Medical Detox Treatment

It is well known that a large number of people die every year due to drug overdose and alcohol abuse. Whether suicidal or accidental, statistics in the U.S have alarmingly increased over time. However, attempting to recover without professional support and advice can risk a patient’s life as much as an overdose. For this reason, medical detox treatment is crucial in most situations. This kind of treatment consists of prescribing certain drugs under strict medical surveillance to ease withdrawal symptoms. Medically-assisted detoxification is often the most appropriate type of treatment for opioid addiction.

At Elev8 Centers, we combine medical detox with psychological therapy and many other therapeutic activities to increase patients’ self-awareness and well-being.

When a person stops taking a drug, withdrawal symptoms can begin just a few hours after the last dose, and in some cases, they could even threaten a person’s life if they are not under medical observation. Some of these symptoms are:

• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sweats
• Shakiness
• Headaches

Depending on the drug and the level of addiction, some patients may experience hallucinations within 12 to 24 hours after the last use and seizures after 24 to 36 hours. The best way to mitigate these devastating symptoms is to enroll them in a residential treatment program where professionals can monitor the medication administration and their effects during detox.

Why Treating Drug Addiction with More Drugs?

Prescribed medications for drug addiction treatment work similarly to Opioids. They stimulate the brain receptor for pleasure by releasing dopamine. There are two types of medication used to treat chemical dependence: agonists –slow and long-lasting, and antagonists –less intense than agonists. The three medications used are:

1. Naltrexone – an antagonist that blocks your brain’s opioid receptors.
2. Methadone – an agonist that reduces withdrawal symptoms and restrains the effect of heroin.
3. Buprenorphine – a partial agonist that blocks withdrawal symptoms.

The detox stage lasts just a few days –from 4 to 10 days. However, patients are encouraged to participate in different activities to help them gain back their confidence and freedom. After a successful medical detox treatment and therapy, patients can live a happy and healthy life. Elev8’s professionals have the experience to help you deal with your addiction.

Do not wait any longer, call us today! A successful medically-assisted detox typically lasts between one week and a few months, depending on the individual and the severity of the addiction. Many people are able to overcome addictions and go on to lead happy, healthy lives. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcoholism or addiction to opioids, the best approach is to get into residential treatment as soon as possible to go through withdrawal in a safe, monitored environment.