When you visit Dr. Madhuri Gadiyaram of NJ Comprehensive Health Care, serving Roselle Park, NJ, and the neighboring communities, for addiction treatment, the first step of the process is detoxification, at least when it's a drug or alcohol addiction. So what does it consist of, and what's its role in a successful recovery?
Detoxification Explained
The detoxification process involves getting all substances out of your system. This part of the addiction treatment in Roselle Park, NJ, sets the initial foundation.
Because this is when the withdrawal symptoms are strongest, it's essential to receive the proper care to manage them adequately.
During the detoxification process, we can make you as comfortable as possible to reduce your need to turn back to the substance to ease your symptoms. At this point, we may prescribe antianxiety or sleep medications. Some patients may need an antinausea medication or stool softener. If you're going through withdrawal from alcohol or benzodiazepines, we may recommend taking an anticonvulsant, while antipsychotics may be used to manage agitation from stimulant withdrawal.
We can also intervene with drugs that stop cravings, as you acquire the tools needed to manage the addiction outside our practice. For instance, buprenorphine or methadone help alleviate opiate cravings.
The Importance of a Positive Detox Experience
Ultimately, the goal of detox is to keep you safe and comfortable. When withdrawal symptoms begin, the individual naturally wants to reach for their substance of choice or another substance to curb symptoms. During a medical detox program, you receive treatments that ease your symptoms so you don't want to turn to drugs or alcohol to prevent them.
The detoxification process sets the premise for your success. Without a positive experience for a detox, it's more likely you'll return to using to ease any physical or mental anguish from the withdrawal symptoms.
Moreover, once you get through this phase, we can guide you on programs that can help you remain drug or alcohol-free long-term.
Setting Up the Next Step
Though it varies based on the substance, the initial withdrawal symptoms are usually most severe in the first few days to weeks. As you approach the end, we'll help you set up the next step. This treatment stage consists of retraining your brain to live without the substance. You learn how to handle triggers healthily. Your treatment may include a support group.
At NJ Comprehensive Health Care, serving Roselle Park, NJ, and the general vicinity, Dr. Gadiyaram and the team want to give you all the tools necessary for the highest chances of long-term recovery, which starts with non-stressful detoxification with minimal symptoms.
