Medical Detox in Richmond, VA

Drug addiction needs to be tackled on a number of fronts, from the early stages of intervention and medical detox through to the later stages of rehabilitation and aftercare. Medical detox is the process and experience of drug withdrawal under medical supervision, either at a private hospital or a dedicated treatment facility. Medical detox is typically carried out at the beginning of the treatment process, with patients helped to get clean and sober before moving on with the rest of the treatment process. If you or someone you know needs help overcoming a drug or alcohol problem, there’s a place in Richmond for you or your loved one.

The Dangers of Withdrawal

Drug dependence is recognized by the existence of tolerance and withdrawal symptoms when drug intake is stopped. While not all psychoactive substances produce recognizable withdrawal symptoms, both physical-somatic and emotional-motivational symptoms are common. Central nervous system (CNS) depressants are more likely to produce physical symptoms when discontinued, with CNS stimulants more likely to produce psychological symptoms. Medical detox is generally recommended whenever physical symptoms are present or likely to be present, including things such as nausea, seizures, and delirium tremens.

The Medical Detox Process

According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the detoxification process should include three separate yet related components. The first stage is known as evaluation, with various physical and psychological tests performed during this stage before treatment begins. The second stages involves medication, with various drugs used to help stabilize the patient and reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms. While it is possible to stabilize people without any medication at all, drugs are typically used whenever physical-somatic withdrawal symptoms are present. The last stage of detox involves a detailed consultation process, with patients educated and told what to expect from the remainder of the treatment process.

Drugs that Require Medical Detox

Treatment options differ widely depending on the substance in question, with some drugs more likely to require medical detox than others. For example, CNS depressants such as alcohol, heroin, morphine, codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, Valium, and Xanax are all known to produce physical-somatic withdrawal symptoms when drug use is stopped. When physical symptoms are present, medications are used to help manage the withdrawal process and reduce the chance of medical complications. In contrast, drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine may not require extensive medical support, with patients often directed straight to natural detox or rehabilitation programs.

What Comes After Detox?

While detox is an important part of the drug treatment process, it does very little to address the psychological aspects of drug addiction. Further measures are always recommended, including rehabilitation programs, relapse prevention systems, and aftercare support networks. Inpatient and outpatient rehab programs are available across the United States, as are traditional 12-step support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Long-term recovery depends on regular engagement and support, with people much more likely to stay clean and sober when they have access to professional treatment and a stable network of friends and family.

Let Richmond Drug Treatment Centers be your primary recovery resource. Just give our caring recovery advocates a call today at (804) 510-0877.