A detox center is designed to break the physical chemical dependence of an addictive substance. Alcohol, methamphetamines, prescription drugs, and opiates, are just a few of the drugs that alter the chemical balance in the body and may cause extremely unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. In addition, the powerful cravings that the body develops for abused substances are often strong enough to keep an addict using. However, detox centers function as facilities that specialize in supervising patients in withdrawal and treating the withdrawal symptoms of those who are attempting to recover from their drug or alcohol problems.
Drug and alcohol detox centers are the first step to an addiction recovery. The word detox is short for detoxify, which means to remove all harmful toxins and their byproducts from the body. There are both inpatient and outpatient detox centers. Plus, ultra rapid detox programs exist. However, in patient or residential detox centers have been proven the most effective for success. They are usually overseen by a medical doctor who can prescribe medication that will lesson the symptoms of withdrawal. Plus, a medical support staff serves the patient to encourage their recovery and assist them with accomplishing their goal of completing the detox process.
In an outpatient rehab center, patients are not required to have constant supervision. Often they will stay for approximately 5 hours a day, then return home in the evenings. Some outpatient detox centers are also able to prescribe medication to help with the detox process. Buprenorphine and methadone are two common prescriptions used to treat the addiction of opioid based drugs, which may present withdrawal symptoms such as severe nausea, vomiting, seizures, or convulsions. However, if a patient is unable to receive residential treatment, these medication may still be available through a local outpatient detox center.
Rapid detox centers exist to place an addict under anesthesia for periods of their detox process. However, these programs are not covered by insurance. Plus, they can cause serious pulmonary, psychiatric, and metabolic problems. Also, research suggests that heroin addicts who undergo rapid detox will still suffer many of the same symptoms of those who use a traditional detox center.
