According to government data, more than 72,000 drug-related deaths and 88,000 alcohol-related deaths occur annually in the United States. Tens of thousands more struggle with substance use disorders, including alcohol, illicit drugs, or prescription painkillers. Data from the White House shows that over 2 million people are addicted to opioids. Without careful intervention, individuals battling substance use disorders risk becoming part of next year’s rising death toll from drug and alcohol-related causes.
Seeking treatment for drug or alcohol addiction is a difficult but crucial decision. Acknowledging that the problem has spiraled out of control may feel daunting, yet it’s the first step towards regaining control—and it could save a life. Treatment should not be feared, as the medical professionals involved are dedicated to helping those in recovery. The process typically consists of three key phases: medical detox, inpatient treatment, and outpatient program.
Detoxing the body from drugs is the initial step in recovery. This process not only stabilizes the body by managing withdrawal symptoms but also prepares both the mind and body to fully engage in the next stages of treatment.
Detoxification Details
Detoxification involves eliminating harmful and potentially life-threatening levels of drugs and alcohol from the body. For optimal safety, detox should take place in a hospital or rehabilitation clinic, where a team of physicians and nurses can monitor the process and administer medication to manage withdrawal symptoms.
Drug detox is a medical intervention designed to cleanse the body of toxins for individuals who are acutely intoxicated or physically dependent on substances.
While detox alone is typically insufficient for achieving long-term sobriety, it serves as a critical first step in addressing substance abuse.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, detoxification consists of three key stages: evaluation, stabilization, and preparing for further treatment.
Evaluation
The evaluation phase of detox involves testing for the presence of substances in the bloodstream, assessing their concentration, and screening for other physical or mental health conditions. This stage provides a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s medical and psychological state, while also considering social factors that may have contributed to the substance use. The results from the evaluation help determine the appropriate level of care following detox.
Stabilization
Stabilization is the stage most commonly associated with detox. It involves guiding the patient through acute intoxication and withdrawal, ensuring medical stability in a drug-free state. During this period, healthcare professionals may involve the patient’s loved ones or employers, if appropriate, to support the process.
Preparing for Treatment
Detoxification and achieving sobriety are not always enough. Long-term success is often seen when individuals participate in a comprehensive recovery program that educates them on the dangers of substance use and provides strategies to prevent relapse. While the detox process generally follows a standard structure, it can vary depending on the specific circumstances, with the substance involved playing a key role in shaping the approach.
Opioids
Opioids are highly addictive, and chronic use can lead to withdrawal symptoms that, although not always fatal, cause significant discomfort. This class of drugs includes illicit substances like heroin and synthetic opioids such as morphine and fentanyl. Prescription opioids have surged in popularity over the past decade and now account for nearly half of all overdose deaths in the U.S.
While most opioids produce similar withdrawal symptoms, the severity may vary based on the level of addiction. Common symptoms include:
During medically supervised detox, healthcare professionals rely on withdrawal and intoxication measures to guide the use of medications. Methadone is often the most commonly used medication for managing opioid withdrawal. These medications not only help alleviate withdrawal symptoms but also assist in gradually tapering the patient off opioids safely.
Stimulants
Stimulants, such as cocaine and amphetamines, are among the most frequently abused substances in the U.S. Cocaine alone is responsible for over 14,500 drug-related deaths annually, while amphetamines contribute to nearly 10,000 deaths each year.
Stimulant use often occurs in binge episodes followed by periods of withdrawal. Common withdrawal symptoms include:
While stimulant withdrawal typically doesn’t cause serious medical complications, cocaine use can lead to cardiac issues. These complications, such as heart rhythm disturbances, chest pain, and even seizures, can occur during the detox process.
Alcohol
Alcohol detoxification requires a tailored approach depending on the patient’s blood alcohol level and developed tolerance. Intoxication can vary, from impaired muscle coordination and mood changes to slurred speech, vomiting, and, in severe cases, coma and respiratory or cardiovascular failure.
The primary goals of alcohol detox are to maintain respiratory and cardiovascular function until alcohol levels decrease to a safe range.
