TURNING TO DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT
For those living with a substance use disorder, there comes a time in their life where the wisdom of addressing their addiction becomes evident. However, even with the best intentions, this process is challenging, and in some instances, even impossible without professional drug addiction treatment. Some may choose to try to quit “Cold turkey,” but many may need an integrated drug detox program of medication and counseling to support them through the process.
WHAT IS DRUG DETOX?
Drug detox, or detoxification, is the process of cleansing the body of the toxins associated with drug use.
Drugs take a tremendous physical and mental toll, with one of the most daunting challenges being the fact that the body becomes dependent on the drug. Drug withdrawal is not simply a matter of willpower; “kicking the habit” means cutting the chemical connections created within the body.
A result of drug addiction is that the body, and specifically the brain, are altered on a physiological and neurochemical level, making substance abuse treatment a complex and delicate procedure.
Drugs affect the brain’s ability to produce dopamine, among other chemicals, impacting a number of related body functions.
Dopamine is the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of reward and pleasure. When dopamine production is destabilized, the body experiences a string of debilitating side-effects.
Due to the intricate nature of addiction, the process of withdrawal must be managed with care.
The certified staff at Psyclarity MA’s drug rehab in Massachusetts are skilled at utilizing the most advanced drug and alcohol rehabilitation, incorporating leading-edge rehabilitative medicine.
During Acute Treatment Services, dynamic therapeutic technologies are integrated with wellness and up-to-date clinical modalities for the best chances of long-term recovery.
STAGES OF DETOX
When entering drug rehab, a patient undergoes several phases of drug addiction treatment. Initially, they will be evaluated, with health care specialists running clinical and mental health assessments to determine the nature of their addiction.
Blood tests determine the drug levels in the system, which allows doctors to establish medication requirements. They will also look at the patient’s mental state, along with their history of drug use and any co-existing conditions.
After evaluation, doctors will stabilize the patient, if necessary, and prepare them for the processes involved in treatment. This will include explaining the procedures and possible side-effects they may experience during their journey to recovery.
SIDE-EFFECTS OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT
While every person’s recovery may be different, invariably, the first few days of withdrawal can be grueling as the body adjusts to the changes involved in clearing toxins from the system. Side-effects can include:
- Anxiety and Depression
- Nausea and Stomach Pain, including vomiting and diarrhea
- Sweating
- Flu-like symptoms – Fever, Body Aches, Runny Nose etc.
- Seizures
- Heart Palpitations
In some cases, particularly when dealing with opioids such as heroin, symptoms may even become life-threatening. It is for this reason that it is advisable for a person to seek professional assistance when embarking on a detox program.
MEDICATIONS USED IN DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT
An advantage of undergoing drug rehab at an inpatient rehab center is that a person has access to professional medical attention and prescription medication to manage treatment.
During the process, these can be reviewed and adjusted as needed.
Prescribed medications vary depending on the addiction being treated. In the case of opioid addiction, doctors may prescribe medications such as methadone, buprenorphine (suboxone), and naltrexone to manage the cravings of withdrawal as the opioids are cleansed from the system.
Although these drugs are opiates themselves, they provide none of the euphoria of drugs such as heroin, minimizing the incentive to continue using them.
However, they come with a risk of addiction themselves, requiring care in their administration.
Additional medications may be used to counter side-effects. These include benzodiazepines to manage anxiety and emotional instability and antidepressants to counter serotonin imbalances.
Other medications may be needed to control physical symptoms, for instance, clonidine to manage anxiety, seizures, and cramps, Zofran for nausea, and baclofen for muscle pains.
DURATION OF TREATMENT
The length of a drug detox program will vary according to the individual. Doctors will look at how long the patient has been addicted, as well as the drugs they are addicted to. More specific details may include:
- Intensity of addiction
- Method of use
- Volumes consumed
- Physical health, weight and fitness levels
- Co-existing conditions
- Family history of abuse or mental health
Bear in mind, however, that detoxification is merely the first step toward addiction recovery. Once the drug is out of the body, then begins the task of identifying the psychological causes of addiction. This can involve a lengthy period of counseling and behavioral therapy to get to the real root of the problem. Without this crucial phase, the patient may simply relapse as they encounter their initial triggers when they return to regular day-to-day life.
CHOOSING AN INPATIENT REHAB CENTER
As an established addiction specialist among Massachusetts rehab centers, Psyclarity Health MA provides gender-specific, patient-centric treatment in a discrete, private environment.
Facilities provide executive-level accommodation, with numerous additional services available.
These include supplementary counseling and psychiatric assistance to complement medical detox, as well as a full range of programs such as nutritional advice to encourage a new focus on health and wellness.
Business facilities are also available for corporates requiring treatment to allow professionals to access treatment with minimal impact on their daily responsibilities.
Contact Psyclarity Health Massachusetts Clinical Stabilization Services to discuss treatment options and take the first step toward long-term addiction recovery.