What is Medically Monitored Detox
Drug addiction and alcoholism are extremely serious conditions – not only because they cause those who are actively suffering from their effects a great deal of physical, emotional and psychological harm, but because as soon as they stop using they will face a wide range of serious – sometimes life-threatening – withdrawal symptoms. Fortunately, medically monitored detox facilities were carefully designed to help men and women of all ages and walks of life overcome the symptoms of withdrawal in a safe and supervised environment, ultimately transitioning to the next appropriate level of addiction treatment. In most cases, this will be inpatient/residential treatment, where the individual will undergo intensive therapeutic care for between one and three months (or longer if the unique case of substance dependency was especially severe).
Medical detox is a crucial phase of the overall recovery process for numerous reasons. Sadly, many men and women who have been suffering at the hands of a substance abuse disorder attempt to detox on their own in an at-home setting. Doing so is never a good idea. Not only is detoxing at home exceptionally dangerous, but the services that medical detox facilities like Chapel Hill provide are essential to a pain-free withdrawal process. When the symptoms of withdrawal are physically and psychologically uncomfortable, individuals are more likely to return to using their substance of choice in order to alleviate these symptoms.
We have compiled an additional 5 reasons why attempting to detox at home is never a good idea – take a look!
- Detoxing at home can be extremely dangerous. Drug and alcohol withdrawal will vary in severity based on the type of chemical substances being used, the amount being used and the consistency of use. Some withdrawal symptoms – like those associated with alcohol and benzodiazepines – can be lethal if left untreated. They can cause complications leading to grand mal seizures, strokes and coma. Other commonly abused substances like prescription painkillers and other opiates are not quite as dangerous to withdraw from, but serious health-related complications are still liable to occur. At Chapel Hill Detox we treat symptoms as soon as they present themselves. Our experienced team of medical doctors, nurses and prescribing physicians work together to ensure that the entire process is as safe as possible.
- Those who attempt to detox at home are significantly more likely to relapse. One of the most common symptoms associated with drug and alcohol withdrawal is the presence of intense and overwhelming psychological cravings. Once chemical substances are removed from the system (after the system has adapted to their presence), the central nervous system will send panicked messages to the brain. “Where is the drug we’ve been using daily, we need it in order to function properly,” the central nervous system will say to the brain. Obviously, this is a simplified and non-scientific explanation of how the process of withdrawal actually works. This communication leads to psychological cravings, which – if not treated – often lead to relapse. In medical detox facilities like Chapel Hill, medications are utilized to help prevent these cravings. For example, someone who has been suffering at the hands of an opiate addiction might be given Suboxone, a medication used to alleviate the physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal. One of our main priorities is helping our clients avoid relapse with a combination of effective, non-narcotic medications and extensive relapse prevention training.
- Detoxing in a medically monitored facility allows for in-depth aftercare planning. Aftercare planning is essential to the maintenance of long-term sobriety – if there is no solid plan put into place once an individual moves on from medical detox, he or she is significantly more likely to relapse within the first month of his or her release. At Chapel Hill Detox, our case managers work closely with each individual client in developing a plan of action that will take place immediately after medical detox comes to an end. This aftercare plan will not only include an immediate transition to inpatient treatment or intensive outpatient treatment, but it will map out a continuation of therapeutic care, any psychiatric services that might prove to be necessary, and other related services that must be continued in order for long-term sobriety to be achieved.
- If you detox at home, you will not have access to medication assisted treatment or other services geared towards client comfort. When it comes to detoxing in a medically monitored detox facility, client comfort is key. Facilities like Chapel Hill Detox work hard to ensure that clients are as comfortable as possible every step of the way. As previously mentioned, this often means utilized medication assisted treatment to alleviate the more disruptive physical symptoms associated with withdrawal. Another common symptom associated with withdrawal is insomnia or other sleep-related issues. Our prescribing physicians will provide clients with non-addictive sleep medications so that they are able to rest and sleep through the night without interruption. We also prescribe non-narcotic, over-the-counter painkillers to help alleviate general feelings of physical discomfort. Additionally, we offer numerous amenities that are geared towards client comfort, like a state-of-the-art kitchen and dining area, well-decorated communal areas and peaceful private bedrooms.
- Those who detox in an at-home setting are less likely to continue on to inpatient rehab. There is a very good chance that individuals who detox at home will attempt to quit utilizing a method other than inpatient rehab, such as 12 step meetings and other support groups. While 12 step meetings are undeniably an important part of every successful, comprehensive treatment program, it is important that a multi-phased program of clinical care is taken advantage of. That is to say – inpatient rehab is extremely important. Addiction is a far-reaching and thoroughly devastating disease. It destroys the physical body, mental well-being and harshly compromises emotional stability. Treatment must tackle all of these things comprehensively, while effectively treating all underlying, contributing factors and teaching clients the skills and coping mechanisms they need to stay sober for the remainder of their lives.
Chapel Hill Detox – The Clinical Services We Provide
At Chapel Hill Detox, we provide a wide range of detox and recovery-related services, including:
- Medication management
- Life skills training groups
- Relapse prevention training groups
- Individual therapy sessions
- Clinical evaluations
- Psychiatric evaluations
- Case management services
- Aftercare planning services
- Family therapy and additional family resources
- Rehab placement
Committing to a New Way of Life
If you are ready to commit to an entirely new way of life, simply give Chapel Hill Detox a call today. Our compassionate treatment advisors will walk you through all of the necessary initial steps, getting you admitted to our program as soon as possible. We understand that when it comes to severe substance abuse disorders there is typically a very small window of willingness, meaning that those who need treatment are typically only willing to commit to medical detox for a short period of time before the psychological cravings become too overpowering to ignore. As soon as you or someone you love takes the initial step and reaches out for help, Chapel Hill will be there. To learn more about our medically monitored detox program or to begin your own personal journey of lifelong addiction recovery, give Chapel Hill Detox a call at your earliest possible convenience. There is truly no time to wait!