Substance abuse is a serious problem that greatly affects one’s life so severely in all aspects, it will need a very good treatment plan to reverse its impact. Not only does the substance abuser damage their physical health, but they also end up damaging their relationships with other people, and even destroy their own careers.
The first step to recovery, so they say, is an acknowledgment that there is a problem. This is the only time when concrete steps can be taken in order to address the issue. Once they enter into a rehabilitation facility such as Gallus Medical Detox Centers (https://www.gallusdetox.com/), however, the real first step to wellness begins with detoxification.
What is Detoxification
Detoxification is the process wherein the patient is instantly deprived of their object of addiction, whether it be alcohol or drugs. The main objective is to cleanse the system by flushing out all of the toxic substances brought into the body.
This will include an immediate and sudden cessation of substance intake, which can expect to result in less than pleasant reactions from the user. Because their body has gotten so used and dependent on the effects of the substance, they experience withdrawal almost immediately.
Signs of Withdrawal
Detox treatments can cause irritability, anger, and sometimes even violence towards others or themselves, because they cannot satiate their craving. Physically, they may experience chills, cold sweats, fever, and even hallucinations.
This is because the body has recognized the sudden absence of the substance and so now is focused on flushing it all out. Needless to say, it’s going to be a very uncomfortable experience for the patient, and certainly not pleasant at all.
As the body works to eliminate all traces of the substance from the body, it can increase the cravings even more, leading to further agitation. This entire process essentially renders the patient feeling helpless too, since they cannot do anything about their situation.
And so it’s also possible that they become depressed and anxious. Some are even placed under close watch because they have started exhibiting symptoms of self-harm. It could be because they genuinely feel it will relieve the pain they’re feeling, or it could be a way to manipulate the staff of the treatment program to give in and give them what they want.
Medical Assistance
Most people think that detoxification involves locking up a person in solitary in a room, until they ride out their withdrawals. This is not necessarily the case, though, as there are also other means of managing the symptoms and carrying out the detoxification process.
The process of withdrawal does not happen overnight. It can last up to several days, or even weeks, depending on how responsive the patient is to the treatment. To ensure that their health is not compromised any further, there are medications available that can help sustain them or replenish the nutrients lost while they were sick from detoxification.
The medication will be strictly controlled, and given appropriately. This can help ease anxiety, depression, mood swings, and lack of sleep. Once the detoxification process is completed, then they can move on to the next part of the process.
