Detoxification Treatment

Detoxification Treatment
Detoxification or ‘detox’ as it is more commonly known is the first step in the recovery process. It basically involves the drug and/or alcohol being flushed out of 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 detoxification treatment is fairly straightforward when carried out in an appropriately controlled environment, i.e. a hospital or specialist rehab unit, it is not in itself a treatment for addiction. Long-term abstinence is best achieved by embarking on a drug and alcohol treatment programme, preferably on a residential basis, in order to gain the necessary tools to live a life free from alcohol and drugs.

First4Rehab works with a vast range of detoxification treatment centres, providing both detox and rehabilitation programmes. The treatment provided at our recommended 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 and alcohol detox programme, along with which rehab clinic will best meet your personal needs and circumstances. Prices range from approximately £500 per week, if undertaken with a continued residential programme. Standalone drug and alcohol detoxes are available from £2,500 for a 14 day period.

Alcohol Withdrawal Unlike withdrawal from most other drugs, alcohol withdrawal can be fatal if not carried out in a medically controlled environment. Side effects can include visual hallucinations, delirium tremens (DTs), seizures, and even death. The severity of symptoms can depend upon the individual’s age, whether or not there is a history of addiction within the family, length of use and quantities consumed. Most alcohol detox programmes are managed through a variety of prescription medications, most commonly through the use of Benzodiazepines, usually Chlordiazepoxide (Librium) or Diazepam (Valium). The alcohol detox is also supplemented with a range of vitamins, most commonly thiamine and folic acid, as alcoholics are often deficient in various nutrients which can cause severe complications during alcohol withdrawal.

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 two 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 detoxification 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.

For further information regarding detoxification treatment, please feel free to contact one of our First4Rehab advisors, either by phone or email. Or if you prefer, drop us a text on the number listed below.