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Medical detox is often a critical first stage in recovery from substance abuse and addiction, yet many people do not know what to expect during this process. This article will provide an overview of how medical detox works, what it entails, and key elements to expect.
The Purpose of Medical Detox
For those struggling with substance use disorder, the first step toward recovery involves removing drugs or alcohol from their systems. Depending on the severity of the addiction and the substances involved, this process can bring uncomfortable or dangerous side effects such as seizures, tremors, nausea or depression. These withdrawal symptoms are a significant barrier for those seeking recovery, with many reverting back to substance use to avoid them. Fortunately, with the right medical support, these symptoms can be managed to make the journey to recovery more achievable.
Medical detox is the first step in most addiction treatment programs. During this time, health care professionals provide careful monitoring and support for individuals, helping them to manage withdrawal symptoms safely and laying the groundwork for long-term recovery. Medications and medical care alleviate symptoms and reduce cravings as the patient goes through detox, and by the end of the phase, patients are stable and ready for further inpatient or outpatient treatment.
Unlike self-detox, where individuals navigate painful or dangerous symptoms alone, medical detox provides emotional and practical support and helpful interventions throughout the entire process.
Assessment and Personalized Care Plans
Each patient’s experience with drug and alcohol addiction is unique, making tailored treatment plans vital for long-term rehabilitation. To provide individualized care, FHE begins the medical detox program with an initial evaluation and screening process. This step involves a comprehensive evaluation of the individual’s physical and mental health, along with their medical history, their substance use habits and any co-occurring mental health conditions.
The health care provider looks at the patient’s medical history, particularly significant past illnesses, surgeries, chronic diseases and any current medications. The screening process also includes a full psychosocial evaluation, which explores the patient’s mental health, living environment and support system.
Based on the assessment, FHE develops an individualized treatment plan. This plan details the individual’s need for detoxification and medications that may be used to ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings, if necessary. It outlines the types of counseling services, including individual and group sessions, that will be used to address the psychological aspects of addiction, and it provides a plan for relapse prevention. It also includes aftercare planning with supports and resources for maintaining sobriety.
Managing Withdrawal Symptoms Safely
FHE manages withdrawal symptoms through a combination of medications, supportive care and medical supervision. This helps patients remain as comfortable as possible as substances leave their systems.
Medications Used in Detox
Depending on the substance involved and the severity of withdrawal symptoms, patients may take medications to alleviate their discomfort and prevent dangers associated with acute withdrawal. At FHE, “medication-assisted treatments” (MATs) such as Vivitrol (naltrexone) and Suboxone® (buprenorphine with naloxone) may be prescribed to reduce cravings for alcohol and/or opiates.
Alcohol Withdrawal
- Benzodiazepines: These types of medications help manage seizures and anxiety. Some common options include diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan).
- Anticonvulsants: Medications such as carbamazepine (Tegretol) and valproic acid (Depakote) help to reduce the likelihood of seizures while cutting down on cravings.
- Adrenergic Medications: Certain light sedatives, such as clonidine and propranolol, may be administered to manage the high blood pressure and rapid heart rate that often accompanies alcohol withdrawal.
- Vivitrol (naltrexone) is administered when our medical team has determined that you are a good candidate for the MAT. It blocks many of the same opioid receptors that alcohol targets, decreasing urges to drink. Vivitrol’s sedative effects may further decrease the desire to use alcohol for sedative purposes.
Opioid Withdrawal
- Suboxone® (buprenorphine with naloxone) activates opioid receptors in the brain and produces effects such as pain relief and euphoria, combating common opioid withdrawal symptoms. Buprenorphine is a long-acting (and therefore much less addictive) opioid. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that reduces the potential for abuse of this medication.
- Vivitrol (naltrexone) can ease opiate cravings during detox and stabilization, as well as some of the withdrawal-related anxiety that drives drug-seeking behaviorss.
- Clonidine: This medication helps manage symptoms such as muscle aches, anxiety and agitation.
Stimulant Withdrawal
- Antidepressants: Medications such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) help to reduce the symptoms of depression, as well as the cravings patients often experience with stimulant withdrawal.
