Starting A Drug Detox Or Rehab ProcessDrug detox or rehab refers to the initiation of abstinence, and the complete recovery from the resulting detoxification in a way that will ensure the patients long-term, drug-free existence. Drug detoxification or drug detox is the initial phase in the treatment for drug dependency. Because a drug users system is physically and psychologically altered by prolonged exposure to drugs, the complete and sudden denial of access to them will result in the onset of symptoms referred to as withdrawal. And some withdrawal effects can be severe enough to warrant medical attention. Most drug rehab facilities which administer medication-assisted detoxification have medical professionals on board to administer medications designed to ease the symptoms of withdrawal, such as constipation, anxiety, seizures and delirium. Some facilities favor the use of ultra rapid opiate detoxification, a procedure that completely purges the drugs lingering in the system and is done under general anesthesia. This is especially efficacious for addictions associated with heroin, codein, vicodin, methadone and Demerol. After the purge, naltrexone is administered to limit withdrawal symptoms and the craving for the high of the drug to a few hours after awakening. Other facilities use substitutes for the habit-forming opiates such as heroin and methadone using buprenorphine or suboxone. These are also addictive, so they are administered under strict medical supervision, a sort of transition phase for addiction to non-addiction, until the patient feels medically able to cope with complete withdrawal. This can take up to 10 days. The Newport Coast Recoverys Balboa Blue House program is an example of a gender-specific, intensive therapeutic rehabilitation system that uses medication to assist in withdrawal. It involves 90 days in residential care for round-the-clock supervision during and after detoxification. Each patient is subjected to random drug testing to ensure continued sobriety and in case of a break, the staff takes steps to reinforce the motivation for keeping clean. It provides a structure on which patients can draw strength as they go through the gradual purging of drugs from their physical and psychological system. An extended care program for maintaining sobriety over a period of six to nine months is also available, as well as outpatient services. A rather strange rehabilitation program is to be found at another house called the Summer House, which emphasizes the need for keeping patients comfortable during the detoxification process. Their technique is to provide drugs every four hours in ever decreasing dosages over 24 hours to minimize withdrawal symptoms. This is in direct contrast to the cold turkey of rapid detox but the motivation for the program is that patients are sick, and should be spared further pain. The staff and counselors are comprised of recovering addicts which may contribute to the tolerance levels and the relaxed attitude of the facility regarding drug rehabilitation. As Summer House proclaims: We know! The Narconon drug detox and rehab program may not be so relaxed, but it is also proactive, albeit in a more psychological vein. Called the Narconon New Life Detoxification Program, it is a long-term residential rehab program that emphasizes the need to develop skills for overcoming triggers that could lead to falling off the wagon such as encountering a friend from the old days or even smells associated with drug-taking. Often, these are enough to weaken an already compromised will. Each of these approaches has their advantages and disadvantages. The efficacy of any one of the programs will depend on the needs of the patient, the severity of the disorder and the competence of the staff in charge of program administration. This is especially true for medication-assisted drug detox rehab. |