The Importance of Medical Detox 

You have probably heard the word “detox” before, perhaps about cleansing the body from unhealthy foods. However, medical detox refers to ridding the body of harmful, addictive substances like drugs and alcohol. 

It is the first step in an addiction treatment program and lays the foundation for long-term recovery to begin. 

What Is Medical Detox?

Medical detox is a type of addiction treatment supervised by a licensed clinical team, usually consisting of a medical doctor or nurse practitioner, addiction specialists, and mental health therapists. It is a necessary process for detoxing from certain substances that have a high risk of dangerous withdrawal symptoms. During detox, the medical staff ensures vitals are stable and can prescribe medication to alleviate withdrawal pain and cravings. 

Most detox programs last about a week, however, the time to detox varies for each individual, depending on:

• Substance of choice 
• Frequency of use
• Duration of use
• Presence of co-occurring mental health disorder or medical condition 

Common Substances That Require Medical Detox

Not every drug requires medically supervised detox. For example, individuals who are addicted to nicotine or marijuana can detox with therapeutic support, but often don’t require medical stabilization or monitoring. 

There are a few drugs that are especially dangerous to withdraw from and almost always require professional intervention and medically supervised detox [1]:

• Alcohol is a depressant that increases the neurotransmitter GABA and slows down activity in the nervous system. Withdrawal causes nausea, vomiting, trembling, confusion, and even seizures. 
• Benzodiazepines are a class of sedatives prescribed for severe anxiety, however are highly addictive. They affect the brain and body similarly to alcohol.
• Opioids such as prescription pain pills or illicit drugs such as heroin and fentanyl cause large spikes in dopamine and endorphins, blocking pain signals. When use is stopped, effects are reversed— increasing pain sensitivity.  

Why Quitting Alone Can Be Dangerous

Withdrawal causes both uncomfortable physical symptoms, and distressing psychological disturbances that can make it nearly impossible to do alone. 

Physical Withdrawal Risks 

Physical symptoms during withdrawal are caused by the body’s adjustment to the sudden absence of drugs or alcohol. When a regular user stops taking their substance of choice, their body goes through a readjustment period, also known as the withdrawal process. 

Physical withdrawal symptoms are caused by several factors, including [1] [2]:

•  Neurotransmitter Imbalance: Drugs alter brain chemicals that control activity in the nervous system, which can cause symptoms of physical stress such as nausea, vomiting, and inability to sleep.
• Increased Heart Rate: Withdrawal can increase heart rate, leading to heart palpitations and general discomfort. 
• Dehydration: Substances like alcohol and stimulants tend to dehydrate the body, and withdrawal worsens this, leading to symptoms like dizziness and headaches. 
• Electrolyte Imbalance: Drug and alcohol withdrawal disrupt the electrolyte balance in the body, causing cramps and muscle weakness. 
• Inflammation: Drug and alcohol-induced inflammation contributes to fever and body aches during withdrawal. 

Psychological Risk and Relapse 

Addiction disrupts essential neurotransmitters that control cognitive functions in the brain, such as mood, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and reasoning skills. As the brain becomes used to drugs, it is thrown out of balance when drug use stops. The primary regions of the brain affected by addiction and withdrawal include [3]: 

• Amygdala: This area of the brain controls fear and stress responses, designed to protect us in times of danger. However, during withdrawal, it increases feelings of anxiety, discomfort, and pain.   
• Prefrontal Cortex (PFC): This region controls emotional regulation, planning and organizing tasks, problem-solving, impulse control, and decision-making. Drug use alters functioning in the PFC, such as loss of inhibitions and compulsive behaviors. This can lead to drug-seeking behavior, making it difficult to quit alone. 
• Basal Ganglia: This is a small group of subcortical nuclei responsible for controlling the pleasure-reward cycle, motivation, habits, and routine. The basal ganglia interprets drugs and alcohol as a pleasure-inducing behavior (such as food or sex), increasing cravings and risk of relapse. 

Benefits of Medically Supervised Detox

There are several benefits for individuals who enroll in a medically supervised detox program as the first step in their recovery journey. 

24/7 Medical Monitoring 

Medical detox is done with around-the-clock care and licensed medical supervision to ensure a safe withdrawal process. Detox programs provide safe, comfortable spaces to detox in a comforting and home-like environment compared to a hospital setting. 

Customized Detox Plans 

A customized detox plan is a treatment strategy designed to meet the specific recovery needs of an individual battling addiction. Unlike standard detox plans, customized ones are created after a comprehensive assessment. This evaluates a person’s substance abuse history, mental health, physical health, lifestyle, and environmental factors. 

Emotional and Mental Health Support

During detox, individuals can receive emotional support such as substance abuse counseling and mental health therapies. Although detox helps clean the body of substances, mental health support helps address underlying factors such as stress, trauma, or mental health disorders that drive addiction.    

Most detox programs help patients transition into a long-term form of care, such as residential treatment, partial hospitalization, or an intensive outpatient program. 

Detox and Residential Treatment for Substance Abuse in Michigan 

Rushton Recovery understands how challenging recovering from addiction is and that it requires a comprehensive approach to care. Our supervised medical detox and holistic residential treatment center in Michigan offers a healing space to embark on your journey toward a substance-free life. 

We offer evidence-based therapies designed to evolve with your individual needs and address the root of your substance abuse. Let our team help you heal, repair relationships, and equip you with the skills to achieve long-term recovery. 

Reach out to our Admissions team now.

Sources

[1] Withdrawal Syndromes. 2024. National Library of Medicine. 

[2] Impact of Alcohol on Inflammation, Immunity, Infections, and Extracellular Vesicles in Pathogenesis. 2024. National Library of Medicine. 

[3] Drugs, Brain, and Behavior. 2019. National Institute on Drug Abuse.