- Antianxiety Medications: Similar to alcohol withdrawal treatment, stimulant withdrawal treatment often incorporates benzodiazepines to help patients manage anxiety and agitation.
General Supportive Care
- Antinausea Medications: Powerful prescription medications such as ondansetron (Zofran) are often administered to help reduce nausea and vomiting.
- Sleep Aids: Because sleep problems are common with substance withdrawal, FHE may administer sleep aids to help patients get adequate rest.
Supportive Care During the Detox Process
Withdrawal symptoms typically peak within the first 4 to 24 hours and may persist anywhere from a couple of days to a week or more, depending on the nature of the addiction. Throughout the medical detox program, FHE provides 24-hour monitoring and support through trained staff who promptly address signs of distress or complications. Patients attend counseling and therapy sessions, where they benefit from emotional support and practical advice for managing the psychological aspects of substance use and withdrawal.
Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, help individuals build healthy habits and coping strategies, while holistic approaches such as yoga, neuro rehab and massage therapy help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Patients also attend group therapy, where they can share their challenges and experiences with others in recovery.
FHE recognizes the importance of proper nutrition and hydration during medical detox, ensuring patients receive well-balanced meals and plenty of fluids to help their bodies heal. Additionally, regular exercise and physical activity boost patients’ moods and promote general well-being.
Along with this, FHE understands that family involvement and support are vital to the patient’s long-term recovery. Individuals in the program stay connected to their families through weekly phone calls, giving them opportunities to speak with parents, spouses or other support people. FHE also has several resources for families navigating a loved one’s addiction treatment, including guidebooks, community resources and support groups.
Transitioning to Ongoing Treatment
After completing medical detox, patients are ready to transition to intensive treatment where they gain knowledge and coping tools necessary for long-term recovery. FHE offers two approaches, including residential and outpatient treatment.
Residential Treatment
For patients seeking a structured environment, FHE’s inpatient addiction treatment program provides comprehensive care and support. Individuals live in a campus-style facility with state-of-the-art amenities and services that promote a comfortable and therapeutic environment.
Residential treatment typically lasts a minimum of 21 days, but it may extend to 90 days or more, depending on the individual’s needs. Through this program, patients benefit from ongoing medical, clinical and psychiatric care. They meet with mental health care providers weekly and receive monitoring and treatment from medical doctors, case managers, therapists and FHE’s neuro-rehabilitative team.
The residential treatment program provides a fully immersive experience for those in addiction recovery. For many patients, the distractions of home – job stress, unhealthy relationships, drug suppliers, and friends and family members still in active addiction – threaten early recovery. Inpatient treatment eliminates these triggers and gives the individual an opportunity to build healthy habits and coping skills before returning to their home environment.
Additionally, FHE features several specialty programs for specific needs. These include programs for first responders, women and men. These programs provide targeted support and treatment for unique challenges.
Outpatient Programs
FHE’s outpatient programs provide flexible and comprehensive care, making them a practical choice for individuals who don’t require or can’t accommodate residential care. It’s also a step-down option for individuals leaving inpatient care, ensuring they receive ongoing support as they move back to their regular environment. FHE offers several outpatient treatment options to provide a tailored approach to care.
The partial hospitalization program features intensive treatment during the day with individual and group therapy, medical and psychiatric supervision, and other therapeutic activities. Patients attend this program in the day and return to their homes for the evening.
With the intensive outpatient program, individuals typically receive around three hours of treatment per day, five days per week. It’s similar to PHP but has a slightly reduced intensity, giving patients the flexibility to go to work, attend to family responsibilities, and still receive necessary treatment.
Aftercare Programs
Those who’ve completed medical detox and an inpatient or outpatient treatment program also have access to aftercare services that support their long-term recovery. Examples of these services include:
- a sober living environment
- an active Alumni Program, including 24/7 support, regular check-ins, retreats, and recreational activities
- referrals to telehealth counseling and life and job skills programs
For many people living with addiction, the withdrawal symptoms make the first step to recovery a challenge. FHE’s medical detox program helps individuals navigate this part of their recovery journey safely and comfortably, preparing them for effective treatment and sober living. To learn more about medical detox at FHE, contact us today.
