Some people can recover from a drug addiction or alcoholism without medical treatment. Others require more support for safety and health reasons. Many medical experts discourage people from facing the obstacles of withdrawal without the appropriate support and medical supervision in place because of the dangers faced during this process.
Detox Explained
Detoxification treatment involves the careful monitoring of a person who is physically dependent on alcohol or drugs as they attempt to give up a substance abuse habit. Medical supervision is very important as people begin to experience withdrawal symptoms. While not all people experience withdrawal in the same manner, some face serious health risks during this stage. Some symptoms, such as hallucinations and seizures, can even prove fatal. This is why it is important for a person to be medically supervised in a professional detox treatment center staffed with medical professionals.
Health Risks
Some people are at risk for developing an additional addiction to treatment drugs such as methadone and suboxone if not closely monitored. Withdrawal can also place people in a dangerous scenario if they are forced to cope with psychiatric symptoms alone, potentially putting them at risk for self-harm. A team of professionals with varying expertise may be required to accurately monitor people with alcoholism or who are addicted to a number of different drugs. Patients with mental disorders must also receive additional care during the detox process. If patients don't receive treatment for conditions like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, they are at risk of relapse if they fail to get the proper counseling.
Stages of Detox
A person can expect withdrawal symptoms to begin approximately 12 hours after beginning treatment. Muscles begin to weaken and pain begins to intensify within this time frame. Sweating and digestive issues are all experienced in the initial stages. Within three to five days, a person can generally begin eating solid foods again. The painful physical symptoms begin to disappear during this stage. In six days, a person can still experience discomfort when eating. Some people in recovery may find that they still experience anxiety and nausea after about a week.
Duration of Withdrawal Symptoms
The detox experience largely depends on the person. If a person has been suffering from alcoholism or has been addicted to a substance for a prolonged period of time, the detox process may take longer than usual. The person’s physical and mental health are also contributing factors.
Conclusion
Proper counseling and medical attention can ease the transition to sobriety. Being uncomfortable during the withdrawal process is a challenging experience that can be made easier through medical supervision. A safe environment prevents a person from potentially harming themselves or succumbing to life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Patients in a medically supervised detox program have access to a compassionate team of professionals who are fully invested in a complete recovery.
