Drug detox is the process of removing all toxins that accumulated in one’s body during illicit drug use. This process needs to be done in order to eliminate drug residue that can create desire to use the drugs again. However, the road to drug addiction recovery is not an easy one. These drug-dependent individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms which are the psychological and physical reactions to discontinuation drug use.
Inpatient drug detox is one of the treatment options currently being offered to individuals who want to recover from drug addiction. It is the ideal mode of treatment for those who believe that their lifestyle has been greatly affected by the condition. Aside from the 24-hour support, patients are being trained to adjust to living a drug-free lifestyle. In addition to that, being in an inpatient drug detox facility reduces the chances that the patient will use drugs during the treatment phase.
One major misconception of inpatient treatment is that it is always held in hospitals or similar facilities. While hospital inpatient detoxification programs are out there, there are other options available. What many do not know is that it can be done in residential settings as well. As a matter of fact, residential treatment is the ideal treatment environment because it is less intimidating and restrictive compared to hospitals, and at the same time has structure and supervision.
Dangers of Detoxing from Drugs without Supervision
Medicines such as pain killers are intended to provide relief; however, their indiscriminate use can lead to serious health problems. When a person attempts to self-medicate or self-detox, he or she tends to try various medications, switching from one drug to another trying to find the medication that suits them. This can cause drug interactions which can lead to overdose, undesirable side effects, and health problems.
Drug Withdrawal Symptoms
Whether it is heroin detox, alcohol detox, or any other substance abuse detoxification, it involves complete cessation of use. Many illicit chemicals and drugs may cause withdrawal symptoms when their use is discontinued. Although symptoms vary depending on the specific drug type, below are some of the most common withdrawal symptoms that are usually experienced by drug dependent individuals:
- Rapid breathing/shortness of breath
- Increased heart rate/slowed heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Tremors
- Fever and convulsions
- Excessive sweating
- Joint pain
- Paralysis of muscles
- Tongue lacerations (indicative of seizures or trauma)
- Anxiety
- Intense cravings
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
Rapid Drug Detox
Rapid drug detox is a detoxification process wherein the patient is placed under general anesthesia. The entire process is directly supervised by a certified anesthesiologist and a staff specialized in rapid drug detoxification. The process involves the administration of medically supervised drug that accelerates withdrawal symptoms, which usually last from 4 to 6 hours. This method of detox lets the patient avoid the majority of unpleasant side effects usually associate with withdrawal. However, after the process the patient still needs to be educated and undergo counseling for complete treatment and rehabilitation.
Find Inpatient Drug Detox in Florida
The best drug detox programs tailor their treatment process to each individual’s unique set of circumstances. There is no specific method that is perfect for everyone. That is why it is best to consult a professional rather than attempt detoxification by yourself.