Detoxification can be a natural process of ridding an addictive substance from a patient’s body. However, professional detox programs may entail using several interventions—such as medication-assisted treatment (MAT) or the tapering method—to manage the withdrawal symptoms that arise during the process safely. Professional detox programs can also be called medically managed detox or simply medical detox.
A detox program is often the first step to overcoming a substance use disorder (SUD). Rehab specialists recommend it to practically all people struggling with addiction because programs like this minimize the potential mental and physical harm that often results from quitting addictive substances. This process makes the addiction recovery path easier to follow for patients and helps them to focus on their primary goal of living a sober life. Looking for a detox program in California? Contact DetoxLA today by calling [Direct] or reaching out to our team online.
What Are the Different Detox Programs?
Various types of professional detox programs can fit a patient’s specific comforts and clinical needs. However, most of them do offer and encourage patients to undergo MAT.
Professional detox can take place in several settings and at varying intensity levels. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) identifies five detox levels of care, which include the following:
- Ambulatory detoxification without extended on-site monitoring – This level of care involves an organized service that’s outpatient but monitored at intervals. This type of detox program may be offered in a doctor’s office or under the supervision of a home health care agency.
- Ambulatory detoxification with extended on-site monitoring – This level of care is similar to the placement level of care mentioned above. Still, it requires the availability of credentialed nurses who should monitor patients for several hours each day.
- Clinically managed residential detoxification – This level of care involves 24-hour supervision and is sometimes called “social detoxification.” It requires minimal medical oversight and focuses on social and peer support instead.
- Medically monitored inpatient detoxification – This level of care is more restrictive than that of clinically managed residential detoxification. Inpatient detoxification consists of 24-hour care, supervision, and additional support for patients experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
- Medically managed intensive inpatient detoxification – This level of care is the most restrictive. It provides 24-hour care and supervision for patients experiencing withdrawal symptoms in an inpatient setting that provides acute care.
Detox programs can be offered in several settings: inpatient, residential, or outpatient. They may also exist as part of a comprehensive addiction treatment program or operate on their own.
What Is Medical Detox?
As mentioned earlier, professional detox programs can also be called medically managed detox or simply medical detox. The main difference between handling detox at a rehab center and at home is whether or not it involves the presence of medical professionals.
Medical detox is recommended for patients with severe physical and psychological dependence on addictive substances, but it’s particularly recommended for patients struggling with SUDs involving alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids. In many cases, medical detox for patients like this involves tapering, which means that the clinical staff slowly decreases medication doses by following a specific schedule.
Sometimes, medical detox can also treat dangerous or discomforting withdrawal symptoms that arise because the patient quit taking addictive substances suddenly or without tapering. For example, quitting alcohol by going cold turkey can cause diarrhea, and clinical staff can give patients an over-the-counter (OTC) drug like loperamide to treat it. Medical detox can also include intravenous (IV) therapy, giving patients vitamin infusions to improve their physical health.
When Should You Consider a Detox Program?
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you should definitely seek professional help and start on the addiction recovery journey through a professional detox program.
Detox programs help patients focus completely on addiction recovery by reducing the effects of what would typically be significantly dangerous or discomforting withdrawal symptoms. They also offer services that make it easy for patients to transition into more comprehensive addiction treatment when they’re already stabilized.
Learn More About DetoxLA’s Detox Programs
If you’re searching for a detox program in California, contact DetoxLA today. Call [Direct] or reach out to our team online.