What is a Medically Supervised Inpatient Detox?

When an individual becomes addicted to a substance, whether it be drugs or alcohol, one aspect of the addiction is the physical dependency that develops.  Physical dependency to drugs or alcohol occurs over a period of time.  It can be a few weeks or longer depending on the frequency and amount used by the drug or alcohol addicted individual.  When an individual becomes addicted to drugs or alcohol, they will require a stay at a medically supervised inpatient detox facility.  A stay at an inpatient drug and alcohol detox facility is needed to stabilize the individual as their body goes through the withdrawal process.  Drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be life threatening and the need to be under the supervision of trained medical professionals is paramount. 

Are you searching for an “inpatient detox near me?” The team at Aftermath Addiction Treatment Center, located in Wakefield, MA, understands the importance of medically supervised treatment.  It is the first step an individual must take on the road to recovery from drug or alcohol addiction.  If you believe that you or a loved one may have a substance misuse issue contact Aftermath Addiction Treatment Center today at 855-795-1226

Why Is a Medically Supervised Inpatient Detox Important?

For those addicted to drugs or alcohol, a medically supervised inpatient detox is important.  A medically supervised detox facility allows an individual to be monitored to ensure a safe stabilization from the debilitating effects of drug or alcohol withdrawal symptoms.  One reason that an inpatient detox is an integral as the first step of addiction treatment, is that drug or alcohol addicted individuals struggle in getting through the symptoms of withdrawal.  The symptoms are so unpleasant that when an individual attempts to detox from a substance on their own, they relapse before they can get over the physical chemical dependency.  They cannot safely get through the nausea, body aches, disorientation, and pains associated with withdrawal symptoms.  Another reason that drug or alcohol addicted individuals require a stay at a medically supervised inpatient detox facility, is the health risks associated with the symptoms of withdrawal.  Some of the symptoms of withdrawal can pose a serious danger to the life of the individual.  Withdrawal symptoms such as seizure, heart attack, stroke, or coma can prove fatal.  It is for this reason that drug or alcohol addicted individuals must be supervised by medically trained professionals who can safely stabilize drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms in a restful and peaceful environment.

What Are the Symptoms of Drug and Alcohol Withdrawals?

Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol and various drugs differ depending on the substance that is abused.  The detox process from benzodiazepine, alcohol, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine can be very different experiences.  Certain substances can cause different symptoms, but range from:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Insomnia
  • Restlessness
  • Irregular pulse
  • High blood pressure
  • Disorientation
  • Muscle and bone aches
  • Cramps
  • Seizures
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Hallucinations
  • Paranoia
  • Psychosis

Many of these symptoms can be life threatening so it’s important to be under professional supervision.

What Is a Medically Supervised Inpatient Detox?

There are several stages to a full addiction treatment program.  A medically supervised inpatient detox for drug and alcohol addiction, is the very first step an individual takes when beginning their treatment for a substance use disorder.  Medically supervised detoxification from drugs and alcohol does not address the underlying causes of addiction.  Without first ridding the body of addictive substances like drugs and alcohol, it can be difficult for individuals to complete an addiction treatment program.  Under the care of medical professionals who are trained in addiction medicine, as well as a team of technicians dedicated to providing comfort and care to those going through the withdrawal process, individuals who attend an inpatient drug and alcohol detox facility will rid their bodies of drugs and alcohol as well as the physical dependency to those substances.  This is achieved through the use of medications and monitoring of the addicted individual’s vitals during their stay at the inpatient detox.  The course of treatment is individualized to the unique needs of the drug or alcohol addicted individual attending the medically supervised inpatient detox facility.  As such the length of stay at a detox facility can range anywhere from three days to a week to complete the course of treatment.

What Comes After Detox?

Upon completion of a drug and alcohol detox, the individual is ready to begin the next phase in their addiction treatment by attending either a residential addiction treatment program or an outpatient drug and alcohol rehab program.  How long an individual should stay in treatment for drug and alcohol addiction varies.  However, studies show that the longer an individual remains in treatment, the more likely it is for a positive outcome for maintaining sobriety.  An individuals next steps after completion of a medically supervised inpatient detox is often a partial hospitalization program (PHP), followed by an intensive outpatient program (IOP).  Many individuals reside in sober living communities while attending outpatient addiction treatment services and attend various support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous.  Drug and alcohol addicted individuals attend treatment to address the underlying causes of their addiction and change problem behaviors that led to their substance abuse.  Individuals build new routines, form healthy relationships, and find new ways to cope with their struggles in early recovery.

Get Help for Your Addiction Today at Aftermath Addiction Treatment Cente4r

If you or a loved one struggles with substance abuse, contact us or call 855-795-1226 today and speak with a member of the team at Aftermath Addiction Treatment Center.  Aftermath Addiction Treatment Center can help drug or alcohol addicted residents of Massachusetts find a top-rated detox as their first step on the road to recovery.  Some of the many services provided at Aftermath Addiction Treatment Center include:

Contact us today to learn more and let us help you attain the life you deserve.

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