Common withdrawal symptoms include:
Although medical supervision is the safest approach during alcohol detox, withdrawal still carries serious health risks, including death. Severe alcohol dependence can lead to seizures, and imbalances in body temperature, pulse, and blood pressure, which may be fatal even in a medical setting.
Other complications related to alcohol withdrawal include:
Risks of At-Home Detox
Detoxification can be risky even in a medical setting, whether it involves stimulants, alcohol, inhalants, or other substances that may cause complications. These risks are significantly heightened when detox is attempted outside of a hospital or treatment center.
At-home detox can result in severe consequences, including death. It is strongly recommended that individuals seeking drug or alcohol detoxification consider a recovery center or hospital, as this provides the safest environment for managing withdrawal symptoms.
In addition to minimizing health risks, inpatient detox programs tend to have higher patient retention rates and lead to more effective long-term treatment outcomes.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
In some medical clinics, medication is used during detox to help patients gradually taper off the substance they are dependent on. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can be an effective approach for helping individuals achieve the sober, healthy lifestyle they seek.
Methadone
Methadone is commonly used in MAT for patients struggling with opioid addiction. Federal regulations permit its use in short-term detox (less than 30 days) and long-term treatment (30 to 180 days). Methadone, a long-acting agonist, helps alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms. Once the appropriate dose is established, it is typically administered once daily and gradually reduced over 3 to 5 days.
While methadone can be effective in managing opioid dependency, improper administration can lead to overdose.
Suboxone
Suboxone is a medication that combines buprenorphine and naloxone to treat opioid and painkiller addiction. As a partial opioid agonist, it helps suppress withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Unlike methadone, which can lead to overdose, Suboxone has a “ceiling effect” that limits how high a patient can get, reducing the risk of misuse.
Vivitrol
Vivitrol is a non-addictive antagonist used in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid and alcohol addiction. Administered as an injection after detox, it blocks opioid receptors in the brain, preventing opioid molecules from producing euphoric effects. A six-month study on Vivitrol showed that patients experienced fewer cravings, remained opioid-free for longer, were 17 times less likely to relapse, and stayed in treatment longer. Vivitrol’s effects last for one month.
For optimal, long-term recovery, detox and MAT should be paired with both inpatient and outpatient treatment, as detox alone is not a sufficient treatment for addiction.
History of Detoxification
Several factors have influenced the evolution of detoxification practices, including shifts in addiction perceptions and social changes. Notable events have significantly impacted the field.
In 1958, the American Medical Association (AMA) officially recognized alcoholism as a disease. This pivotal change in perspective reframed alcoholism as a medical issue requiring professional intervention, influencing both the medical community and public opinion.
The Alcoholic Rehabilitation Act of 1968, passed by Congress, was the first federal legislation addressing alcoholism treatment. It argued that handling chronic alcoholics within the criminal justice system only exacerbates the issue, while treating alcoholism as a health problem promotes early detection, prevention, and more effective rehabilitation.
In 1971, the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws introduced the Uniform Alcoholism and Intoxication Treatment Act. This Act provided a framework for states to address alcoholism and public intoxication, recommending treatment over criminal prosecution for alcoholics, though it was not mandatory.
These legislative and societal changes paved the way for enhanced medical attention to alcoholism and, eventually, to drug addiction as well.
Various detoxification methods have been explored, including “the social model,” which eschews medication and medical support in favor of non-hospital environments to manage withdrawal.
As perceptions of addiction have evolved, so too have detoxification methods. Shifts in the popularity of substances like cocaine and heroin have led to the development of different detox services.
Looking forward, while detoxification methods will likely continue to evolve, the AMA remains steadfast in its stance that substance abuse is a disease and encourages clinicians to base their practices on this understanding.
In Conclusion
Drug and alcohol addiction causes tens of thousands of deaths each year in the United States and affects millions more. Overcoming addiction alone can be incredibly challenging, making it often more effective to seek help from a drug or alcohol treatment center. At Sunrise Recovery in Clarksville Indiana, we provide comprehensive support through detoxification, inpatient, and intensive outpatient care. You don’t have to face addiction on your own. Contact our admissions team today to learn more about our treatment centers and find out how we can help you on your path to recovery.
