Understanding a Medically Assisted Detox
You’ve been trying to overcome your battle with drugs for a while now. But you’ve already learned that quitting cold turkey doesn’t work. Not for you.
Now, you’re looking for a better way. And you’re not the only one considering that nearly 20 million adults in the United States struggled with drug addiction in 2017.
The good news is that a medically assisted detox can be a helpful way for you to get clean. Here’s a rundown on what you need to know about a medically assisted detox, and if it could be for you.
Let’s get started!
A Medically Assisted Detox Involves an Initial Evaluation Step
Once you have decided to undergo a medically assisted detox, you can expect to first complete an evaluation at a treatment center like Bridges of Hope Treatment Center.
Your evaluation will likely involve a questionnaire as well as a physical examination. You can also expect to complete blood tests.
In addition, health care experts may screen you for any co-occurring medical conditions, including disorders impacting your mental health.
Through your evaluation, therapists will draw a conclusion regarding your psychological state. They’ll also determine how strong your support system is during the evaluation.
Afterward, a doctor will create a customized treatment plan for you based on the information collected through the evaluation.
Stabilization Step
During this step of the detox process, you will discontinue your drug use.
Health professionals will help you to achieve medical stability and sobriety using medication. The benefit of medication is that it can help to ease the withdrawal symptoms of some drugs, such as opioids, alcohol, and tobacco.
How severe your symptoms are and how long your withdrawal period is will depend on how severe your addiction is, as well as what type of drug you’re addicted to.
For instance, stabilization can last as short as two days for an alcohol addiction. Meanwhile, it can last as long as eight weeks for a long-acting benzodiazepine, like diazepam.
Note that your health insurance plan should cover your detox services. In addition, the services available through a reputable treatment center should cover needs that are culturally diverse.
Preparation Step
After you’ve gone through the medically assisted detox process, you will likely need additional treatment.
Why? Because detox in and of itself doesn’t prepare you for the challenges you’ll psychologically face afterward.
You can expect health care professionals to educate you about the value of starting therapy post detox. For instance, you could take part in a 12-step addiction recovery program. These programs can increase your chances of staying clean long term.
How We Can Help
In addition to explaining a medically assisted detox, we offer a wide range of tips and advice related to health matters.
For instance, you can learn about how to better achieve a healthy environment and feel good again. In addition, we offer tips for beating picky eating.
Take a peek at our site to learn more about how to improve your health and overall quality of life in the months and years ahead.
