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The Process Of Detoxification Explained |
By:
Chris Channing |
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The Process Of Detoxification Explained
Chris Channing
Drug detoxification is a set of interventions meant to control drug intoxication and withdrawal. The goal of detoxification is to remove the substance of abuse from the patient's body. The process of detoxification is meant to lessen the physical effects of addictive substances. Psychological aspects, social factors, and behavioral issues that come with drug addiction are not necessarily treated through detoxification.
Drug detoxification relieves and reduces the withdrawal symptoms of drug users and at the same time helps them adjust to living without drugs. Drug detoxification is not a full treatment to get off of drugs, but an early step in a long-term treatment. Drug detoxifications and treatments generally last several months and are held by community programs in residential centers.
Three Steps To Success
There are three steps to drug detoxification. The first step is the evaluation step. Through the process of evaluation patients are tested to find out what kind of substances are in their bloodstream along with the amount of that substance or substances. Patients are also tested for dual diagnosis, co-occurring disorders, behavioral issues, and mental issues.
The second step in the drug detoxification process is the stabilization step. Through stabilization patients are guiding through the detoxification process. Patients can choose whether they want to use medication or not to get through the process. More often than not patients will choose to take medication to help them through. Patients are taught about the things they are going to face once they go through the treatment and recovery process. If appropriate, family members or people that are close to the patient will be asked to come in to show that they are involved and that they support the patient.
The third and final step of detoxification is the process of guiding patients into treatment. Through this process patients get prepared to face the actual recovery process. Through this stage a patient agrees to complete the process by enrolling into a drug rehabilitation program.
Another form of detoxification is known as rapid detoxification. Rapid detoxification usually takes place in a hospital and is conducted with the use of a general anesthesia. Rapid detoxification is meant for opiate based substances like heroin, vicodin, methadone, and any prescribed narcotic pain killers. Rapid detoxification is generally overseen by certified anesthesiologists and nursing staffs that are specialize in similar procedures. While a patient is under anesthesia they are given medications that accelerate the physical reactions of the withdrawal process that can last up to six hours.
If you want to become drug free than drug detoxification is a good way to start. Remember that drug detoxification is just the start of a long-term process to becoming drug free. Detoxification will only prepare you for what will come in the future and lessen the physical effects of substance abuse, but there is more you must do to become drug free. If you are really serious about becoming drug free then after you pass the three steps of detoxification you should go into drug rehab. Being drug free will be well worth it in the end, despite how time consuming it may be.
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Article Source: http://www.statssheet.com/articles/article81247.html |
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