Everyone uses coping mechanisms during times of stress or tension. These mechanisms, whether they are designed personally, or learned from an outside source, work to settle emotions and make uncomfortable situations bearable for those experiencing them. These coping mechanisms can take many forms, from physical to psychological. Some choose to work out, while others prefer to meditate. Sometimes, however, these coping mechanisms aren’t so healthy.
When regular coping mechanisms fall short, turning to drugs and alcohol for temporary relief is not uncommon. While these substances can provide momentary comfort, chronic use of mind-altering substances dramatically increases the likelihood of developing an addiction as the body becomes dependent on those substances to retain a state of emotional balance. In these instances, it is important to consider medical detox.
Understanding Medical Detox
Detox is a term that, commercially, is often associated with the concept of cleansing the body of chemicals or unhealthy food. Medical detox embraces the same essence. However, medical detox is explicitly reserved for those with a substance abuse disorder.
Whereas a commercial detox kit can be purchased at any pharmacy or health food store, medical detox is conducted through medical detox programs overseen by trained medical professionals at a specialized facility. This staff will typically consist of a primary physician, nurses, therapists, and physical therapists. The goal of a medical detox program is to allow the body to rid itself of addictive substances.
What Do Medical Drug Detox Programs Look Like?
Medical detox is a process that is specific to each who undertakes it. Because of this, each medical detox program is tailored to fit the needs of each particular client. Of the many factors taken into consideration when designing a medical detox program, the most critical are:
- Drug history
- Mental health history
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- Risk of withdrawal
- Psychological and environmental influences
Depending on the drug, medical detox can be the difference between life and death. This danger is because certain drugs, such as opiates, heroin, and methamphetamines, have a severe negative effect on the body when usage stops.
These effects are known as withdrawal and come with various symptoms and side effects that can send the body spiraling down a path of pain and discomfort. Medical detox programs address withdrawal effects at their source to ensure that the body can recover safely and with as little pain as possible.
Understanding Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal from an addictive substance can be challenging, depending on how addictive that substance is and the duration of its use. Some of the more mild withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Aches and pains
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Hallucinations
Other more severe symptoms include:
- Paranoia
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Delirium tremens (life-threatening)
It is the toll these symptoms take on the body and the duration through which they may persist that makes medical detox so beneficial to those in the initial stages of recovery.
Getting Help at Sante Center for Healing
Finding a medical detox treatment program that best fits the patient’s needs is just as important as the detox. There are countless approaches to medical detox, each of which can take different forms and last for varying periods. Patients must find a program at a facility with staff that they can trust and feel comfortable with to receive the full benefits of treatment.
When considering such programs in Texas, consider the Sante Center for Healing, where we understand how difficult of a process detox and withdrawal can be. We offer a wide variety of medical detox and recovery programs specially crafted to serve the needs of our patients in Texas. For more information on medical detox programs or to schedule an appointment today, contact us at 866.238.3154.
