“Detox,” or detoxification, is the process whereby a drug or alcohol leaves a person’s body. This process is accompanied by side effects, some of which can be life threatening. When patients undertake this process at a medical treatment facility, treatment is given to aid with acute withdrawal symptoms. Medication can help in eliminating or lessening some symptoms. In patients suffering from alcohol withdrawal syndrome, these symptoms can include:

· Tremors

· Insomnia

· Autonomic hyperactivity

· Seizures

· Delirium

· Heart palpitation

· Restlessness

· Loss of appetite

· Nausea

· Vomiting

They can range in intensity from mild to severe. In addition to treating the symptoms of withdrawal, detoxification treatment in a medical facility also includes education and counseling. This treatment can be administered through two different types of programming: inpatient and outpatient.

Inpatient

Inpatient treatment means that a patient will go to a facility to stay for a period of time, usually 5 to 14 days, while detoxification occurs. Many patients opt for inpatient treatment because patients receive around-the-clock supervision and can access medical care whenever they need it. An inpatient setting also means that the patient is removed from the environment where the addiction occurred, a factor that can help prevent relapse. Inpatient rehabilitation can be more expensive, so it’s important to check with your insurance company to determine coverage.

Outpatient

Outpatient treatment means that a patient will go to a hospital or treatment facility daily, while detoxification occurs. Outpatient treatment can range from 3 to 14 days, and can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours per session. This option is preferable if the patient’s insurance doesn’t cover inpatient rehabilitation, or if the patient needs to remain at home to care for a family or continue working. Patients in these programs also have access to more social support. However, outpatient therapy also means that the patient remains in an environment where they have easier access to addictive substances and greater risk for relapse.

Patients can usually choose between inpatient and outpatient treatment if they have mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms. Those at risk for life threatening symptoms, such as delirium tremens, and those who become suicidal or homicidal must have inpatient care, as do patients with medical conditions in addition to addiction, such as pancreatitis, gastrointestinal bleeding, or cirrhosis.

Determining the right treatment option depends on each patient’s specific needs and lifestyle. Identifying these specific needs is one of the first steps that a mental health professional will take when helping someone to overcome their addiction to drugs or alcohol. The University Pavilion is a free-standing building on the campus of University Hospital and Medical Center in Tamarac, Florida. We offer people mental health services, including outpatient detoxification, at this modern facility. For more information on how to get help for you or a loved one, visit University Hospital and Medical Center online or call 1-866-442-2362 to speak with a nurse who can answer questions and help you find help immediately.

Sources:

Alcohol, Health and Research World

National Institute on Drug Abuse

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