How Detox Makes Withdrawal More Comfortable

Trying to end substance dependence begins with the mind wanting to be free of addiction. Your body, however, makes this hard as it goes through withdrawal.

By suddenly deciding to go sober, your body can have problems functioning as your mind and body crave the drug. So how does detox and medication aid with withdrawal symptoms?

What Is The Purpose of Detox?

In short, detox is a medically supervised program to help an individual heal both body and mind prior to using substances. Medical professionals administer medication to help with the present withdrawal symptoms. This type of support group can make recovery from substance abuse easier and more successful. 

Detox From Alcohol

Detox from alcohol abuse certainly makes withdrawal less pronounced when combined with medication. What is key to understand with the case of alcohol withdrawal, is that symptoms can happen within a 6 to 24 hour range, and even last for up to 10 days. Detox medication is so important in treating alcohol withdrawal, that without it it can be fatal. Medically supervised detox for those suffering from alcohol withdrawal helps with the following:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• High blood pressure
• Cravings
• Dehydration
• Hallucinations
• Delirium Tremens 

With regards to delirium tremens, detox helps with the visual and auditory hallucinations known as part of this condition.

Delirium Tremens is very severe and difficult for those in recovery to endure. Medication as part of a detox plan to recovery can be very assuring to those in recovery from alcohol dependence. 

Detox From Opioids

We are currently witnessing the opioid epidemic which has taken millions of lives in the 21st century. Often addicted to prescription opioids like OxyCodone or Hydrocodone, chronic pain sufferers make the decision to use street opioids like fentanyl and heroin. This addiction, unfortunately, is deadly in too many cases. 

Being addicted to fentanyl and other such powerful opioids can have the following severe effects:

• Nausea
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Muscle cramps
• Cravings
• PAWS – Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome

With regards to PAWS, this condition is described as a long term withdrawal, where the dependence is craved for years after treatment. Drugs such as Naltrexone, Methadone, and antidepressants can limit the withdrawal symptoms for PAWS and guarantee the success of opioid detox.

Emotional Support During Detox

Aside from the initial detox in the form of medication, emotional support is also a key component of successful detox therapy.  In times of distress, encouragement in the form of emotional support eases the intensity of going through substance withdrawal. Whether it is the availability of medical staff or other support groups, emotional support keeps those on the path to recovery comfortable and positive. 

If you or a loved one is seeking help and wants to recover from substance abuse, please contact our staff and start your healing today.