Drug & Alcohol Detox Centers
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Drug and alcohol detox centers focus on helping
addicts safely and humanely withdraw from their drugs of choice.
For most substance abusers, detox is the first step in a longer
term recovery program. Detox, however, may take from several
hours to 3 - 14 days for completion. Drug and alcohol detox
centers are usually located in inpatient settings inside of
hospitals or residential treatment centers. A few detox centers
are standalone facilities, which contract out to other facilities.
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Drug and alcohol detox centers use three main models for
withdrawal from substance abuse, though many alternative models
exist as well. The three main models for drug and alcohol
detox are the social, medical and rapid detox models.
The social detox model is for those with moderate drug and alcohol
dependency problems that do not have a long-history of chemical
dependency issues and are medically able and willing to go through
detoxification without the use prescribed detox drugs. The social
model may or may not be medically supervised and emphasis is upon
being in a supportive environment with other like-minded individuals
who are struggling with the same issues and offering support.
Drug & Alcohol Detox Programs Change Lives
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The medical model of detoxification is for those with severe substance
abuse issues, or those who are in poor health or have other existing
medical conditions, who need medical intervention and prescribed
medications to aid in the detoxification process. Medical detox
is completed under the close care of a physician and supporting
medical staff. Medical detox is necessary for those with severe
alcoholism in order to combat the withdrawal effects of seizure,
Delirium Tremors (DT's) and autonomic hyperactivity.
Medical detox is also required for many of those with addictions
to both illegal drugs and prescribed medications. Medications
can be given individuals that will aid in the pain and discomfort
of withdrawal. Medication can also aid in the ridding of toxins
from the body and help with some of the withdrawal effects
such as tremors, vomiting, severe body pain and sometimes
hallucinations. For some with opiate addictions, medications
such as Methadone, levo-alphaacetylmethadol (LAAM) or Naltrexone
(which may also be inserted under the skin for release over
time) may be used in detox and in ongoing treatment.
The rapid detox model, which has been in existence about
10 years now, is for some substance abusers with opiate addictions,
who need special medications to cleanse the client's opiate
receptors. Rapid detox may be completed in just 5 -8 hours
while under general anesthesia inside an intensive care unit,
under the supervision of a physician and anesthesiologist.
Follow-up medication is also given to help break the opiate
addiction. Medication such as Subutex (the sublingual form
of buprenorphine/buprenex) or Naltrexone may be used at rapid
detox centers.
Some other non-traditional detox programs may include bio-physical
treatment, nutritional detox and faith-based detox programs.
Bio-physical treatment may include sauna, exercise and vitamins
as part of the program. The nutritional detox program uses
megavitamin therapy, nutritional supplements and diet to achieve
results. Faith-base programs resemble the social model, but
with emphasis on specific religious beliefs.
Ideally, drug and alcohol detox centers should provide counseling
along with the detoxification services to help those substance
abusers with the psychological and emotional distress that
usually accompanies withdrawal. Follow-up treatment in a short-term,
long-term or outpatient rehab center is also highly recommended
in order to assure recovery over the long haul.
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