For those struggling with addiction, drug treatment programs may be necessary to help said persons conquer their demons. Many people entering a treatment program will have many questions regarding how much activity will impact their immediate future. One specific inquiry might center on the potential dangers of treatment.
Is Drug Treatment Dangerous?
The short answer to this question is that it depends upon several different factors.
Medical Detoxification
The initial phase of many drug treatment programs is known as the medical detoxification process, which is sometimes known simply as “detox.” During detox, the patient’s body is cleansed of the substance they have been addicted to.
Why Detox Is Performed?
The main goal of detox is to eliminate the offending drug from the addict’s system as quickly as possible. Most drugs can not only precipitate harmful impacts upon numerous bodily tracts but also cause the brain to become chemically dependent upon such substances. As dependency progresses, the addict’s brain and body become so reliant upon the offending chemical that merely functioning becomes increasingly difficult without it. Ergo, another detox aim is to rid the said substance from the addict’s body as quickly as humanly possible.
The Potential Dangers Of Detox
There is no uniform method for performing detox. The drug withdrawal process is often a delicate balancing act. If certain substances are eliminated too fast, the results could be serious, possibly fatal. Therefore, professional medical supervision overseeing the detox process is typically warranted to determine the most appropriate speed and process for the patient in question. Additionally, several factors will be considered before making such assertions including:
The specific drug being used. Some drugs elicit far more serious withdrawal symptoms than others. The severity of the addiction. The detox undertakings of severely addicted individuals will present greater challenges than in those with mild to moderate dependencies. The duration of the addiction. Addicts who have been dependent upon the offending substance for longer periods are more likely to experience more complicated detox processes necessitating closer medical management. The addict’s general health. The detox process can be greatly influenced by any health maladies experienced by the addict.
The Types Of Drug Detox Programs
Many treatment facilities offer detox programs for dependencies to several substance classifications including Opioids like heroin *Benzodiazepines such as Valium, Ativan and Xanax Prescription Stimulants including Adderall and Ritalin Alcohol Stimulants like cocaine Synthetic drugs such as crystal meth Some addicts might be addicted to multiple substances. Said circumstances could present different dangers and withdrawal will need to be done under very close monitoring.
The Environment Where Detox Is Administered
Drug treatment experts strongly recommend those seeking treatment do so under the strict supervision of a reputable and established treatment facility in lieu of a medical facility or on their own.
Granted, said healthcare institutions are likely safe and employed by licensed medical professionals capable of performing the action. That said, once detox is completed and the patient demonstrates no further significant health issues, said facilities will be required to release them. At this time, the addict’s chances of relapse are significant. Though their systems will be cleansed, their minds and urge to use their drug of choice may still be quite strong.
Moreover, treatment professionals stress that addicts should never attempt detox on their own. Withdrawal should always be performed under close medical supervision. This is true even in cases of mild to moderate addiction.
How The Detox Process Works
Once the addict enters a treatment-centered detox program, said individual will receive an evaluation in which medical doctors and mental health professionals will assess the addiction’s severity and their physical and mental health. After the evaluation process is completed, a withdrawal plan will be initiated.
The next step is the stabilization process. This component of detox can be the trickiest because addicts are typically weaned off their dependent drug gradually. During this stage, the recovering addict might experience untoward or potentially serious withdrawal symptoms. Said manifestations may be relieved through the administration of medications.
Contacting Us
If you or a loved one possesses a drug addiction and yearns to break free of this dependency, our center might be able to help. We employ a team of highly trained medical and psychological professionals who can help you through the challenges of the detox process. Detox can be difficult. However, if you place your care under our supervision, it need not be dangerous. Please contact us today at 800-411-8019.