What is Drug Detox?
Drug Detox, also known as drug detoxification, is the process of reducing and eliminating a patient’s use of a drug and then allowing that drug to be cleansed and removed from the body. Drug Detox from addiction can be done in an inpatient or outpatient clinical setting, but it always requires the guidance of a trained physician and a staff of skilled nurses and counselors.
It is important to note that detox itself is just the first step on the road to recovery and is not enough in itself to cure an addiction to drugs. To be fully free of the need to use drugs, patients should receive treatment in coordination with behavioral counseling in order for a lasting recovery from drug addiction to occur.
The Importance of Proper Detoxing From Drugs
On the road to recovery from drug addiction, the most important first step is to eliminate the drugs from the patient’s body. Many addictive substances will remain in a person’s system for several days or even weeks after they stop using the drugs. What this means is that Drug Detox can prove to be a physically uncomfortable process for the patient because the human body often exhibits withdrawal symptoms as the level of the drugs in the system decline. In some cases, these symptoms of withdrawal can be dangerous and can even lead to seizures or a stroke. As a result, most quality drug treatment programs that include detoxification require that the patient be under the care of a qualified medical professional during the detox process. Being monitored by physicians, like those at New Life, also ensures that patients remain in compliance with the best evidence based practices of a medically supervised detoxification and treatment program.
Drug Detox
The specific details of a drug detox program depend on the actual drug that the user is abusing. In most cases, the actual detoxification process takes only a few days to a week to complete and, with some drugs, the drug may be tapered off slowly over time so that withdrawal symptoms remain manageable.
Drugs that are short-acting tend to produce stronger but shorter-lasting withdrawal symptoms. The detox process for other drugs may require the administration of medication. These medicines act as a substitute for the original drug and the user must be weaned from the substitute drug once the initial addiction is managed. Some people never completely wean from the substitute drug and continue to take low maintenance doses for a period of time.
Withdrawal is different for everyone. The duration of the process and the types of medications used will be different depending on the type of drug being used and the level of addiction a person is suffering from. The patient’s personal and family history of substance abuse are also important considerations when a treatment practice like New Life Medical Addiction Services is evaluating the best course of treatment.
PHP in New Jersey
In the realm of addiction treatment, New Jersey stands out for its innovative and effective approaches, particularly with the integration of PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program) and detox services in areas like Cherry Hill. PHP in New Jersey offers a comprehensive, yet flexible treatment option for those battling addiction, bridging the gap between inpatient intensity and outpatient flexibility. It provides structured therapy, medical supervision, and support, tailored to each individual’s needs while allowing them to maintain daily life commitments. Concurrently, Cherry Hill detox centers play a pivotal role, offering a critical first step in the journey of recovery. These centers specialize in medically supervised detoxification, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for individuals to manage withdrawal symptoms effectively. Together, PHP in New Jersey and Cherry Hill detox services form a robust continuum of care, addressing the complex needs of those seeking recovery with compassion and expertise.
After Detox
After completing a drug detox program, the recovering addict will still have to go through full treatment to complete his or her recovery. Behavioral therapy and support programs are often necessary to help the patient develop methods of dealing with the challenges that life presents needing to turn to drug use. This therapy and support can be accomplished in a residential treatment clinic or through outpatient services. Without follow-up treatment, detoxification is unlikely to cause any permanent changes and the user is likely to relapse soon after the initial detox. Fortunately, patients can find a full range of detox and treatment options at New Life Medical Addiction Services.
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