Detoxing from drugs can be an uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous process. It is important to always seek the assistance of medical professionals when preparing to detox. The changes that take place as the body withdrawals from usage of drugs are both psychological and physical. A medical inpatient or outpatient detox allows patients to be weaned while fluids and medication are given at specific intervals to help make them comfortable and keep them healthy.
Withdrawal
One of the biggest concerns to patients detoxing from drugs is the withdrawal symptoms. As soon as addicts begin to experience the symptoms of withdrawal, they automatically want to take the drug so those symptoms subside. This creates an intense craving for the drug. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, some of the most addictive drugs that are treated with detox include opiates, stimulants and depressants. Opiates include methadone, codeine, morphine and oxycodone. In the stimulant category, Adderal, Concerta and Ritalin are common addictive name-brand drugs. Depressants like Xanax and Valium cause withdrawal symptoms that can be nearly unbearable for someone coming off of the drugs.
Psychological Effects
The Nafda Nigeria website explains that some psychological symptoms from detox can manifest themselves into physical symptoms or cravings for the drug that can last several weeks after a successful outpatient treatment regimen. This is caused from the brain and nervous system of the body being addicted to the intake of the drugs. Feelings of anxiety, depression, intense craving for the drug, suicidal thoughts, delirium and hypertension can all occur from the stress that the body feels throughout the withdrawal. Establishing the correct behavioral therapy along with support from an outpatient drug therapy group will help curb cravings and allow patients to make healthy decisions rather than turn back to drugs.
Life Threatening Risks
When the body is detoxing from drug use, there are some life threatening risks that can develop during the detox period. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill explains that even though patients may not be taking the drugs any longer, they can still remain in the system. This can cause respiratory failure, heart attack and in some cases, irreversible coma. Most patients with severe addictions who are unable to handle detoxing at home are admitted to an acute inpatient unit. The unit monitors vital signs and in extreme cases may initiate an induced coma to help spare the patient's body from the harsh effects of withdrawal. Medline Plus states that some symptoms of opiate withdrawal may include sweating, muscle aches, anxiety, agitation, abdominal distress, vomiting and fluctuations in body temperature.
