Medical Detox 

Detoxification is the first phase of drug and alcohol rehabilitation, where your body clears out toxins from substance abuse. Users often experience withdrawal symptoms, and their severity is based on the particular substance and the amount and duration of its use. For this reason, a medical detox is the best choice as it provides a controlled environment and the expert supervision needed to safely undergo drug or alcohol withdrawal.

Pride Detox offers medical detox and comprehensive rehabilitation programs to LGBTQ looking to overcome addiction. Because of how uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms can be, many people who want to quit keep doing substances. Fortunately, our medical detox provides a strong foundation for beginning your growth toward recovery. 

Who Needs Medical Detoxification

Anyone who has used substances for a long time becomes dependent. The brain and body get used to the effects of the drug and adapt to its presence so it can function normally. Eventually, the user develops tolerance and may need to take ever-increasing doses just to feel its effects. Tolerance often leads to dependence, and when the substance is stopped, the body cannot function normally.

Cravings and withdrawal symptoms often make it challenging for people to stay away from substances for long periods. They need a medical detox to go through the withdrawal safely. With time, the body relearns to live without the substance, and cravings subside. People who have substance use disorder should receive 24-hour supervision at a detox center.

What is the Difference Between Medical and Non-Medical Detox?

The primary difference between a medical detox and a non-medical detox is the amount and quality of supervision the person receives. In a medical detox facility, there is professional care around the clock. If the patient has severe withdrawal symptoms, medical providers can help them become stable. Meanwhile, non-medical detox is often done at home or in other non-clinical settings and is generally not recommended.

Drugs That Require Medical Detox

Some substances cause intense withdrawal symptoms, making medical detox the safest option.

• Alcohol – Since alcohol affects your nervous system, quitting abruptly can cause dangerous symptoms like high blood pressure, tremors, seizures, or even delirium tremens, which is life-threatening.
• Benzodiazepines – Used for anxiety and sleep, these drugs slow brain activity. Suddenly stopping can lead to agitation, rapid heart rate, hallucinations, and dangerous seizures.
• Opioids – Drugs like heroin, morphine, and oxycodone can cause withdrawal, which feels like a terrible flu. You may get muscle aches, nausea, anxiety, and chills. While not deadly, it can be overwhelming without medical help.
• Prescription Drugs – Certain medications a doctor might prescribe, like muscle relaxants, sleep aids, and gabapentin, can cause withdrawal symptoms.
• Stimulants – Cocaine, meth, and MDMA can trigger severe depression and cravings, making relapse more likely if you do not get clean under medical care.
• Synthetic Drugs – Designer drugs like MDMA, K2, spice, bath salts and kratom have unpredictable withdrawal effects, so medical supervision is the safest way for your body to get rid of these substances.

Benefits of Medical Detox

Medically supervised detoxification has many benefits, including improved mental health outcomes and an increased likelihood of sustained recovery. Medical detox offers the following advantages:

• It is a safe environment where those with long-term dependency can safely without the risk of life-threatening symptoms going untreated. 
• Since withdrawal can be intense, many people often go back to abusing substances to stop the pain and discomfort. In some cases, these relapses can cause an overdose because the person might use more than their usual dose to get rid of the distressing symptoms. However, in a detox center, there is monitoring that allows symptoms to be adequately managed. 
• Medical detoxes help ensure that a client gets the substances completely out of their system without ditching the process when the withdrawal symptoms start. It blocks their access to drugs or alcohol while making them comfortable. 

What You Can Expect During Medical Detox

The medical detox process starts with an assessment. Medical professionals will ask relevant questions to document your medical history, history of abuse, and severity of the condition. They will screen you for co-occurring mental health disorders and check what substances are in your system. 

After this stage, the specialist will create a personalized plan that will make you as safe and comfortable as possible. During the admissions process, you should be told about your right to privacy and safe care. You should also get a clear explanation of your treatment plan and how the discharge process works. 

You will be assigned to a room in the facility for the period of your detoxification. Medical staff will check on you regularly to monitor withdrawal symptoms and any reactions to medication.

Choose an LGBTQ Medical Detox Center

Although LGBTQ people have a high risk of developing substance use disorder, there are many barriers to inclusive healthcare. Pride Detox provides the much-needed environment for LGBTQ people to overcome addiction and sustain their recovery. With identity-affirming care and the support of peers who understand what it means to live in a world that discriminates and rejects your authenticity, it is easier to achieve recovery.

Contact us today via 1-562-554-5375 for more information on how you can beat alcohol and drug addiction.