Medical Detox in Charleston, SC
Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease that impacts the brain’s functions and chemical balances; however, long-term recovery is possible with the correct treatment. The first step of addiction treatment is detoxification – a process that allows the body to rid itself of toxins that accumulated due to substance abuse. Medical detox helps clients break the physical dependence on alcohol or a drug, so that they can move on to rehab and learn how to handle the psychological aspects of addiction. Charleston Drug Treatment Centers, can connect you with a program that is right for you.
Understanding Medical Detox
Medical detox is a term used to describe a detox process that involves close medical supervision. In this type of detox program, medications are provided to ease some of the discomforts of withdrawal and even reduce the amount of time needed to complete the detox process.
Importance of Medical Detox
Withdrawal symptoms differ depending on the severity of the addiction and the specific substance of abuse; some common symptoms include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anxiety and strong cravings. These intense symptoms typically last about a week, making it difficult to weather the detox process without help and supervision.
Most people who attempt a “cold turkey” detox end up turning back to their substance of abuse simply to make the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms stop. In some cases, an unsupervised detox can have dangerous, even fatal, consequences. Benzodiazepines and alcohol, for example, should not be stopped abruptly– seizures, heart problems and serious respiratory issues may occur. Medical detox at a Charleston drug treatment center can greatly improve the chances of a successful withdrawal, and it can make the process safer and more comfortable.
In a medical detox program, each client is closely supervised, and trained professionals administer medications to keep clients stable and minimize withdrawal symptoms. Many Charleston treatment programs also offer complementary therapies like meditation and acupuncture to help ease the discomforts of withdrawal and keep clients in a balanced state of mind.
An Essential First Step
While medical detox is an integral part of addiction treatment, it’s important to understand that it’s only the first step on the road to recovery. After detox is complete, a rehabilitation plan that includes traditional and complementary therapies is necessary to address the underlying issues that promote addictive behavior. Rehab helps clients change negative thought patterns and replace them with healthy, positive ones; it also teaches clients coping techniques that will help them handle cravings and stress in the future.
There’s no question that treatment is essential to overcome addiction and achieve long-term recovery. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, detox alone is not sufficient to battle an addiction; rehab is needed to address the psychological and behavioral changes needed to sustain recovery.
Treating the Whole Person
Research shows that a holistic approach to addiction treatment provides the best chances for long-term recovery. Charleston Drug Treatment Centers takes a holistic approach to detox and treatment, offering connections to a combination of medication, natural remedies, and complementary therapies that work to heal the body, mind, and spirit. When clients maintain a sense of well-being and balance during the detox process, they’re able to focus their energy on the important work of recovery. Just give our recovery advocates at Charleston Drug Treatment Centers a call today at (843) 480-9956 for more information.