Of late, a lot has been discussed about the Medically Assisted Detoxification. Yes! This is one of the most discussed methods to detoxify people from substance abuse, and not without reasons though! The method comes with a string of benefits. However, before we get into the thick of things, let us discuss what medically assisted detox actually is.
What is Medically Assisted Detox?
A medically assisted detox can be defined as supervised and controlled weaning of an individual who is under the influence of drug addiction. A wide range of drugs that can be used as suitable substitutes is applied to the individual as a part of the detoxification process. They include Subaxone, benzodiazepines, methadone and some other drugs. These decimally assisted detoxification methods generally last from three to seven days. However, that depends upon the severity of the addiction and the overall physical condition and other related circumstances.
However, experts associated with the National Institute on Drug Abuse, medically assisted detoxification alone cannot guide an individual out of substance abuse fully and successfully. However, that is another story beyond the scope of this discussion.
Physically withdrawing the individual from the effects of drugs or alcohol
The sickness and acute physical pain, which are inseparable parts of customary withdrawal symptoms, often comes down heavy on those who try self-detoxification. Since during the addiction period the body becomes accustomed to functioning with the help of the addictive substance, it does not accept the sudden absence of that substance. The reason being, over a prolonged period, the body organs and the nervous system governed by the brain have found out ways of accommodating that substance and flushing the toxic chemicals out of the body.
Therefore, the hurried withdrawal of that substance sends alarming signals to the brain, and the system cannot adjust to this sudden change quickly. As a result of this, a series of unpleasant side effects begin to occur. These side effects include:
- Nausea
- Tremors
- Never-ending bouts of Diarrhea
- Dizziness accompanied by acute headache
- Stomach pain and cramps
- Cramps in limbs
- Passing out
- Sudden rapid heartbeat leading to breathlessness
- Feeling of lightheadedness
In the majority of cases, symptoms like seizures and palpitations, along with other life-threatening conditions generally take place. In some cases, the abrupt withdrawal of addictive substances can lead to permanent health hazards and can even cause death. Thus, instead of trying out any DIY stuff, it is always safer and wiser to subject the addict under the supervision of a rehab center, which is home to highly experienced and expert medical practitioners, who are specialized in guiding people out of substance abuse. These specialists would apply medically assisted detoxification techniques to guide these people safely out of their addiction.
These physicians would introduce medications that will be able to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Their medical intervention and round the clock supervision will make sure that the individuals do not develop any acute withdrawal symptoms. The process followed is seamless, with one drug being replaced by another gradually so much so that the body does not oppose it – it gets time and scope to adjust itself to the newly introduced drug instead of the one that caused the substance abuse.
Medically supervised detoxification can require daily or even weekly supervision, thereby alleviating the probability of any secondary addiction.
Mental Obstacles….
It is ideal for the addicts looking for detox to not only look for suitable medical solutions but a complete rejuvenation of mind as well as spirit. In other words, they should see psychological and therapeutic support. While the physical effect of the withdrawal can be severe, in most cases the mental state also undergoes severe anguish that becomes too much for them to withstand.
During the detox process, the individuals can suffer mental symptoms that may include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Nightmares
- Sleeplessness
- An acute sense of hopelessness
- An intense desire to getting back to addiction once again
Thus you see, medically supervised detoxification is not only about helping the individual to get rid of the substance of addiction and alleviating the agony of withdrawal symptoms but helping them getting over the mental blockade as well. In short, it is all about bringing the individual back into a perfectly normal, social life with a sound mind, body, and spirit.
Therefore, the entire procedure is pretty complex and needs the intervention of experienced and specialized personnel that can be found only in a reputed rehab center.
