Which Detox Method is Right For You

The first step in any addiction recovery program is detoxification. Detoxification, commonly referred to as “detox,” is a set of strategies with a goal of managing withdrawal. During the detox process, the toxins that have accumulated in the body of an individual suffering from dependency on a substance are purged from the body. The detox process seeks to minimize the mental and physical difficulty associated with drug or alcohol withdrawal.

There are a variety of detox methods utilized by substance abuse treatment programs. Which method will be used in any given situation will depend on a number of factors, including the type of substance causing the addiction, the severity of the dependency, and any other concurrent medical or psychological conditions.

Outpatient Detox

An outpatient detox program is typically managed through an addiction recovery clinic, a mental health center, or a private clinic. These programs are less disruptive to a client’s life, as the client continues to live at home during the detoxification process. In addition, this type of program tends to be less expensive, thanks to the reduced costs associated with having the client living at home.

Inpatient Detox

When an individual engages in an inpatient detox program, they reside in a drug abuse treatment facility 24 hours a day during the detoxification process. This allows round the clock monitoring of clients, which can be useful in ensuring that any complications that might arise can be quickly dealt with. This method of detoxification can help prevent additional substance abuse, since the controlled environment at a drug rehab clinic removes the temptation of additional substances. Thanks to the benefits afforded by an inpatient detox programs, the detox process is typically faster in the inpatient setting than the outpatient setting.

Opioid Detox

Certain types of substance addiction can lead to difficult and even dangerous detoxification, with one example being opioids. An individual enduring opioid withdrawal faces a difficult process that can even prove fatal. As such, when entering a substance abuse treatment facility, those suffering from opioid withdrawal may be administered methadone in order to manage their withdrawal symptoms. Methadone, a medication which is exclusively used to reduce symptoms which arise from opioid withdrawal, helps reduce the negative effects of the withdrawal without providing the high associated with opioid abuse.

Alcohol Detox

Detoxification from alcohol dependency is one of the most dangerous types of withdrawal, and is potentially life threatening. There are many unpleasant non-fatal symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal, including nausea or vomiting, anxiety, slow movements and thoughts, sweating, shivering, and insomnia.

However, about ten percent of people experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms are afflicted by delirium tremens. Delirium tremens (or DTs) is severe, possibly fatal alcohol withdrawal. Symptoms of delirium tremens include seizures, agitation, hallucinations, changes in mental function, confusion or disorientation, and a deep sleep that lasts for at least one full day, if not longer. Some drug rehab centers will administer benzodiazepines, commonly used to treat anxiety, in order to combat the negative effects of extreme alcohol withdrawal.

The detoxification method that will work best will depend on the individual’s needs and situation. For more information on a which method will best serve a particular situation, please contact Right Path.