Ohio Drug And Alcohol Medical Detox Center

When someone looks at the process of recovery as a whole it can be seen an ongoing journey which is marked with critical steps. Those steps contain elements that are complementary and work together to achieve a goal. In regards to recovery and sobriety medical detoxification is considered a crucial intervention step early on in the process.Ohio-based medical detox services should be considered as part of a comprehensive and successful drug treatment program. It is not only important to note not only the benefits of drug and alcohol detoxification services in Ohio, but what is involved in the medical detoxification process itself and how it ties into the larger recovery picture as a whole.

Origins of Medical Detoxification in Ohio and its Benefits

The emergence of medical detox in Ohio and the rest of the United had its’ roots in the 1970’s when the medical model of care emerged. Prior to that time period, those who were intoxicated or showed signs of intoxication were often arrested and held in so-called “drunk tanks” or other holding areas. Without medical intervention, individuals often had to handle the withdrawal symptoms “cold turkey” and sometimes with significant physical and emotional consequences.

As defined by Quick Guide for Clinicians published by SAMHSA, detoxification is a set of interventions aimed at managing acute withdrawal and intoxication. With detoxification, there is a clearing out of the toxins that have accumulated in the body and these interventions are used to minimize both the physical and psychological harm caused by substance abuse.

There are three guiding principles behind medical detoxification:

• Evaluation-the testing of substances in the bloodstream, their concentrations and any co-occurring mental or physical conditions that may accompany substance abuse as well as other medical and social assessments.
• Stabilization-assisting patients through the withdrawal process towards a stable and substance-free state.
• Fostering Entry into Treatment-preparing clients to enter formal treatment and providing encouragement and support.

How Long Would an Ohio Drug Detox or an Ohio Alcohol Detox Last?

The period of time that an Ohio drug detox or an Ohio alcohol detox can vary depending on the type of drug or drugs that have been abused, the frequency of their use and the length of time the substances had been taken. An Ohio-based detox program can generally last between 3 to 5 days. During that time period the individual may experience a variety of symptoms associated with withdrawal including the following:

• vomiting
• nausea
• muscle cramps
• bone pain
• hallucinations
• profuse sweating and chills
• difficulty breathing

With certain drugs, such as heroin and oxycodone, individuals may be given smaller doses of the abused drug or given synthetic derivatives in order to wean the body gradually off of that substance because sudden withdrawal could cause severe physical effects. Other factors that can determine length of stay in medical detox include, among others:

• Significant swings in mental status
• Age of client
• Cultural views and attitudes towards treatment
• Working with parents of dependent children

What to Expect When Entering a Medical Detoxification Centers in Ohio

Once an individual enters a medical detoxification facility based in Ohio, they may be searched for items that could cause harm to themselves or staff. Those items can include shoelaces, clothing with drawstrings, and other medication, prescriptions or drugs they may be abusing. Once secured, people will start the detoxification process and will experience a variety of withdrawal symptoms as described above. Licensed, experienced and trained staff closely monitor each patient and may use synthetic medication or other interventions to help minimize those symptoms.

Once the patient is in a state in which they are medically, psychologically and emotionally stable, they are being prepared to enter formal treatment with initial treatment plans put together from the various medical, social and psychological assessments that are performed by staff.