Hey there, struggling with addiction in the Garden State? You’re not alone. Whether it’s alcohol, benzos, opiates, or prescription meds that have you in their grip, breaking free can feel impossible. But here’s the thing – trying to quit cold turkey can be dangerous, even life-threatening. That’s where medical detox comes in. At Archangels Recovery Center in New Jersey, we offer safe, supervised detox for all kinds of substance use disorders. And if you’re dealing with addiction plus mental health issues (what the pros call dual diagnosis), we’ve got you covered there too. If you still have questions after this article, call us today at (888) 464-2144.
What Is Medical Detox?
A Supervised Withdrawal
Medical detoxification refers to the process of safely ridding your body of addictive substances under 24/7 medical supervision. It’s crucial for substances like alcohol, benzos, opioids, and prescription drugs, where quitting cold turkey can be life-threatening.
The Right Support
During detox, doctors, nurses and therapists monitor your vital signs closely. They’ll give you medications to ease uncomfortable or dangerous withdrawal symptoms like nausea, anxiety, and seizures. Meds like methadone, naltrexone or Suboxone are common.
A Fresh Start
Detox is just the first step. But it’s an essential one – clearing your system so you can address the root causes of addiction through counseling, therapy and support groups. With the right medical care, detox provides a safe, supervised transition to comprehensive treatment.
When Medical Detox Is Necessary
Life-Threatening Withdrawals
Attempting to detox “cold turkey” from alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids like fentanyl can be extremely dangerous and even life-threatening without medical supervision. These substances can cause severe withdrawal symptoms like seizures, delirium tremens, and suicidal thoughts that require emergency care.
Specialized Care
Medical detox allows doctors and nurses to closely monitor your progress and prescribe medications to safely manage your unique withdrawal symptoms. Older adults, pregnant women, and those with disabilities or co-occurring conditions need this specialized treatment to detox safely.
Preventing Relapse
Detoxing alone drastically increases your risk of relapse due to the intense cravings and discomfort. Medical detox provides the support you need to get through the initial withdrawal stage and transition into a comprehensive addiction treatment program for long-term recovery.
What to Expect During Medical Detox
During medical detox at Archangels Recovery Center, you’ll be closely monitored 24/7 by our experienced staff. We’ll help manage any uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms like nausea, anxiety or insomnia through safe medication protocols.
Safe, Supportive Environment
Our priority is providing a safe, comfortable detox environment where you can focus solely on your physical and mental wellbeing. Counseling, therapy, and evidence-based mental health treatments will help address the psychological aspects.
Personalized Detox Plan
After an initial assessment, we’ll create a personalized detox plan to meet your unique needs. The duration depends on your substance use history but typically lasts 5-10 days.
Continuing Care
Once stabilized, you’ll seamlessly transition to the next phase like residential, intensive outpatient, or outpatient care – whatever level best fits your situation. Our team supports you every step towards lasting recovery.
Drugs Requiring Medically Assisted Detox
Alcohol Detox
Quitting alcohol suddenly can be extremely dangerous and life-threatening. Alcohol addiction withdrawal symptoms like seizures, hallucinations, and delirium tremens (DTs) require 24/7 medical monitoring and medication management. The safest way to detox from alcohol is through a medically supervised detox program designed to minimize risks and ease discomfort.
Benzodiazepine Detox
Benzos like Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium are highly addictive prescription drugs. Stopping them abruptly can trigger intense withdrawal effects including anxiety, insomnia, tremors, and even seizures. A medical detox with tapering medication doses is crucial for benzo withdrawal to prevent life-threatening complications.
Opioid Detox
Detoxing from opioids like heroin, fentanyl, and prescription painkillers is extremely challenging due to intense cravings and flu-like symptoms. Medically supervised detox provides medications to ease withdrawal while offering 24/7 support to keep you safe and comfortable. It’s the first step for long-term opioid recovery.
Medications Used in Detox
Benzodiazepines for Alcohol & Sedative Withdrawal
Benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), and lorazepam (Ativan) are the go-to medications for managing alcohol and sedative withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, tremors, and seizures. They work by reducing the severity of withdrawal through a gradual taper or symptom-triggered dosing.
Opioid Withdrawal Meds: Methadone & Buprenorphine
For opioid detox, methadone and buprenorphine are commonly used to decrease cravings and withdrawal discomfort. Methadone is a full opioid agonist, while buprenorphine is a partial agonist – both can be part of longer-term medication-assisted treatment plans.
How Long Does Medical Detox Last?
Substance & Severity Matter
The duration of medical detox depends on the substance(s) used and addiction severity. As per Archangel Centers, it generally lasts 5-14 days. Alcohol detox may take 5-7 days, while opioids or other drugs could require 7-10 days or more.
24/7 Medical Monitoring
During detox, you receive round-the-clock medical care to manage withdrawal safely. Typically the first 72 hours are usually most intense, with tailored medications easing discomfort. Their team provides constant support.
Is Medical Detox Safe?
Medical detox provides a safe, supervised environment to withdraw from alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids and other substances. Attempting to quit cold turkey can be extremely risky and even life-threatening for certain addictions.
Safe Withdrawal
Medical detox programs use medications like benzodiazepines to manage withdrawal symptoms and prevent complications like seizures or delirium tremens. Providers monitor vital signs 24/7 and gradually taper substances for a safer detox process.
Reduced Relapse Risk
With supervised detox, you’re less likely to relapse due to intense cravings. Medications like methadone and buprenorphine help stabilize opioid withdrawal. This transition to comprehensive rehab promotes lasting recovery.
Next Steps After Detox
After completing detox, it’s crucial to continue your recovery journey. Detox alone isn’t enough to overcome addiction – it’s just the first step.
Comprehensive Treatment
Seek comprehensive treatment programs like intensive outpatient (IOP) or partial hospitalization (PHP). These provide structured care while allowing you to maintain responsibilities. Counseling, therapy, and support groups help identify root issues and build coping skills.
Lifestyle Changes
Make positive lifestyle changes like improving your diet, exercising, meditating, and engaging in meaningful activities. These support long-term recovery and emotional well-being.
Conclusion
So, do you need medical detox in New Jersey? If you’re struggling with alcohol, benzos, opiates, prescription drugs, or a dual diagnosis, the answer may very well be yes. Detoxing on your own can be dangerous and even life-threatening. At Archangels Recovery Center, we’ve got your back with 24/7 medical supervision to keep you safe and comfortable as you take this crucial first step. Remember, detox is just the beginning of your journey to recovery. But with the right support, you can break free from addiction and reclaim your life. You’ve got this, and we’re here to help every step of the way.
