With all of the different types of detoxes out there, finding the right one is essential when getting clean and sober. The professionals at a detox facility will work with you to figure out which options will work the best for you.
Understanding how the different types of available programs work, and what they are intended to accomplish is vital. Below are two of the most common types of detox programs available to substance abusers.
- The Outpatient Detox Program- The outpatient detox program is rarely used but can be effective in less severe addiction situations. This type of detox includes things like regular check-ins and a treatment plan complete with medication. Trying to detox in your home can be extremely difficult, which is why many medical professionals advise against. In situations where money or social anxiety are an issue, a person may be able to use an outpatient detox to get off of drugs or alcohol.
- The Inpatient Detox Program- Inpatient detox programs are more commonly used for those going through the detox and withdrawal process. These programs provide residential services and allow the addict to receive around-the-clock care as they get sober and start their initial treatment.
Having an understanding of how different detox programs work and approach addiction can help the patient feel more comfortable when seeking help. There are a variety of different approaches used to treat different types of chemical dependencies.
Each treatment model needs to be specifically tailored to the needs of the individual. Addiction is a problem that effects each person very differently, and this needs to be considered when providing care.
- The Opioid Detox
Detoxing from opioids like prescription painkillers and heroin can be one of the most harrowing experiences for addicts seeking treatment. The withdrawal symptoms can be traumatic, and some facilities will use medications like Methadone and Suboxone to ease the process.
These medications block some of the opioid receptors in the brain and help the addict to feel normal as they stop using illegal drugs. Unfortunately, some of these medications can also become addictive when not used properly.
Many professionals recommend that opioid detox take place on an inpatient basis. This allows them to observe the addict throughout every part of the process, and to administer any medical interventions that might become necessary.
The length of drug use combined with the amount used on a regular basis can impact the severity of the detox process. Most withdrawals will last for less than a week, but it can take the brain much longer to restore its chemical levels.
This can result in prolonged periods of depression and even chronic pain and discomfort for some. Ongoing therapy becomes crucial to maintaining sobriety at this point. Recovery is possible with the right combination of determination and a strong support network.
- The Alcohol Detox
The alcohol detox process is one of the most dangerous. Alcohol has a profound effect on a person’s physiology, and the withdrawals can become fatal when not properly monitored. This makes an inpatient program the best option, and sometimes the only option for those who need it.
Withdrawals from alcohol can occur very quickly, and can include (but aren’t limited to) to following:
- Perfuse sweating
- Constant shivering
- Increased anxiety levels
- Slower thoughts and movements
- Vomiting
- Severe insomnia
If a person has been drinking for many years, they may experience a withdrawal condition referred to as Delirium Tremens. Without the proper treatment, this condition can lead to death.
While it only occurs in 10% of patients going through alcohol withdrawals, it is still worth noting. Symptoms of this condition include things like hallucinations, agitation and an overall deterioration in a patient’s mental function.
- The Benzodiazepine Detox
Detoxing from Benzodiazepines can also pose a serious risk when not overseen by medical professionals. While drugs classified as Benzodiazepines, like Xanax or Valium have medicinal value, they are also highly addictive.
When going through the detoxification process for these types of drugs, one might experience some of these more common symptoms:
- Trouble sleeping
- Higher degree of irritability
- Extreme headaches
- Increased fatigue
- Feeling anxious
- Seizures
In extreme cases, medical staff overseeing a Benzodiazepine detox will need to administer drugs like Phenobarbital to lessen the withdrawal symptoms a patient experiences.
A patient will have to stay under the care of the medical staff at the detox facility until all of the toxins from the Benzodiazepines are out of their system. This allows them to respond quickly in the incident of seizures associated with withdrawal.
The team at a detox center are trained to respond in situations like this and can administer the treatments you need to stay safe during the Benzodiazepine detoxification process.
- The Cocaine and Methamphetamine Detox
Stimulants like cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamines, and other prescription medications can create a serious psychological and physical dependence. Withdrawal symptoms can be unpredictable and are based on the type of drug, and the duration and frequency of use.
Common withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Higher levels of anxiety
- Feeling irritable
- Not being able to sleep
- Severe cravings for the stimulants
- Extreme fatigue
During the stimulant detox process, patients may be given various antidepressants and mood stabilizers to help with their withdrawal symptoms. Generally, the detox from these types of drugs will last anywhere from 3 to 10 days.
Usually, the length of detox is on the shorter end of the scale, but this depends on how long a patient has been using and what their tolerance levels are.
Many medical professionals and addicts are discovering the advantages of natural psychedelic medications like Ibogaine in treating addiction. Ibogaine can eliminate withdrawal symptoms and promote a better rate of success in recovery.
The bets way to get additional information is at Experience Ibogaine Treatment Centers. For years, people have been using this substance to rid their body of harmful toxins.
Finding a reputable and experienced treatment facility is the only way to ensure these treatments are administered properly and safely. The time spent finding the right detox center will be more than worth it.
