Drug Detox
Drug detoxification or ‘drug detox’ as it is more commonly known is the first step in the recovery process. It basically involves the drug being removed from the individual’s system, leaving them substance free. The primary objective is to relieve withdrawal symptoms whilst the individual adjusts to a toxin-free physical state. Although a drug detoxification is a fairly straightforward procedure when carried out in an appropriately controlled environment, i.e. a hospital or specialist drug rehab unit, it is not in itself a treatment for drug addiction. Long-term abstinence is best achieved by embarking on a drug treatment programme, preferably on a residential basis, in order to gain the necessary tools to live a life free from drugs and other illicit substances.
First4Rehab works with a vast range of drug detox clinics, providing both detox and rehabilitation programmes. The treatment provided at our drug rehab clinics is of a very high standard and success rates are extremely high; well in excess of the national average. We can advise you on the most appropriate drug detox programme, along with which rehab clinic will meet your personal needs and circumstances. Prices range from approximately £500 per week, if undertaken with a continued residential programme. Standalone drug detoxes are available from £2,500 for a 14 day period. |
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Opioid Withdrawal
Although opioid (heroin) withdrawal is seldom fatal, it is very unpleasant if not supplemented by a medically prescribed detox regime. The majority of heroin detox programmes are administered through the use of either Methadone or Buprenorphine (Subutex) and sometimes aided with Benzodiazepines and anti-pain relief drugs such as Ibuprofen.
The average length of a heroin detox is usually 2 weeks, depending on the individual’s level of usage. Without the use of prescribed medication, side effects can consist of muscle cramps and spasms, diarrhoea, chills and fever, vomiting and insomnia.
Amphetamine Withdrawal
Amphetamine withdrawal, although not as unstable as withdrawal from alcohol, should still be taken very seriously due to the fact that individuals often experience debilitating lows which can often lead to feelings of suicide. Typical side effects include fatigue, depression, vivid nightmares, anxiety, irritability, paranoia and even psychosis.
Detoxification is most effectively carried out in a medically controlled environment, sometimes with the use of Benzodiazepines and antidepressants, depending on the individual’s particular physical and mental state. Insomnia is a common side effect of amphetamine withdrawal, and sleeping tablets are often administered to ease any discomfort the patient may experience.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone is used for rapid detoxification. It is commonly used in the treatment of opioid withdrawal and usually lasts for a period of 5 days. Rapid detoxification is sometimes carried out under general anaesthetic, although it is more usually administered under sedation. Once the initial stage has been completed, individuals are then prescribed either oral Naltrexone for a period of 12 months, or an implant in the abdomen or buttocks, administered by a healthcare professional. A more useful and effective development is in slow-release Naltrexone injections; the implant procedure has not been shown scientifically to be successful in ‘curing’ individuals of their addiction, though it does provide a better solution than oral Naltrexone for medication compliance reasons as patients often forget to take their medication.
This type of treatment has come under much criticism for its efficacy in long-term opioid dependence management, due to the fact that it is often regarded as a ‘quick fix’ to an addictive disorder. We have many case studies where the patient has either relapsed within minutes of leaving the clinic or ripped the implants out after a few days. Naltrexone does not address the underlying issues as to why an individual initially started using drugs, and without the use of a structured therapeutic programme, long-term abstinence is highly unlikely. Rapid detoxification is only effective for short-term opioid detoxification, but is actually more expensive than conventional detoxification procedures. Further treatment can also be an issue as certain rehab clinics will insist upon the removal of an implant prior to the patient being accepted onto their rehab programme.
First4Rehab staff can advise you on whether you would benefit from a Naltrexone programme, but we only advise that this is undertaken when combined with an in-patient rehab programme.
Drug detox Programmes
All drug detox centres employ experienced and qualified therapists, most of whom are in recovery from an addiction themselves. Medical cover varies from clinic to clinic, but most provide the services of on-site nursing staff, along with visiting GP’s and Consultant Psychiatrists who will initially assess each client upon admission, before prescribing them the most appropriate drug detox regime. Individuals are then encouraged to continue with the rehabilitation process, in order for them to gain a greater insight into their drug addiction and address the underlying issues as to why have previously abused illicit drugs. If the individual does not wish to engage in the rehab programme, it is unlikely that they will maintain any long-term abstinence from their drug addiction.
For further information regarding our drug detox clinics, please feel free to contact one of our First4Rehab advisors. We are available on 0845 555 8822, 07875 154177 or 0044 (0) 20 7193 4906. Alternatively you can email us at advice@first4rehab.com
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