Fort Myers Drug Addiction Detox

Fort Myers Drug Addiction Detox – Importance of a Medical Detox

Every drug addict that wishes to make positive changes to life and quit their bad habit will be faced with withdrawal symptoms. The severity of the withdrawal symptoms can make it difficult to handle and it often drives people to continue to abuse substances in order to avoid them. However, through Fort Myers drug addiction detox programs, the withdrawal symptoms can be managed safely so that the addict can begin their journey to a full recovery.

In this article, we will explore what a detox is and how a medical detox can help.

The Cause of Withdrawal Symptoms

In short, substance abuse leads to withdrawal symptoms, but why?

In opioid addictions, the person abuses the substance to experience the euphoric feelings caused by the interaction between the drug and the reward centers of the brain. It causes serotonin and dopamine to be released in high quantities – our natural “feel good” chemicals. The body tries to adjust to what is happening by reducing the amount of serotonin and dopamine produced in the rewards regions of the brain. When the person stops using opioids, they lack the presence of the feel-good chemicals due to reduced production. This situation results in them feeling that without the drug, they can’t feel normal.

Withdrawal symptoms are essentially what happen when the body tries to return to normal function from its altered state caused by the presence of drugs. This is the case with all drugs and alcohol.

What is a Medical Detox?

At a Fort Myers drug addiction detox center, patients will be given the chance to enter into a medical detox program. Medical detox refers to the use of medications during the detox process to assist with withdrawal symptoms.

Not only can the process at a Fort Myers detox program be made easier by the inclusion of medications, but the patient’s health can be closely monitored. This is especially important in cases where there are prior medical conditions such as heart disease or if a person is addicted to opioids, alcohol and meth and other highly addictive drugs as the withdrawal symptoms can be so severe that their life may be in danger.

The medications such as suboxone, methadone and naltrexone are used to lessen the extent of the symptoms and reduce the time it takes for detox to be completed. Other medications used in a Fort Myers detox program include anti-depressants and over-the-counter medication that can assist with lesser symptoms such as nausea.

Drug Addiction Detox Process

The drug addiction detox process in the Fort Myers drug addiction detox programs can be summed up in three distinct stages: evaluation, stabilization and transition into treatment.

An evaluation period helps the case worker to establish the extent of the addiction and any possible risks that may be involved in the process of detox. Usually, blood tests, screening for other mental disorders and an overall assessment is done to establish the safest way to handle an individual’s detox.

The stabilization period is when the addict’s symptoms are managed through the use of various medications. The aim is to keep the person in a stable condition so that the detox can run its course. Proper diet will be introduced to help with the process.

The next step in the process is the transition into treatment. Some people may believe that detox can cure an addiction; however, without therapy and other forms of treatment after detox, relapse is highly likely.

Through a Fort Myers drug addiction detox program, you or a loved one can start their road to recovery from substance abuse and addiction. Embrace what your life could be without drugs and alcohol by calling WhiteSands Treatment Centers at (877) 855-3470.



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