Medical Detoxification Programs in Louisville, KY
Detox is the process by which an addicted person can remove the drugs and alcohol from their system. Being sober for the first time after a long period of substance abuse can be physically and emotionally traumatic. Medical detox seeks to make this process easier by allowing an addicted patient to come off of drugs and alcohol in a safe, clean environment. Medication is used for withdrawal symptoms and the health of the patient is closely monitored for their safety.
There are a number of reputable drug treatment centers that offer medical detox as a service. It is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. For more information on this and other treatments, call Louisville Drug Treatment Centers at (877) 804-1531.
The Purpose of Medical Detox
Detox is not the only step in drug rehabilitation, but it is one of the most important. Patients who are entering treatment for the first time, or who are re-entering treatment after relapsing, face a number of complications. Withdrawal can be highly stressful and in some cases, potentially fatal. The purpose of detox is to:
- Stabilize an addict's health through medical treatment.
- Reduce emotional and physical trauma through gradual detox rather than a "cold turkey approach."
- Allow the addict to detox in a sterile, drug and alcohol-free environment.
- Prepare the addict to enter into the mental phase of rehabilitation.
Professional Medical Detox vs. Home Detox
There is an old stereotype of an addict "white-knuckling" through detox by staying at home and abstaining from drugs or alcohol. The truth about home detox is that it can be highly dangerous at worst and ineffective at best.
Detox through the "cold turkey" or pure abstinence approach can cause undue stress on the body. When major organs have become used to operating with addictive substances in a person's system, they can overcompensate or undercompensate functionality. When a person quits drugs or alcohol suddenly, their body is likely to react negatively through the immune system. This is why many addicts experience flu-like symptoms as they enter the withdrawal stage.
Additionally, home detox does not fully prevent addicts from having access to drugs or alcohol. Addicts who are blindsided by the severity of their withdrawal symptoms are likely to take the substance they are addicted to in order to relieve their pain. Repeated detox and withdrawal can cause permanent damage to major organs, as well as causing emotional stress.
Professional detox in a facility is closely monitored by medical staff who can treat any health complications and ease the discomfort of withdrawal. Additionally, heading straight into treatment in a rehabilitation center will ensure that an addict does not immediately relapse. This process will result in a more effective and safe treatment and long-lasting sobriety.
Common Withdrawal Symptoms
Each drug that a person can become addicted to has different withdrawal symptoms associated with it. Examples include:
Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
- Cold sweats
- Crying jags (periods of unexplained crying)
- Fever
- Cramping and pain
- Increased heart rate
- Low blood pressure
Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms
- Aches and pains
- Chills
- Exhaustion
- Depression
- Poor concentration
- Tremors
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
- Nausea and vomiting
- Body tremors
- Abdominal pain
- Sweating
- Sleeplessness
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
It is important that you or a loved one seek treatment immediately after experiencing any of these symptoms. Withdrawal is rarely fatal, but in cases such as alcohol withdrawal, more serious complications can occur without medical treatment.
To learn how you or a person you love can enter a drug treatment center program with medical detox, call Louisville Drug Treatment Centers at (877) 804-1531.