What is medical detoxification?

Detoxification, or detox as it is more commonly called, is an alternative medicine concept that is now widely used in many addiction treatment and recovery centers.  Detoxification was originally based on the premise that the accumulation of toxins (toxic substances) in the body was at the root of many illnesses.  Essential parts of the healing process involved the elimination of these toxins and avoiding any future ones.  Additionally, there are a variety of techniques and tests that are used in the detoxification process.

The medical detoxification process comes into play in severe substance addiction cases which display extremely strong withdrawal symptoms after the substance has stopped being ingested.  The typical medical detoxification process can last between anywhere from 3 to 7 days depending on the type of substance addiction and the severity of it.  Typically, medical supervision occurs for the duration of the detox stage prior to entering the recovery phase when you are in a residential addiction rehab program.

Purpose of medical detoxification

Detoxification does not always imply that there is a substance addiction.  It is also beneficial to those individuals who are suffering with chronic medical conditions and diseases.  These include the following:

• allergies and asthma
• chronic infections
• diabetes or low blood sugar levels
• digestive disorders
• headaches or migraines
• heart disease
• high cholesterol
• obesity

In today’s society, you typically see medical detoxification being used to treat alcohol and drug addiction cases as part of the treatment process prior to the recovery stage.  Withdrawal symptoms typically occur when the use of alcohol or drugs has been stopped.  However, prolonged periods of alcohol and/or drug abuse and addiction create a more difficult or dangerous period of detoxification once the consumption of these substances has been stopped.

When will you need medical detoxification?

Depending on the length of time that the addiction has occurred, the withdrawal symptoms will vary in severity.  The longer your addiction has been going on, the more severe your withdrawal symptoms are likely to be.  You will most likely need medical detoxification if you have been addicted to:

• alcohol
• Benzodiazepines such as Ativan, Valium, or Xanax
• opiates such as heroin
• opioids such as Oxycontin or Vicodin

Where alcohol and benzodiazepine addiction are concerned, the withdrawal symptoms can be extremely dangerous.  Long-term addiction to opiates and opioids can cause changes in the brain’s endorphin system resulting in a decrease in the natural feel-good chemicals in the brain.  When this is the case, medical detoxification becomes necessary in order to restore the natural endorphin levels in the brain.  Additionally, medical detoxification is almost always required during medication management and/or supervised withdrawal when there has been an addiction to opiates and opioids.

The withdrawal symptoms that result from certain drug addictions will also necessitate a medical detoxification process, especially with the following substances:

• cocaine in crack or powder form
• marijuana
• methamphetamines (including crystal meth)

When an individual suddenly stops using any of substances, severe physical withdrawal symptoms typically occur and the person experiences a great deal of mental duress as well.

About the medical detoxification process

Depending on the severity and type of substance addiction, you may have to undergo a residential medical detoxification.  However, there are some doctors and other healthcare professionals an out-patient medical detoxification that is medically supervised.  This is usually determined by a brief interview and evaluation period with a doctor or other medical professional.  If the addiction treatment and recovery center does not offer an in-house medical detoxification process, you will most likely be referred to a local detox center.

Once it has been determined that medical detoxification is necessary, you will be prescribed and administered certain medications to help during withdrawal period.  The medical staff at the addiction treatment and recovery center will continually monitor your progress for the purposes of comfort and safety.  A licensed physician will normally adjust your dosages if needed in order to ensure your comfort and safety as you progress through the process.

Typically, the most commonly prescribed medications for a medical detoxification include:

• anti-convulsants
• Benzodiazepine-like medications
• Clonidine

Additionally, Methadone or Suboxone may be prescribed for individuals being treated for either opiate or opioid addictions in order to minimize the severity of your withdrawal symptoms, once again ensuring your comfort as well as your safety.

Medical detoxification side effects to be aware of

Anytime medications are prescribed or administered, there is always going to be the potential for experiencing some side effects.  These side effects include:

• aches and pains
• acne breakouts
• allergies and/or cold or flu-like symptoms
• emotional duress
• fatigue and restlessness
• headaches and even migraines

The majority of the medical detoxification specialists out there claim that these side effects, no matter how adverse they may be are a significant part of the healing process.  These reactions to the medical detox process are sometimes referred to as “healing crises” and are caused by temporarily increased toxin levels resulting from the cleansing and elimination part of the process.

Final considerations where medical detoxification is concerned

If you are considering entering an addiction treatment and recovery center in order to undergo medical detoxification, there are certain things you will want to consider.  First and foremost, seek consultation from a licensed physician or medical professional in order to determine if you are a candidate for medical detox.  Ask all the questions you can about the facility you are considering as well as what the process entails.  Most importantly, get a clear picture of what you are most likely apt to experience when you are undergoing the detox process.

What you want to realize right up front is that medical detoxification is not a cure.  Statistics prove that the longer you stay in a residential addiction treatment and recovery facility, the greater your chances of remaining substance-free once you return to society.  You need to commit yourself to an aftercare program once you have left that facility because recovery lasts the rest of your life so that you never relapse back into your addiction.