Rapid Detox, or rapid detoxification, is a technique through which a drug or alcohol addict is able to quickly eliminate the offending substance from his or her system without experiencing extended periods of withdrawal symptoms usually associated with quitting substance abuse. Alcohol Detox typically takes place over a period of time when the alcohol addict is supervised by medical staff while they are aided in overcoming their physical dependence on alcohol.  The goal of any type of Drug Detox, whether from alcohol or another drug, is to help relieve and reduce the symptoms addicts feel during the withdrawal period.

During Alcohol Detox, most (95% approximately) alcoholics experience withdrawal symptoms, ranging from mild to moderate.  These symptoms can be treated fairly easily by a physician or other healthcare professional with outpatient treatments.  The remaining 5% of alcohol addicts have severe symptoms of withdrawal, requiring inpatient care at a detox center that specializes in Rapid Detox or other trusted detoxification methods.  The long term objective of any alcohol or Drug Detox is, of course, life-long sobriety.  The best way to accomplish this goal is through admission into a long term drug treatment program at a drug and alcohol treatment center.  These facilities are staffed with specially trained professionals who are well qualified to guide patients through the recovery process with the least possible discomfort.

The advantage of Rapid Detox versus traditional detoxification methods is the reduction in side effects experienced due to withdrawal from drugs or alcohol.  In general, detox can cause a wide range of physical and psychological side effects, ranging from minor to major. As stated before, 95% of patients experience minor to moderate symptoms, which can include: headaches, perspiration, vomiting, insomnia, loss of appetite, tremors, and restlessness.  Those who are unfortunate enough to be among the 5% of patients for which severe symptoms are present will experience many or all of the moderate symptoms mentioned, but will also often face: convulsions or seizures, and delirium tremors.  Fortunately, there are several medications and medical procedures that are available in the right medical environment, which can be used to aid in the Alcohol Detox and Drug Detox processes and help to reduce these symptoms.  Tranquilizers, such as Librium and Valium are among the medications commonly used in this regard.

Rapid Detox is quite different from other detox methods in a few significant ways.  Unlike “normal” detox methods, which can even take place at home (with somewhat limited long-term results), rapid detoxification must be performed in a clinical environment.  During a rapid Drug Detox procedure, an anesthesia is used to aid in the detoxification process, and the active, opiate based, addictive drugs are actually removed from the patient’s nervous system.  In a traditional detox scenario, an addict will typically experience days or even weeks of often debilitating withdrawal symptoms.  Through Rapid Detox, however, these symptoms are usually reduced to just a few hours.  Additionally, much of the time during which symptoms would be experienced is spent under anesthesia or in a medically induced state which makes it possible for the patient to “ride out” the withdrawal with relatively little discomfort.

As with any detox method, Rapid Detox is but the first step on an addict’s road to recovery.  While many of the withdrawal symptoms often experience while going through Alcohol Detox or Drug Detox are lessoned or avoided, the issues surrounding why the addict became addicted to drugs or alcohol have obviously not been addressed, and the desire to drink or use drugs has not been eliminated.  For this reason, it is important for anyone going through any detox procedure to follow up the detox treatment with long term drug rehab.  Drug rehab centers don’t just perform Drug Detox.  They help patients take the next steps in the process of beginning a new life of sobriety.  In fact, many studies have shown that detox by itself has little effect on drug addiction long term.  This is why quality drug rehab programs endeavor to treat all the needs of an addicted person, not just their drug abuse. By following this “holistic” approach, patients feel cared for in a way many have never experienced.  This goes a long way toward building self esteem and confidence, traits that are often lacking in those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction.  Also, it is common to see clients with other medical and mental health challenges in addition to their addiction, and these must also be properly addressed.  Counseling programs and behavioral therapy treatment are therefore often part of the overall program offered by well qualified Drug Detox and treatment centers, as these are critical to effective rehabilitation.

Another aspect of a quality treatment program is that it is customized to meet the needs of each client, and it is adaptable to change as the patient’s needs change.  Because it is difficult to accomplish all of this in a short term program, long term drug treatment programs are strongly encouraged for anyone addicted to drugs or alcohol.  It is understandable that many people think only of the clinical side of treatment and the patient-clinician interaction that takes place during and the subsequent treatment program.  The fact is – long term alcohol treatment actually offers a more comprehensive resource channel for an addicted person to draw from.  Obviously, well trained counselors, administrators and medical staff are a large part of any long term treatment program, but another integral part of the process is other patients and former patients who have struggled with the same challenges as the addict in treatment.  This is particularly true of those programs specializing in treating women suffering with addiction.  The feelings of being overwhelmed and discouraged during recovery can be significant.  So, when a woman is able to witness and hear the stories of other women who have beat their addictions, it serves as inspiration and motivation for her to take the steps necessary for her to overcome her own dependence on drugs and alcohol.   This is why, whether considering a Rapid Detox program or any other method of beginning recovery, it is important for women addicted to drugs or alcohol to seek out a facility specializing in women with substance dependence.

Safe Harbor is a treatment facility that is geared specifically for the drug addicted woman. It offers not only a 90-day treatment program but is also one of the most well regarded long term drug and alcohol rehab centers in California. If you or someone you love is addicted to drugs or alcohol please visit https://safeharbortreatmentcenter.com/ or call 877-660-7623.

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