Detoxification or detox is the process of removal of toxic substances from the human body of a patient who is intoxicated or dependent on a controlled substance. In many cases, detox is the first step in treatment.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Treatment Improvement Protocol () on detoxification notes that the consensus panel of the Washington Circle Group (WCG), a group of experts organized to improve the quality and effectiveness of substance abuse prevention and treatment, has stated that detoxification alone is not substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation. The panel defines detoxification as a broad process involving three essential components:
- Evaluation — Testing for the presence
of controlled substances, measuring their concentration, and screening for mental and physical conditions as well as a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s medical and psychological conditions and social situation. - Stabilization — Assisting a patient through intoxication and withdrawal to the attainment of a stable, substance-free state. The process may include medications.
- Treatment — Preparing a patient for entry into substance abuse treatment by stressing the
importance of following through with a continuum of care.
The amount of time that detox takes can vary depending on the patient. For some people, detoxification can be accomplished in a matter of hours, while others may require weeks.
Numerous factors can dictate the possible timeframe for detoxification. In addition to the type of drug that has been abused, other factors can include how often the drug was abused, the health of the patient, and whether the patient had undergone previous detox attempts.
It is always wise for a person to undergo some type of assisted detox, as patients typically experience withdrawal during these procedures. Withdrawal can involve a variety of symptoms for a patient, including nausea, anxiety, and depression. Some cases may also involve seizures or possibly even comas.
Numerous medications may be employed to assist with possible withdrawal during detox. Benzodiazepines such as Ativan, Klonopin, Valium, or Xanax may be administered to prevent seizures associated with withdrawal, and Clonidine may be prescribed to lower blood pressure. Additionally, methadone or buprenorphine may be utilized specifically for opioid withdrawal.
According to the SAMHSA TIP, the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) has identified five levels of detox:
- Level ID: Ambulatory Detoxification Without Extended Onsite Monitoring — Physician’s office, home health care agency.
- Level IID: Ambulatory Detoxification With Extended Onsite Monitoring — Day hospital service.
- Level III.2D: Clinically Managed Residential Detoxification — Non-medical or social detoxification setting.
- Level III.7D: Medically Monitored Inpatient Detoxification — Freestanding detoxification center.
- Level IVD: Medically Managed Intensive Inpatient Detoxification — Psychiatric hospital inpatient center.
Asana Recovery offers detoxification services that provide a full spectrum of care. Detox with Asana Recovery involves intense supervision from physicians in a safe and secure environment with continuous screening and 24-hour monitoring.
You can have Asana Recovery conduct a screening and outline a plan of recovery to help you or your loved one take the very first step in overcoming your addiction. We can better help you understand your optima as soon as you call (949) 438-4504 today.
