Alcohol or drug detox programs differ based on the type of addiction the patient is suffering from. Many of these programs offer medical detox, which helps addicts get through withdrawal in a safer, more comfortable way. This process can give addicts a clean slate when they enter a rehab program so that they can focus on the emotional aspects of their addiction.
Reaching out to Drug Rehab East Orange can be difficult at first, but the benefits ultimately make it worth it.Alcohol Rehab East Orange help addicts and their families find rehab treatment.
Many addicts who attempt home detox end up relapsing almost immediately, even if they are truly invested in quitting their substance abuse. This is because they are ill-equipped to deal with the severity of withdrawal symptoms, which can include high-grade fevers, severe dehydration, and waves of nausea and vomiting.
Some withdrawal experiences can be deadly. In the case of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS), addicts can experience violent body tremors, sleeplessness, and body pains. Delirium tremens (DTs), the more serious version of AWS, can cause more serious symptoms like hallucinations and seizures. Without medical treatment, addicts risk permanent injury or even death.
Additionally, addicts who choose home detox methods risk coming into contact with the substances that they are addicted to. There is a higher chance that a person can access drugs or alcohol while outside a rehabilitation facility. This can lead to a number of detox and relapse cycles, which can cause an addict's body to go into shock or to sustain permanent damage to vital organs (particularly the liver and heart).
Medical detox addresses these concerns by providing a safe, clean environment. Medical care is provided for any withdrawal symptoms that the patient might experience to make the process more comfortable. Medications can also help curve cravings and treat any conditions that were caused by withdrawal or former drug use, like high blood pressure or irregular heartbeat.
Prescription medications can be used to ease withdrawal symptoms and to control cravings. Medications that reduce cravings are an important aspect of relapse prevention. Here are the medications most commonly used to treat addiction.
Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone) is used to treat opiate addiction. Buprenorphine is a synthetic opioid. Naloxone is an opiate-receptor blocker that reverses the effects of opioids like heroin. Suboxone helps to ease withdrawal symptoms by helping individuals to slowly weaning off of narcotics.
Methadone is an opioid with a long duration of action, which makes it less addictive. It simply extends detoxification periods to reduce the occurrence of life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
Naltrexone reverses the effects of opioids and is often used in overdose (respiratory depression, etc.). It can help to control withdrawal symptoms, particularly when combined with other medications.
Antabuse, also called disulfiram, is used to treat alcohol addiction. When combined with alcohol, it causes unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms. Over time, Antabuse leads people to associate alcohol with illness, which can help control cravings.
Neurontin, also called gabapentin, is an anti-seizure medication. It can be used to control seizures during withdrawal, but is also effective in relieving nerve pain. These and other methods can be used to help treat addicted patients in rehabilitation facilities. For more information on medical detox and rehabs, call Drug Rehab Centers East Orange at (877) 804-1531.