Medical detox is an essential portion of the recovery process. It takes place when you first begin your time in an addiction treatment center. In this blog on the role of medical detox in recovery, we’ll look at the following:
- Understanding Medical Detox
- Why is Medical Detox Essential?
- Substances that Often Require Medical Detox
- The Medical Detox Process at Harmony Junction Recovery
- Transitioning from Detox to Ongoing Recovery
Understanding Medical Detox
During a detox, you’ll be supervised as you wean off of the substance. Supervision is critical because of the common withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings that come with detox. The detoxification process will occur naturally once you stop providing your body with the substance.
Unlike a normal detox, the medical detox program is done in a professional setting where you’re given accountability, which reduces the likelihood of relapsing. In some cases, prescription medications are used to manage withdrawal symptoms. Professional medical detox makes sure you wean off the substance in a gradual, safe way. This reduces the risk of relapse and subsequently increases the chances of long-term sobriety.
Why is Medical Detox Essential?
The Dangers of Withdrawal
When you choose to detox at home from a severe addiction, this can lead to dangerous side effects that either cause you to relapse or harm yourself.
Physical and Mental Effects
- Severe dehydration
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Confusion and disorientation
- Tremors
- Nausea and vomiting
- Mood changes
- Insomnia
- Shaking
- Sweating
This is just to name a few. Detoxing from a substance your body has become so dependent on is a complex process. That’s why we welcome you to a medical detox where your vitals are watched, and we can do our best to assist with any adverse symptoms you’re experiencing.
Benefits Of Medical Detox In Recovery
- Vital monitoring
- Pain management medication
- Access to professional intervention
- Greater accountability against relapse
Substances that Often Require Medical Detox
Medical detox is designed to help patients with a substance-based addiction. The most common substances that will require an upfront medical detox when beginning recovery include alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines. When abused enough, any drugs or alcohol can necessitate medical detox, and it will come down to your case. With these specific substances, medical detox can be especially difficult.
Certain substances significantly alter the brain and body, and trying to take them away can trigger serious complications like seizures. Again, that’s why we emphasize the importance of medical detox and having medical professionals monitor your health as you go through the process.
Alcohol Detox: A Critical Case
Alcohol has a unique grasp on an addict’s mind and body. When a person begins detoxing from alcohol, two things take place: Their body breaks down the remaining alcohol, and as the alcohol levels drop, it stops suppressing the central nervous system.
Detoxing from alcohol at home without medical supervision can trigger side effects that may be life-threatening, like delirium tremens (shaking, confusion, and hallucinations from severe alcohol withdrawal). A medical detox watches your vital levels and intervenes in the case of serious symptoms manifesting.
Opioids and Benzodiazepines: Managing Severe Withdrawal
Similar to alcohol, drugs like opioids and benzodiazepines alter the brain’s chemistry and change the body’s processes. The physical dependence that develops due to addiction comes from the drugs binding to brain and spinal cord receptors.
When you suddenly take the substance away, it can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and intense cravings. These symptoms are manageable in a professional setting, but at home, you may become extremely dehydrated and not even realize it.
The Medical Detox Process at Harmony Junction Recovery
When you first check into Harmony Junction Recovery’s detox facility, we’ll show you to your room, where you can leave your things. Following this, your medical detox begins. Cravings and symptoms typically start within a few hours of check-in and peak at 24-48 hours.
During this time, we’ll monitor your vitals and evaluate your need for medications to aid the detox process. Once you surpass the peak of detox, you’ll notice your symptoms and cravings begin to subside.
Personalized Care in Detox
We evaluate each patient individually to make sure their detox fits their needs. Some patients may have more severe addictions that require additional assistance. Moreover, the important factors we consider include individual health needs and substance use history.
Transitioning from Detox to Ongoing Recovery
Medical detox is only the beginning of your recovery. After your detoxification is complete, we’ll recommend the next phase of recovery: The long-term care program. During our program, you’ll participate in medical and therapeutic treatments, including psychiatrist appointments, group and individual therapy, and holistic care. At Harmony Junction, we offer:
- One-on-one therapy sessions
- Group therapy sessions
- Relapse treatment planning
- Coping skills instruction
- Education on managing complicated relationships
- Daily living skills support
- Fitness and nutrition plans
- Spirituality services
- And more
Integrating Mental Health Care
Mental health is as much a component of addiction as physical health. Because of this, we take an approach to addiction that assesses a patient’s mental health history and any diagnoses of mental health disorders. If this is the case, we offer dual diagnosis as a way to treat your substance addiction and mental health issues together, a proven effective form of treatment.
Start Recovery Today at Harmony Junction
We don’t take your addiction lightly. Many of us have been there before and understand how difficult it is to fight substance abuse alone Let us take on the heavy load you’ve been carrying alone so you can achieve long-term sobriety. Contact us today to learn more about how to begin recovery.
Clint earned a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology in 2012. With 5 years in drug and alcohol treatment and 8 years in private practice, he specializes in helping clients uncover obstacles to living their envisioned life. Leveraging his experience, Clint supports clients in finding the motivation to make meaningful life changes.
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