What are the Types of Drug Detox Programs?
When you decide that you want to end your addiction, you should seek treatment. The first step in any addiction treatment process is detox. There are several types of drug detox programs available, and you need to be informed of your options in order to select the one that is right for you.
Rapid Detox
According to the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University, in this method, patients are given the drug naltrexone, which blocks the opiates from the receptors in the brain, hastening the detox process.
This method was developed to help opiate detoxification, as these drugs are known to have the most unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. However, it is also used for alcohol detox, which is nearly as bad as opiate detox. This form of detox can only be performed in a medical setting, because there are a number of risks involved with it.
Ultra Rapid Detox
Ultra rapid detox uses the same procedures as rapid detox, but there is the addition of general anesthesia and higher dosages of the naltrexone. This detox method is potentially dangerous, and has not been shown to be any more effective than any other method.
It is also very expensive and can only be done in a hospital due to the inherent risks in general anesthesia. Call 800-315-1376 (Who Answers?), for assistance in choosing the right detox for you.
Traditional Detox
Traditional detox is the most commonly used form of detoxification and can be used to treat any substance abuse or addiction. In this method, withdrawal symptoms are treated with medications and the patient undergoing the detox is given counseling and support.
This method has been shown to be the safest and most effective variety of detox, but it does not work for every person. To know if this method is best for you, you need to seek treatment at an addiction facility.
Cold Turkey Detox
Addicted individuals that choose cold turkey detox immediately stop their use of an addictive substance completely. Cold turkey is almost never recommended as a form of detox by addiction professionals.
Also, according to Georgetown University Medical Center, recent research suggests that quitting cold turkey may lead to increased risk of mental illness. If you believe that this method is best for you, you need to do it in a treatment center that can provide you with supervision and is equipped to handle any medical complications that may arise.
Holistic Detox
Holistic medicine operates on the principle of using natural remedies and treating all parts of a person. This includes their mind, body, and spirit. Some techniques of this variety of detox include:
- Acupuncture
- Herbal supplements
- Shamanic healing
- Special diets
While not considered mainstream, these techniques are still effective for some people particularly those that typically employ alternative or holistic approaches to other illnesses or injuries.
Whichever type of detox you think is best for you, the most important thing to do is get the treatment you need. Every day that you delay your addiction does more damage to you and those that you love. Call us at 800-315-1376 (Who Answers?) and get your life back today.