If you are considering the possibility of caring for and attending to the needs of the loved one as they go through the process of detox at home, it is strongly advised to first consult with the appropriate medical professionals.
There are circumstances where an assessment could reveal underlying health risks and dangers to trying to navigate through detoxification without necessary medical training on hand. Some cellular changes caused by addictions are best treated with the help of certain medicines and medical supervision. In an inpatient facility, this kind of help is provided by a trained medical staff that is always present and on-call. In each circumstance, medical staff will monitor negative reactions and supply aid as needed.
Physical discomfort is often a side effect of going through the detox process, which can lead one back to their drug of choice. Pain from this process can be alleviated at times with special cares, including:
- Drinking plenty of juices and water
- Exercise at a comfortable level
- Soft, clean sheets and bedding
- Quiet, low lit rooms to relax and be at peace
These are attributes one can find at the Cirque Lodge Detox Center where care is rendered seamlessly to one’s own comfort levels. Our residents will not need to be concerned with day-to-day tasks of washing their linens or meal preparation as we facilitate that so recovery can be the focus instead.
What are some symptoms of withdrawal?
When someone who is dependent on drugs suddenly stops taking their drug of choice, most likely their body will experience negative things internally. This varies on the type of drug. It can manifest itself in physical things like headaches, anxiousness, and inability to sleep. It can also be a little more severe, with things like vomiting, diarrhea, and convulsions. With alcoholism, there are also more severe and even life-threatening withdrawal symptoms that need to be treated and monitored through alcohol detoxification. Psychological withdrawal can also occur. These are things like depression and anxieties that can happen in the absence of the substance of choice. This can make the individual highly volatile, which can lead to suicidal ideation and actions.
How long does withdrawal last?
Typically the symptoms of withdrawal manifest themselves in the first 8-24 hours of halting use. They can last 24-72 hours commonly. This is not typical for each patient and can also depend upon the level of use and the length of drug abuse of that person in addition to the type of drug that is abused. Problems like depression as a result of psychological withdrawal can take several more weeks in some cases. It should also be emphasized that treating withdrawal is not the same as treating addictions.
Is detox all that is needed to overcome addiction?
We cannot stress enough that drug detoxification is only the beginning. It should be followed immediately by behavioral treatments and therapies. Residents who come for this process will be quickly transitioned into our innovative and leading addiction treatment program when they are cleared by our Medical Director.