About Drug and Alcohol Detox

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Drug and alcohol detoxification is the period of time when the body is trying to overcome its addiction through the elimination of the chemicals from its system. It is the most important step to a successful rehabilitation.

Drugs that require detox supervision are opiate drugs such as heroin and methadone, and prescription drugs such as Xanax, Oxycontin, Lortab and Vicodin. Marijuana, crystal methamphetamine and cocaine are illegal substances that do not need supervision for detoxification. Because of a psychological dependence associated with these drugs, it would be advisable to complete a period of stabilization. If you want to know how to stop drinking you will likely need this medical supervision as well. During the purification period the patient requires close monitoring of vital signs, medication if needed, and lots of support. After heavy or prolonged drug use numerous side effects occur. These include: sweating, shaking, headaches, drug cravings, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, confusion, agitation, sleeplessness, depression, anxiety and other behavioral changes. The two common drugs used to allow the patient some relief from these symptoms are either Librium or Gapapentin, which reduce the physical symptoms and can help stop the convulsions. Generally the time period for the total process is three to seven days under monitored medical supervision.

Like drug detox, alcohol detox is usually accomplished in an inpatient facility. The key to its success is planned preparation. The first step is to bring the patient to the point of admitting to having a drinking problem and is ready and willing to change their drinking behavior. The second step is that the patients need to be given precise information of what to expect during detoxification. There are two withdrawal categories: minor and major, meaning early and late withdrawal. These syndromes fall into three categories which involve the central nervous system, the automatic nervous system and the cognitive dysfunction. The severity of withdrawal becomes dependant on the duration of the alcohol use. The withdrawal symptoms range from minor symptoms such as insomnia and tremulousness to severe complications such as seizures and tremors. As an outpatient, most people undergoing withdrawal can be treated safely and effectively. Pharmacologic treatment involves the use of medications that are cross-tolerant with alcohol. Benzodiazepines, the medication of choice, may be administered on a fixed or symptom-triggered schedule. Carbamazepine is a good alternative to benzodiazepine in the outpatient treatment of patients with mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms. The process of withdrawal and detoxification is very serious and a professional medical staff, plus counseling are important for its success.