Do You Need Inpatient Drug Detox?

By Jenny Hunt, Palm Partners Recovery Center

February 3, 2012

Drug addiction affects millions of Americans every year. A recent study by Time magazine has shown that drug-related deaths now outnumber traffic fatalities. One of the biggest obstacles to recovery for many addicts and alcoholics is fear of the withdrawal process. Often drug addicts and alcoholics will continue using and drinking for long after they want to stop because they don’t want do endure a painful withdrawal process. This is where and inpatient drug detox can help.

Kicking the physical part of addiction can be one of the most uncomfortable parts of overcoming addiction. In the case of alcohol and certain prescription drugs, the process can be dangerous, even fatal, if done without medical supervision. Inpatient drug detox can provide medications, therapies, and a comfortable home environment that can ease the discomfort of quitting and also ensure the process is safe.

Inpatient drug detox provides a safe, clean, comfortable environment for a patient. In private inpatient drug detox centers, there are often no locked doors, and patients are treated with dignity and respect. The staff in an inpatient drug detox is often specially trained to work with people going through withdrawal, so they are comforting and accommodating. Often, a drug addict or alcoholic is not receiving proper nutrition when they are using or drinking. Inpatient drug detox provides the client with nutritious, balanced meals and snacks.

The greatest risk of relapse for an addict or alcoholic trying to quit is observed during the withdrawal period. Often an addict or alcoholic will try to quit at home and begin using again simply because of the pain of withdrawal. Inpatient drug detox administers a number of different medications to combat withdrawal symptoms. This is why it is important to be very honest when entering an inpatient drug detox. The intake staff has to know which types of drugs you were using, how much, and for how long. This is to ensure that you have the correct medication protocol and the most comfortable detox process possible.

So how do you know if you need inpatient drug detox? The answer to this question usually needs to be answered by a medical professional. Inpatient drug detox centers have medical staff that can tell you over the phone whether or not you need inpatient drug detox. They will ask you about your medical history, drug and alcohol use, and whether or not you have experienced any withdrawal symptoms in the past. The inpatient drug detox center will decide whether or not you need detox, how long you should stay in inpatient drug detox, and which medications you will receive as part of your medical protocol.

Before you decide on a drug detox center, research your available options. Find out about the medical protocol for your drug of choice. You want to find an inpatient drug detox program that will keep you comfortable throughout the withdrawal process.

If you or someone you know needs drug or alcohol treatment or inpatient drug detox call us at (877) 711-HOPE (4673) or visit us online at www.palmpartners.com.