Medical Detoxification Treatment in Topeka, KS (877) 804-1531
Although the idea of checking into a treatment facility can seem overwhelming for some individuals, addiction rehab is often the best way to treat patients struggling with chemical dependency. Medical detox is generally the first step during the initial treatment stage. Quitting on your own may not be a good idea as some addicts, especially alcoholics, can experience intensive withdrawal symptoms.
Throughout the medical detox protocol, symptoms of sudden onset withdrawal are carefully monitored. These symptoms can be extremely dangerous and life-threatening if not evaluated and handled by a professional. Quitting drugs or alcohol abruptly can lead to serious health consequences, depending on how long the individual has used these substances and on the substance being used. Having an expert evaluate the severity of the body's chemical addiction is a necessary procedure to ensure a safe medical detox.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Symptoms of withdrawal from substance abuse experienced during medical detox can set in as quickly as a few short hours after the last use, and can last up to several weeks after. The symptoms' intensity vary from person to person and typically include:
- Anxiety
- Sweating
- Agitation
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Trouble breathing and/or tightness of the chest
- Muscle tension
- Mild Tremors
- Diarrhea
These symptoms occur when the brain's neurotransmitters are no longer suppressed by the substance abused. The body may have experienced euphoria and calm during substance abuse, but once that substance is no longer present, the increase in neurotransmitter activity can lead to chemical imbalances and dependency. This increase in activity manifests in symptoms directly opposite to that of prolonged drug or alcohol consumption.
More serious complications known as Delirium Tremens can be present in some extreme cases of withdrawal. DT's are a form of hallucination in which the patient believes the what they are seeing, feeling and/or hearing is real. This can also be accompanied by seizures and cardiac arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat. These severe side effects should be monitored and treated only by medical professionals as cardiovascular, intestinal, neurological or respiratory damage may have occurred during the duration of the addiction. These symptoms are considered medical emergencies.
If you or a loved one is currently experiencing or has recently experienced withdrawal from a chemical or drug, dial (877) 804-1531 to get help searching for rehab centers from Drug Rehab Topeka KS.
Safe Detox
The best option for detoxification is to attend a drug treatment center that specializes in getting addicts safely through the process. Medical intervention involves a team of highly skilled professionals supervising clients 24 hours a day. They can administer medications to control the symptoms associated with detox.
The medications, which could include tranquilizers, anti-depressants and anesthesia, are commonly used to alleviate symptoms associated with withdrawal. Therapy is often combined with detox for patients who struggle with dual diagnosis. Individuals who have a history of depression or anxiety need a program that focuses on these elements.
Drug and alcohol addiction rehab concentrating on medical detox recognizes that different drugs produce different side effects, and therefore, require different treatment approaches. The ultimate goal of detoxification is to stop using drugs or alcohol entirely. Some clients can undergo withdrawal therapy on an outpatient basis, while others will require admission to an addiction facility.