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Medical detox
Medical detox or medical detoxification is the initial step towards substance abuse treatment and addiction therapy. The detoxification is then followed by different types of medication, addiction therapy, and professional support. Detoxification is the term used to refer to the process of getting rid of drugs or other toxins from the bloodstream so that they can cease to become dependent on the substances previously abused. The main purpose of detoxification is to help the patient effectively manage the withdrawal symptoms follow suit when the individual tries to overcome their dependency on substances. It is essential to seek medical and expert help when withdrawing from any addiction as the withdrawal signs can be fatal. The LifeSync Malibu is an addiction rehabilitation facility as well as a detox center that provides a safe environment for addicts to receive professional medical detoxification and addiction therapy. The professionals in this facility make use of medication as well as other treatment procedures to make the withdrawal process as comfortable as possible even when the withdrawal side effects kick in.
What Is the Medical Detox Process?
The medical detox or medical detoxification process takes place in three main stages or phases which are evaluation, preparing the patient for treatment commencement and stabilization. Other than these three steps the patients are also enlightened on the issue of addiction, they enroll in support groups for individuals battling similar addictions and actively participate in therapy while undergoing detoxification.
Evaluation
This is the first step in the detoxification process. It involves a comprehensive examination of the patient both mentally and physically. The evaluation might entail the use of questionnaires for the psychiatric health and blood tests, physical exams and screenings for physical health. A qualified therapist should also examine the patient to determine the individual’s inner strength, their psychological health and their ability to handle challenges and change. All the data recorded from the evaluation will be used to formulate a personalized treatment plan for the patient.
Stabilization
During this phase, the patient has ceased using the various substances or behaviors they are addicted to. Health experts will assist them in attaining physical health stability as well as maintaining their sobriety. The health experts might prescribe medication to the patients to help in easing the withdrawal symptoms, especially for opioids, alcohol and tobacco addicts. The severity of the withdrawal symptoms is influenced by the type of addiction, the duration of time one has been an addict and the withdrawal period. The stabilization stage lasts from seven days to as long as three weeks or more.
Preparation to commence treatment
During this stage, the patient should be both physically and mentally prepared to start their addiction therapy or substance abuse treatment as the process of detoxification is coming to an end. Despite detoxification being the toughest and most challenging step during treatment, it does not fully prepare the patient for the physical and psychological challenges they will later face. During this stage the professionals enlighten the patients on the significance of starting addiction therapy, signing up for the 12-step program and selecting a permanent treatment plan that best suits their needs. All these factors are essential as they influence and determine if the chances of the patient fully recovering are high or low. Immediately after completing this stage the patients should immediately start therapy.