It is a fact that a medically-monitored detox program can be the safest and most comfortable form of detox program. In addition, medically-monitored detox offers the option of medication to lessen the intensity of withdrawal symptoms.
However, detox can be a deal breaker and cause relapse, so making the client comfortable is vital. Finally, only some treatment centers offer this option, so ask what your center option uses.
What Is Medically-Monitored Detox?
Substance use disorders create chemical changes in the body and mind. In removing the substance, the brain must readjust to the chemical changes and the levels of neurotransmitters. In addition, the body is going through challenges without the substance. Consequently, the medically-monitored detox program provides medical supervision around the clock during detox.
Someone must monitor dangerous withdrawal symptoms to keep the client safe and comfortable. Likewise, withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person, so having a doctor present with a medically-monitored detox can be lifesaving.
However, factors such as patient age, health, and the number of substances used can affect the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Finally, the history of previous detox experiences might influence expected outcomes.
Symptoms may include any of the following symptoms:
- Digestive issues
- Anxiety
- Rapid heart rate
- Excessive sweating
- Depression
- Tremors
- Confusion
- Stroke
Medically-monitored detox assures patients the best safety, health, and future sobriety support. However, withdrawal symptoms gradually develop hours after the user’s last dosage. Therefore, peak discomfort and intensity usually occur 3 or 4 days into detox. Finally, the detox process can be as brief as 5 days or longer, depending on several factors.
What Does the Detox Process Include?
Licensed medical professionals supervise a medically-monitored detox program and have the ability to prescribe medications to assist with uncomfortable symptoms. Once the detox begins, the patient no longer has access to the substance involved with the addiction.
Instead, the supervising physician can reference the substance being detoxed from and decide the best options for medication, which fall into 2 opioid categories. Psychological benefits of medically-monitored detox programs include early intervention techniques to carry on with the treatment program after detox.
Markedly, those who are introduced to recovery techniques early on in detox have less chance of relapsing. Consequently, learning positive coping mechanisms and breathing techniques help to gain self-confidence early on and can help immediately after detox. Finally, those experiencing the detox can begin recognizing the truth in the mind-body connection.
Medication-Assisted Treatment with Partial Agonists and Antagonist Opioids
Partial agonists produce similar drug effects in the body, although less intense. However, when the body stops responding to the partial agonist, usage is ended. Buprenorphine is commonly used. In addition, antagonists block opioids through attachment to opioid receptors in the brain but don’t activate them. Finally, medical personnel frequently administers Naloxone.
Clinical treatment staff works harmoniously with medical professionals to address the processing of challenging emotions and feelings that can occur with detox. In addition, medical staff monitors blood pressure, respiration, and other vital body processes throughout detox. As a result, completion of a medically-monitored detox delivers the client to their treatment program to begin therapy. In conclusion, the patient is free from their substance and can progress in sobriety.
Medically-Monitored Detox Can Address Detox Fears
Those who seek treatment have overwhelming fears of what will transpire during detox. Medically-monitored detox provides professional therapists and treatment staff who can address the fear of withdrawing from their substance.
On the other hand, before the detox begins, an educational session can handle the process safely and compassionately. Above all, patients are always supervised during detox; everyone managing the detox is trained to help process emotions and feelings in intense moments.
The following fears are most common during detox and immediately after:
- Fear of the withdrawal, mental and physical symptoms, and pain
- Fears of what happens after detox or what steps will occur in treatment after detox
- Fear of the unknown, when the entire world is changing, is challenging to be fearless
The Pros and Cons of Inpatient Detox
The advantages of attending a medically-monitored detox with an inpatient treatment program begin with constant medical and mental care. In addition, inpatient treatment facilities have quick accessibility to handle severe complications. As a result, relapse prevention is much better.
Altogether, the most significant advantage is there is no chance of accessing drugs or alcohol while in an inpatient facility, and the success rate is higher with inpatient detox programs. One disadvantage of detoxing in an inpatient program is the higher cost. However, outpatient detox can cost less and still offer medically-monitored detox.
In either case, detox is imperative as long as it is safely monitored. Another disadvantage of some inpatient treatment centers is that patients may be separated from their personal items. In other words, some centers want the clients to depend on the staff for their needs.
What Happens After Detox?
Detox is the beginning step to finding sobriety and establishing a new healthy lifestyle. Freeman Recovery Center offers a variety of therapy options that can begin immediately after detox. First, clients can learn how to live sober.
Subsequently, individual therapy is essential for learning about behavioral patterns, thought processes, and situations that led the individual into addiction. And finally, group therapy builds bonds and a support system for sharing everyday experiences and successes in recovery.
Find Medically-Monitored Detox Help at Freeman Recovery
If you are ready to accept help and seek treatment, Freeman Recovery Center in Tennessee offers the options you desire with medically-monitored detox. In addition, if you are trying to help a family member, explore the evidence-based therapies we offer.
Furthermore, our intake personnel and admission experts can answer any questions and get you through the financial requirements for treatment. Connect through our portal and feel safe with our medically-monitored detox programs.
