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Treatment programs for alcohol and drug addiction normally start with detoxification. Drug detox is described as the process through which drugs and toxic substances are flushed out of the body to help the patient cope with withdrawal symptoms and to minimize the risk of future relapses. The treatment is carried out in a controlled setting under medical supervision. Drug and alcohol addiction is a complex illness that makes the user to crave the substances and engage in compulsive drug seeking behavior. With prolonged use, addiction develops. It becomes harder to control the cravings and the habit is more difficult to break. Why Detox? When a patient seeks treatment for drug and alcohol addiction, it is not safe to stop the use suddenly (cold turkey), especially if the intensity of the addiction is high. An evaluation is carried out to establish the type of substances present in the patient's body and amount, the presence of a co-occurring illness and the possible causes of the addiction among other issues. For many patients, drug detox can be the hardest part of the treatment. It may take time to reverse the effects of the addictive substances on the patient's brain. The withdrawal symptoms can be quite uncomfortable during detoxification and if a co-occurring mental disorder is present, the detoxification may be combined with medical treatment to ease the symptoms. The aim of putting patients in a drug detoxification program is to first stabilize them before starting them on a comprehensive treatment program. Detoxification reduces the physical effects of the drugs and helps to manage the withdrawal symptoms. The process also purges from the body all traces of the addictive substance that may cause the patient to crave the drugs in future, causing a relapse. Types of Detox Programs The approaches used in detoxification vary and mostly depend on the type of substance, the patient needs and level of addiction. Drug detox treatments also vary in different rehabilitation facilities. Detoxification may be carried out as an in-patient or out-patient procedure at a rehabilitation or medical facility under the supervision of a licensed medical doctor, psychiatrist and nutritionist. Some detoxification programs incorporate medication to suppress the cravings for the addictive substances and withdrawal symptoms. Drug detox program that includes approved medications such as buprenorphine, naltrexone and methadone are used for treating addiction to opiates such as heroine, oxycontin, vicodin and hydrocodone. Detox programs for patients with addiction to benzodiazepines such as xanax, klonopin and valium can include clonazepam to manage the withdrawal symptoms. Anti-depressants such as phentermine and desipramine are used to manage anxiety and depression. Detoxification without medication may work for some patients. However, this method may not be effective for treating addiction to opiates. Treatment with rapid opiate detoxification, a controversial type of detoxification has been proven unsafe and ineffective for long-term recovery from addiction to opiates. Rehabilitation After drug detox, rehabilitation should follow to help with recovery. This incorporates a variety of psychotherapies that address the psychological and other aspects of the addiction. These therapies teach patients to cope with emotions that trigger substance use and how to live free of drugs and alcohol. If you're looking for a very good drug rehab in Asia, visit The Cabin Drug Rehab Asia.
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detox, drug detox, drug addiction, addictions,
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