Medical Detox in Elizabeth NJ

Medical detox is the experience and process of drug withdrawal under medical supervision, with this term also used to describe intervention in the case of drug overdose. Professional detox programs are available for a wide range of substance use disorders, especially those that produce a physical withdrawal syndrome.

Learn more by calling Drug Treatment Centers Elizabeth at (877) 804-1531.

Medical Detox for Alcoholism Treatment

Alcohol detox describes the abrupt cessation of alcohol intake and the related withdrawal syndrome. A medical detox period is often required for people to stop problematic drinking behaviors, with medications prescribed to alleviate symptoms and manage the withdrawal process.

Alcohol detox often involves the substitution of cross-tolerant drugs, with benzodiazepines commonly used during the detox period. Librium, Valium, Serax, and Ativan are some of the drugs used, with a number of different treatment patterns used to stabilize patients before they can receive further treatment.

The first treatment pattern involves administering a steady dose of benzodiazepine drugs until a state of light sedation is reached. Another option involves an individual plan based on prior history, with a third option deferring treatment until symptoms occur.

Patients with a history of detox and alcohol-related seizures are likely to receive extensive benzodiazepine support during the detox process in order to avoid the complications of abrupt withdrawal. Other drugs may be used during the detox period, with vitamins also administered to improve the overall health condition of recovering addicts.

Medical Detox for Drug Treatment

The actual processes and medications used during drug detoxification depend greatly on the substance in question. Prescription drugs and illicit drugs can produce physical-somatic and emotional-motivational withdrawal symptoms, with the existence of a physical withdrawal syndrome typically requiring extensive medication.

Examples of physically addictive drugs include heroin, prescription opioids, benzodiazepines and alcohol. Examples of psychologically addictive drugs include cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana and MDMA.

Detoxification Steps

The process of detoxification is integral to drug treatment, with patients needing to discontinue drug use before they can access rehabilitation services. According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, there are three steps in the detoxification process.

The first step is known as evaluation, with patients tested both physically and mentally before treatment can begin. During this stage of detox, doctors and clinicians will perform blood tests to analyze the substances currently circulating in the patient's bloodstream.

It is impossible to prescribe medications before these tests have been performed, with certain drug interactions known to cause harm. Patients will also be tested for the existence of mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety disorders.

The second step involves stabilizing the patient, with medications typically used and around-the-clock medical support often required. While medications are not always used during medical detox, they are often required to manage withdrawal symptoms and speed up the recovery process.

The third step involves guiding the patient towards further treatment, including psychotherapy and counseling programs.

Treatment Medication

Various medications are used to support and encourage the detox process, with some drugs proving to be useful across a range of different disorders.

Opioid painkillers are commonly prescribed to manage painful symptoms, with these drugs also given to opioid addicts to support long-term recovery. Opiate replacement therapy is sometimes administered to help heroin addicts live a safer and more productive life.

Benzodiazepines are prescribed to alcoholics and benzodiazepine addicts, with these drugs normally administered over a long time period as dosage levels are reduced slowly. Long-term medication therapy may also be required after detoxification is complete.

If you or anyone you know is living with a substance use disorder, it's important to contact a specialized detox clinic as soon as possible. Call Drug Treatment Centers Elizabeth at (877) 804-1531 for help finding reputable centers that can treat your addiction.