What Is A Medical Detox for Alcohol and Drug Abuse

The explanation for a "medical detox" for alcoholism and drug addiction varies, and although you probably expect supervision by a qualified physician throughout the detox procedure, that isn't always the situation. You will discover the following variations of medical detoxification programs:

1. Outpatient treatment with repeat visits to a physician
2. Inpatient treatment in a rehab facility with an initial meeting and possible follow-up meetings with an on-call doctor
3. Inpatient treatment in a rehab facility that provides vitamin supplements in pill form or through IVs
4. Inpatient treatment in a psychiatric hospital or mental health clinic
5. Inpatient treatment in an upscale center that includes a customized treatment plan for utmost safety and comfort, with on-staff physicians, round-the-clock ICU-level nurses, cardiac and video monitoring 24/7, and private rooms.

What Is A NON-Medical Detox?
A non-medical detox usually does not include interaction with a physician during the detoxification phase. Rehab facilities providing non-medical detox may try to control withdrawal symptoms with natural alternatives such as meditation, vitamins, saunas and yoga. For some individuals, this type of program will not provide the level of comfort needed during the first days or weeks without alcohol or drugs. For those individuals, going "cold-turkey" can be frightening, painful and even dangerous. The success and safety of a non-medical detox depends on the individual's physical condition and how long they have been abusing alcohol and drugs.
What Is the Best Medical Detox Method?
The best medical detoxification hinges on the person's needs but for the utmost safety and comfort, it should include these vital components:

1. Patient Assessments: Social, physical and psychological assessments are performed to establish the existing condition of the patient.
2. Custom-made Plan: Based on the first assessments, a team of Board Certified Physicians, ICU-Level Registered Nurses and an Addiction Psychologist meet with the patient to create a customized treatment program. This treatment has IV medication that can be adjusted minute by minute, immediately responding to the patient's withdrawal symptoms.
3. Monitored Treatment 24/7: Throughout this process, the patient is carefully monitored 24-hours a day with top-of-the-line cardiac and video monitors and individual attention from caring, non-judgmental nurses and technicians.
4. Upscale Environment: For patients to succeed with an alcohol or drug addiction detox, many require the comfort and convenience of private rooms, gourmet meals, HD-TV, Wifi and massage along with the freedom to get in touch with loved ones for emotional support. For many, private rooms are vital as being housed two or more to a room in other centers adds another level of distress.

If you or a family member are suffering from alcoholism, drug dependency or other substance abuse and need assistance, please contact several medical detox facilities and ask questions. Find a detox process that's best suited for you or your loved one.