If you are struggling with drug and alcohol abuse, you are not alone. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 48.5 million people suffered from a substance use disorder in 2023.[1]
When you have an addiction, your brain and body begin to rely on the substance to function normally. If you suddenly stop taking the drug, you will experience withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal can range from mildly uncomfortable to severe and life-threatening depending on a variety of factors.
Because withdrawal can cause life-threatening effects, you should never attempt to detox at home. Instead, you should seek help from a medically supervised detox like Costa Mesa. Our program uses FDA-approved medications to lessen withdrawal symptoms, prevent cravings, and help you achieve long-term sobriety.
In this article, you will learn:
- What is medically supervised detox?
- What are the benefits of attending medical detox?
- How does medical detox reduce the risk of relapse?
What is a Medical Detox Program?
Medical detox programs are a type of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) that focuses on treating withdrawal. These treatment programs offer medical care and supervision 24/7, ensuring you remain safe and stable throughout the entire process.
Medical professionals will prescribe you FDA-approved medications to limit withdrawal symptoms and prevent cravings. The exact medication you are given depends on what substance you are addicted to. For example, people with opioid use disorder are given Suboxone or methadone, while alcohol withdrawal is often managed with benzodiazepines.
On top of medication, nurses will monitor your vital signs regularly. They will check your heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. If any abnormalities arise, you will receive prompt treatment.
While your physical health is the priority during medical detox programs, you’ll also have access to mental health support. Withdrawal can be difficult, especially if you have a co-occurring mental health condition. Thankfully, you can talk to a mental health professional any time of day or night when you are in a medically supervised detox center.
4 Benefits of Medically Supervised Detox
The first step in addiction treatment is a medical detox program. These treatment centers help you rid your body of addictive substances while managing withdrawal symptoms to keep you safe and comfortable.
The main benefits of medically supervised detox programs include:
1. Limiting Withdrawal Symptoms and Cravings
Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe, often depending on what substance you are addicted to, how long you have been taking it, and what dose you usually consume.
Examples of withdrawal symptoms you could experience include:[2]
- Cravings for the substance
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
- Fatigue or restlessness
- Anxiety and mood swings
- Trouble concentrating
- Depression or suicidal thoughts
- Headaches
- Body aches and pains
- Excessive sweating and dehydration
- Shaking or tremors
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion and disorientation
- Psychosis
- Seizures
When seizures are a possibility, you want to make sure you are receiving proper medical care. Medically supervised detox programs offer medications that limit or eliminate withdrawal symptoms. In other words, you’ll remain safe, comfortable, and cared for during the withdrawal process.
2. Reducing the Risk of Relapse
When you go through withdrawal, you experience intense cravings to use your drug of choice. Your brain knows that your body will instantly feel better if you consume the drug that prevents withdrawal from occurring. In other words, untreated withdrawal leads to cravings and urges that are almost impossible to ignore.
By attending a medical detox program, you reduce your risk of relapsing substantially. Since your withdrawal symptoms will be managed with medications, you do not have to worry about experiencing unrelenting cravings. It is much easier to achieve long-term recovery when you receive assistance from a medical detox program.
3. 24/7 Support for Physical and Mental Health Emergencies
Withdrawal can lead to physical health emergencies like high blood pressure, dehydration, and even seizures. When you are in a medical detox program, there will be medical professionals around at all times. If you begin to experience a medical emergency, you will be treated promptly, preventing anything from getting too dire.
Even further, withdrawal can cause some significant psychological symptoms. You could experience intense anxiety, chronic insomnia, depression, and even psychosis. During a medically supervised detox program, you’ll have access to counseling, support from a mental health professional, and psychiatric medications if needed.
4. Preparation for Ongoing Treatment
Lastly, medical detox prepares you for ongoing treatment. While completing detox is a huge accomplishment, you still need behavioral support to overcome the root causes of addiction. This means you’ll need to attend an inpatient or outpatient rehab program.
Before you leave detox, you will engage in some form of therapy and counseling. This sets the groundwork you need to be ready for therapy during further treatment. Your detox center can also refer you to reputable addiction treatment programs near you, ensuring you get the best care possible.
Get Connected to Medically Supervised Detox Today
If you or a loved one suffers from addiction, it’s time to seek professional help. The first step towards long-term recovery is medical detox. At Costa Mesa Detox, we use evidence-based and FDA-approved detox techniques to ensure you get the best care possible.
Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of medically supervised detox.
References:
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Highlights for the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
- Science Direct: Withdrawal Syndromes
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