An opioid detox program involves a team of medical professionals including a physician, psychiatrist, advanced practice registered nurse, certified nursing assistant, and certified chemical dependency professional. The team works together to protect the patient's health and provide therapeutic interventions. The treatment process begins with an initial assessment. The team will then determine a plan of action for achieving the goal of drug-free life. During the detox, the team will monitor the patient closely to ensure that they are making the most successful recovery possible.
An inpatient or outpatient opioid detox program usually
lasts three to ten days. The treatment plan is personalized to fit the
patient's needs, wishes, and insurance status. Once the treatment plan is determined,
the physician will determine if the patient's condition requires a hospital
stay or an outpatient detox. A physical exam and targeted laboratory tests may
be ordered to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. Patients who are
experiencing the signs of opioid withdrawal are usually evaluated for other
medical conditions.
If the physician thinks that an opioid detox program will be
beneficial, he or she should try it to ensure the patient's safety. This type
of treatment is often less expensive than a traditional medical setting, and it
is a good idea to get a medical evaluation prior to the detox. Your doctor may
be able to answer any questions you have about drug therapy. The doctor can
also encourage you to pursue a new path toward recovery.
During the detox process, you should avoid eating or
drinking anything. You should eat a nutritious diet, and try not to binge on
foods you've binged on. Remember to drink plenty of water. Your body will need
to readjust to the absence of substance abuse, so it's important to eat a
nutritious diet. Additionally, it's important to drink plenty of water. Without
it, your detox symptoms will worsen.
Inpatient medical detox services are best for people who
cannot tolerate the discomfort of a medically assisted detox. Your doctor will
assess your current mental and physical health and create a customized
treatment plan based on your individual needs. After the medical detox, you can
transfer to a higher level of clinical care. It is very important to make sure you
are hydrated and eating healthy foods. If you're not drinking water, your body
will be deprived of the essential nutrients it needs.
After detox, your doctor will provide you with a treatment
plan. This will outline your next steps on the continuum of care. Some people
will continue to receive outpatient services after they leave detox. Some
patients will even move into residential care if they need to. The goal is to
stay focused throughout the entire detox process. Once the body has been
readdressed, it will be ready to continue with additional treatment. If you
have a medically-compromised patient, he or she will be able to help you.