cause life-threatening seizures. These symptoms can be avoided and/or treated immediately in medical detox. Many opioids and stimulants — both prescription and non-prescription also require medical detox.

The Importance of Medical Detox

The cravings and discomforts of withdrawal symptoms are the biggest stumbling block to recovery and often trigger relapse as the individuals return to substance use to find relief.

Medical detox helps people manage withdrawal symptoms by reducing or eliminating them entirely. This is achieved through various methods:

• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Healthcare professionals may prescribe medications specifically targeting withdrawal symptoms associated with certain substances. For example, medications like methadone or buprenorphine are commonly used to alleviate withdrawal symptoms during opioid detoxification. Benzodiazepines may be prescribed for alcohol detox to manage seizures and other symptoms.
• Tapering: In some cases, a tapering approach is used, where the dosage of the substance is gradually reduced over time instead of abrupt cessation. This helps the body adjust to lower levels of the substance, minimizing withdrawal symptoms.
• Symptom Management: Medical detox provides a supportive environment where healthcare professionals monitor the individual’s vital signs and provide interventions to alleviate specific withdrawal symptoms. For instance, anti-nausea medications may be administered for vomiting or medications to alleviate anxiety or insomnia.
• Fluids and Nutrition: During detox, individuals may experience dehydration or nutritional deficiencies due to decreased appetite or gastrointestinal issues. Medical detox ensures proper hydration and nutrition by administering fluids and a balanced diet.

Overall, medical detox aims to make the withdrawal process as safe and comfortable as possible by addressing the physical symptoms of withdrawal through medication, tapering, symptom management, and maintaining adequate hydration and nutrition.

How Does Medical Detox Work?

Medical detox is usually a three-step process: evaluation, stabilization, and preparation for future treatment.

1. Evaluation involves physical exams, blood tests, screenings for mental health disorders or other medical conditions, and reviewing the patient’s history of substance use. Therapists will determine a person’s psychological state and a physician will develop a treatment plan using that information. The goal of this initial phase is to design an effective treatment program.
2. Stabilization typically lasts between one and three weeks, depending on the substance and severity of the addiction. Patients may receive medication to help manage withdrawal symptoms or reduce cravings. It is common during detox to develop symptoms of depression and anxiety. Usually, these fade away as the process continues, but mental health professionals are available if they become problematic. Plans for treating any co-occurring disorders can be made while in detox.
3. Preparation for additional treatment following detox is critical. Once the worst of the physical symptoms have subsided, addiction specialists will educate patients about the importance of beginning therapy, joining a 12-step program or support group, or proposing some other form of long-term treatment to decrease the chances of relapse. They will offer advice on nutrition, exercise, and healthier lifestyles to lay a solid foundation for further treatment and therapy.

Benefits Of Medical Detox

There are several benefits associated with medical detox. Some of the most significant include:

• Safety: Medical detox provides a safe environment for individuals to withdraw from drugs or alcohol under the supervision of healthcare professionals. This helps ensure their physical well-being and minimizes withdrawal risks, especially in severe dependence cases.
• Withdrawal Symptom Management: Medical detox employs various techniques and medications to manage and alleviate withdrawal symptoms. This can significantly reduce the discomfort and intensity of symptoms, making the detoxification process more tolerable.
• Medical Monitoring: Healthcare professionals closely monitor vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature, during medical detox. This allows for early detection and prompt treatment of any complications that may arise during withdrawal.
• Medication-Assisted Treatment: Medical detox may involve medications to ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings. These medications help individuals navigate the detoxification process with greater comfort and reduce the likelihood of relapse during this critical phase.
• Emotional Support: Detoxification can be emotionally challenging, and medical detox programs often provide psychological support and counseling to address withdrawal’s psychological and emotional aspects. This support can help individuals cope with the emotional fluctuations during detox.
• Gradual Transition to Treatment: Medical detox typically serves as a bridge to further addiction treatment. It sets the foundation for individuals to enter comprehensive treatment programs, such as therapy, counseling, or residential rehabilitation, once the detoxification process is complete.
• Relapse Prevention: Medical detox plays a vital role in relapse prevention. By effectively managing withdrawal symptoms and addressing cravings through medication-assisted treatment, individuals have a greater chance of completing the detox process successfully and reducing the risk of relapse.
• Higher Success Rates: Studies have shown that individuals who undergo medical detox have higher success rates in achieving long-term sobriety than those who attempt detoxifying without medical supervision. The structured and supportive medical detox environment increases the likelihood of successful withdrawal, relapse prevention, and subsequent recovery.

In summary, medical detox provides a safer and more comfortable way for individuals to undergo withdrawal from drugs or alcohol. It offers comprehensive medical care, symptom management, emotional support, relapse prevention strategies, and a smoother transition to further addiction treatment, improving outcomes and increasing chances of sustained recovery.

What Happens After Medical Detox?

Once detox is complete, the hard work begins. Patients need ongoing treatment, especially if they have any co-occurring mental health issues. Continued recovery happens through programs that include individual therapy, group meetings, stress management training, family counseling, and life skills training. Addressing co-occurring disorders like anxiety, depression, or PTSD can help prevent relapse, and support groups can help reduce the stigma of addiction and provide support and encouragement on your journey.

We Can Help

If you or a loved one are battling addiction and are looking for advice or help, our experienced care coordinators will advocate for you and help create and tailor a treatment program to your needs. Contact us today to learn more.

Reviewed and Assessed by
Taylor Brown, B.A.Com., CADC
Tim Coleman, M. of Ed.