When one is addicted and dependent on alcohol or any other drug, the only way out is if they go for detoxification. Detox involves the removal of any substance from the human body system, ensuring that person is stable and able to live without any dependence on the said substance. Every patient gets a customized detoxification process based on the duration and the intensity of the addiction. Based on the fact that certification might result in health issues that may affect one’s vital organs, it is important that once the physical aspect is tackled, the emotional, mental and psychological aspect of a person is taken care of as well.
While the body might be able to adapt to having the substances taken away from the body, the brain might take a long while to adjust. It, therefore, leads to people having withdrawal symptoms which in this case is usually the hardest part of recovery. The most effective type of detox involves medication which ensures that a patient has a safe and comfortable recovery process. In this case, one must enroll in a detox center like the southern California rehab, which is equipped with tools, and medical practitioners and creates a safe environment for recovery.
Process of drug recovery in a rehab
- Medical assessment
All patients are required to go through a full medical assessment for the practitioner to have an idea of what the individual needs of the patient might be. The practitioner will gather any information they find necessary, from the medical history to the information about addiction. After the information is gathered, a personalized detox plan is created for that specific client. The medical assessment is done for both the outpatient and inpatient clients.
- Withdrawal
If the alcohol or drug that the patient is addicted to is reduced in the body, then the patient is bound to experience withdrawal symptoms. The severity of the symptoms is dependent on how long and how far the addiction has gone. It is also dependent on the type of substance that the patient has been using, as some may have more severe withdrawal symptoms compared to others. The experience during detox is different for every person, regardless of whether they have gone through the detox process earlier on.
Physical withdrawal symptoms
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Shivering and high temperatures with chills
- Sweating
- Runny nose
- Heartbeat rate may increase
- Abdominal cramping
- Muscle pain
- Nightmares
Psychological withdrawal symptoms
- Anxiety
- Irritability and agitation
- Confusion
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Low concentration span
- Mood swings
- Cravings for the substance you are recovering from.
- Hallucinations
- Delirium
- Seizures
- Medication
For patients to cope with withdrawal symptoms, they are put under a controlled prescription as part of the detox process. The medication is not tailored towards ensuring that patients do not experience any withdrawal symptoms but is geared towards experiencing less severe symptoms. In this case, patients in the Inpatient program are given around-the-clock medical care. It ensures that they feel comfortable and can complete the detox process successfully.
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