Detox is the first step to taking on a long journey toward recovery and sobriety. Needing help throughout this process is nothing to be ashamed of, as physical dependency and addiction have a powerful effect on a person’s mental and physical health. Those battling against substance use disorders are not villains; they are people suffering from a disease that can be treated. Going through detox at home without assistance can be risky and, for some, even dangerous.
People who have become dependent on substances have suffered long enough, and medical detox is the best way to make their recovery more comfortable. If you or someone you care about is trying to get clean, enrolling in a comprehensive medical detox program can be a life-saving choice. At CeDAR, we use a complete continuum of care to help people heal and offer various treatment services, including medical detox. We use evidence-based treatment modalities to ensure every patient has the best chance of success. Sustainable, long-term recovery from addiction is within reach for anyone willing to take a right first steps. To learn more about what we offer, contact us at 720.848.3000.
What Is Detox?
Detox is the process of the body ridding itself of the waste products and toxins introduced by alcohol or drugs. This process starts the moment a person stops using drugs or alcohol. The withdrawal symptoms associated with detox can be painful, frightening, and sometimes even life-threatening.
The detox process varies greatly from person to person, but there are many common symptoms that most people will experience. Some of the symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle aches
- Insomnia
- High blood pressure
- Fever
5 Benefits of Medical Detox
1. Medical detox is safer
The severity of withdrawal symptoms depends on various factors, such as what substance a person is detoxing from, their medical history, and the extent of their addiction. Those who have engaged in long-term, heavy use of substances are at a higher risk of dangerous symptoms such as delirium tremens, or seizures. Medical detox allows the patient to be watched closely for such symptoms and given the appropriate treatment. This is much safer than at-home detox, where the patient may be left unsupervised for hours or days.
2. Medical detox is more comfortable
Patients who suffer from more serious withdrawal symptoms in a medical detox program can get treatment for these symptoms. The medical team can administer medications to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms if needed. The patient may also be deficient in terms of nutrition and essential minerals and vitamins due to substance abuse. This may also be addressed to get them to a baseline standard of health by the end of the detox.
3. Medical detox offers a sober environment
Detoxing at home is often unsuccessful because of the many triggers for substance use. It can be too easy for a person to relapse because they are in the same situation and environment as when using substances. Medical detox at a dedicated treatment facility removes any chance for a patient to use substances again.
4. Medical detox adapts to the patient’s needs
With the constant monitoring that the medical team will perform, they will be able to see whether or not a patient is responding well to detox. The patient can then be prescribed medication, or other adjustments can be made to maximize their comfort and likelihood of success in detox.
5. Medical detox increases the patient’s chances of recovery
Successful detox is not the end goal of treatment; it is simply the first step in a long journey. Medical detox allows the patient to be evaluated and stabilized while preparing them for ongoing treatment that will address the root causes of addiction and substance use.
Enroll in a Medical Detox Program at CeDAR in Denver, Colorado
If you or someone you love is thinking of getting sober, the best action is to enroll in a medical detox program. At CeDAR, we believe in competence, compassion, and commitment. Each staff member follows those three principles to deliver the highest standard of care to each patient. Our patients have access to treatment and therapy, a spiritual center, and ample opportunity to exercise. Substance use disorders do not have to take over your life. Even if you aren’t completely convinced about these medical detox benefits, you can call us at 720.848.3000 to learn more about what we offer.
