What Happens During a Drug Detox
Many drug addicts think they can quit using without the assistance of a detox or rehab. After confidently trying a few times and failing to follow through, the need for professional treatment becomes clear. Getting drugs out of your life requires strength, determination and courage. Recovery from a life you are so familiar with will bring up feelings of uneasiness, patience (or impatience), fear and anxiety amongst others. But, ask someone who has gained their sobriety from drugs and they will say all of these feelings are worth it.
In many instances, a drug detox will be necessary before a rehab treatment program can begin. The term detox can scare the addict or their loved ones so knowing what to expect will help to decrease nerves and reinforce the notion of getting help.
There may be a number of things you are looking for in a quality rehab program. Cost, treatment options, therapies, program beliefs and privacy concerns are just a few things you’ll want to consider. So when you’re looking for a rehab, be sure to weigh out all of your options.
What is drug detox?
A detox, or detoxification, is a process in which the body eliminates a drug(s) while being supervised for any health concerns and managing the withdrawal symptoms. Undergoing a detox without follow up care or rehab is not a completed treatment. So, what can you expect during a drug detox?
Getting to Know the Addict before the Drug Detox Begins
Prior to your arrival, or when you arrive at the rehab facility, a counsellor or intake officer will sit down and talk to you about your history of drug use as well as any medical or psychiatric disorders. Based on this, the center may re-work their treatment programs to suit your own needs. You may be able to tour the facility if desired and see where you will be staying for the next 1 month drug treatment program.
Staff at the rehab realizes that you are in a new place with a group of people you’ve never met. On top of that, you are about to give up something which has became part of your life. Throughout this time of change, you will be supported, comforted and guided by caring professionals. Rest assured all these feelings are normal and will pass with each and every day.
In-Depth Medical Evaluation Takes Place
Sometimes before a detox can begin, a medical evaluation will take place. This is not always mandatory and is typically decided on a case by case basis. Nutrition deficiencies, blood pressure irregularities, heart problems, organ damage, cognitive issues or other health concerns may be addressed.
Nurses and doctors may also determine what, if any, withdrawal symptoms you are already experiencing. They may prepare you for which ones may soon follow and how they will help them to subside.
Medication that Could be Used
Medications may be incorporated into the detox process. These will help to make the withdrawal symptoms more comfortable, stabilize blood pressure or induce sleep. Addiction is different for every person; therefore the medications may vary depending on what the addicts’ drug of choice is.
In the case of an opiate or opioid addiction, methadone, Naltrexone or buprenorphine may be included in the detox. Desipramine (Norpramin), Diazepam or benzodiazepines may be used to help a person with an addiction to stimulant drugs or alcohol. Some medications used in a detox do carry the risk of an addiction; however, doctors will gradually reduce these during the detox so the risk is significantly less.
A Supervised Detoxification from Drugs
When the detox begins, withdrawal symptoms may be in full force. Cravings, irritability, anxiety, confusion, insomnia, muscle pain, loss of strength, cold sweats and trembling are just some of the symptoms which could occur. Under medical supervision, nutritional supplements, saline solution through IV, pain relievers and other medications may be prescribed to address each of the symptoms going on. Contact with friends or family may be limited or not allowed; this is known as the “blackout period” and will allow you to focus completely on treatment. Depending on the length and severity of the addiction will depend on how long the drug detox on Koh Samui will last. In general it is between 2 and 7 days.
Your Willingness Matters
Medication, the comfort of doctors’ supervision and the support of staff will greatly assist the detox period. However, it is important that you make an effort to take advantage of the changes happening in your life, especially if you are detoxing at the rehab center rather than the hospital. Although you may not feel at your best, try participating in activities, group sessions or other services which are offered. Getting involved will help you to stay focused and distracted from the detox. It will also help you to stray away from isolation or boredom which could affect your drug treatment as a whole.
Once the Detox is Complete, Recovery at a Rehab Can Being
Upon completing your detoxification from drugs in Thailand, you will feel better physically, mentally and emotionally. But, you are not free from your addiction and will still have to conquer a lot of uphill battles. The detox has prepared you for the drug treatment and a healthy recovery.
Drug Detox in Thailand
When you arrive in Chiang Rai, Thailand, you will be greeted by a staff member from Siam Rehab. From there, if needed, we will take you to a private hospital to meet with a psychiatrist. This initial meeting will help clinicians evaluate your addiction to drugs and determine whether it should take place at the hospital or at the rehab under doctors orders. As a general rule, prescription medications, opiates and alcohol will require a detox.
If you would like to know more about Siam Rehab and our drug detox program, please contact us today.
Please Note: Siam Rehab Center is not a medical facility, we do not in any way prescribe medication and do not have doctors on full time staff, the vast majority of people do not require that level of medical care and it would drastically increase the fees of everyone for the few that do. To manage this we work closely with a private hospital group which is a first class accredited private hospital only a short distance from the center. The hospital is fully equipped to handle your detox as well as any other medical needs.
