Medical Detox in Providence RI (877) 804-1531

Medical detox refers to actions that are taken to reduce the withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting drugs and alcohol. Most medical detox protocols begin with a general physical assessment. A health professional will determine the most appropriate detox arrangement based on a person's overall health, severity of addiction, and any underlying medical problems. During medical detox, patients can be given medications to help reduce associated symptoms. At drug rehab centers in Providence, qualified medical detox professionals provide patients with constant supervision, guidance and support. Detox needs to be done gradually to reduce the person's risk of seizures, anxiety, and other detox-related symptoms.

Dangers of Quitting at Home

Many addicts will suffer from some form of withdrawal symptoms. While they may be mild in some cases, they can also be quite serious. Common examples include seizures, anxiety, dehydration, and even hallucinations. Undergoing a detox at home rather than in a medical setting can greatly increase a person's chance of suffering serious side effects related to the detox process.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms vary from one person to the next. In some cases, specific symptoms can be linked to the drug that the person is addicted to. For example, someone who is addicted to alcohol has a higher chance of suffering from seizures, hallucinations, and anxiety. Someone who is detoxing from a painkillers such as OxyContin is more likely to experience flulike symptoms as well as tremors are shaking, poor appetite, moodiness, confusion, and headache.

The doctors can administer treatment medications for withdrawal and detox if needed. Treatment medication for opiate addiction typically includes Suboxone and Methadone. An alcoholic may receive Antabuse, a prescription medication that creates an unpleasant reaction when it's mixed with alcohol. Other options include Neurontin, an anti-convulsant that assists with withdrawal-related seizures, and Bupropion, which treats depression.

Types of Programs

Medical detox must take place through an inpatient or outpatient drug or alcohol treatment program.

Inpatient programs require a stay at a residential facility. The benefits of inpatient programs include time away from triggers to focus on recovery, a supportive and collaborative environment, a structured routine, and intensive traditional and alternative therapies that address the psychological issues behind the addiction. Inpatient programs are typically the most successful, especially for people with a long history of addiction, a co-occurring mental illness, or a secondary addiction.

Outpatient programs allow the patient to continue living at home and meeting obligations there and in the community. The benefits of outpatient programs include a higher level of privacy and the ability to maintain employment during the treatment process. Outpatient programs can be very successful as long as the patient is personally committed to recovery and has support at home.

One of the most common causes of relapse after detox is not kicking the dangerous habits that go with drug addiction. While detox removes the drug from the person's body, it won't keep a person from using again. Programs provide patients with the methods to cope with drug addiction once they have gotten through the withdrawal process.

How to Choose a Program

Inpatient treatment is essential for people with an intense addiction, a co-occurring mental illness, or a secondary addiction.

Outpatient treatment enables patients to remain at home while receiving treatment through the program. Outpatient treatment requires a strong personal commitment to recovery and a support system at home.

If you're unsure whether you or a loved one should choose inpatient or outpatient treatment, talk to someone who can help you decide which type of program you are looking for, help you find treatment centers, and will give you options, call Drug Rehab Providence RI at (877) 804-1531.