Detoxification is the first hurdle that an addict must pass on the road to recovery. With both drug and alcohol addiction, the body becomes accustomed to the substance. When the body does not receive the substance that it is addicted to regularly, withdrawal symptoms and cravings will occur. The specific symptoms vary based on the substance abuse, the severity of the addiction, and other features. During the detox process, an individual may feel an overwhelming urge to use the substance again in order to manage the withdrawal symptoms and cravings. IV therapy detox, which is also called intravenous detoxification or NAD IV therapy, can boost energy levels, reduce cravings, and moderate withdrawal symptoms.
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Understanding Drug Detoxification
Drug detoxification (alcohol detox, IV detox, or IV treatment) is the process of removing the addictive substance from the body. This process can take a few days or much longer, and it can result in symptoms that range from headaches and muscle pains to vomiting, confusion, and many others. The road to addiction recovery is long, and ridding the body of the substance through detox is always the first step. Once detoxification is complete, the recovering addict can take advantage of an inpatient or outpatient recovery program to learn coping skills, identify necessary lifestyle adjustments, receive essential support, and more. Completing a recovery program can reduce the risk of a relapse. However, the recovery programs vary considerably in their environment and treatment plans, so it is important to schedule a consultation to learn about the treatment program options that may be suitable for your situation, your mental health, and your overall health condition needs.
IV drug detox is only one of several methods available. For example, some people will attempt to quit using on their own, and this may be referred to as a natural detox. Unfortunately, the withdrawal symptoms can be overwhelming and even dangerous, so this process may not yield the desired results for many addicts. There are also medically assisted detox programs. This provides medication to manage the symptoms. With IV drug detox, the body receives a healthy supply of essential nutrients and remains hydrated to facilitate the detoxification process. Often, IV drug detox and medication detox are included in a comprehensive drug detox plan.
An In-Depth Look at IV Drug Detox
IV drug detox usually takes place in a drug rehab center, such as Long Island Interventions. An IV drip will be administered to feed antioxidants, amino acids, minerals, vitamin C, and even oxygen into the body to prevent organ damage, ease symptoms, and restore nutrients during the detoxification process. The specific type of IV therapy used for your treatment will be based on the type of drug or drugs that must be purged from the body. It is important to note that medical detoxification may also be essential, such as if the individual is addicted to cocaine, heroin, and other hard drugs. Withdrawal symptoms for a severe addiction can be dangerous and even life-threatening, so medical supervision and intervention are crucial. There are some over-the-counter detox products available, but these are not suggested. Using them incorrectly and not under medical supervision can result in unnecessary risk.
The IV Drug Detox Process
IV drug detox is a medically-supervised treatment that takes place in a rehabilitation facility. The treatment may extend for up to two weeks, with IV therapy required each day. During the first few therapy sessions, you may be in the treatment center for up to 10 hours per session. This may decrease to anywhere from under an hour to six hours for the remaining therapy sessions. While you are receiving IV therapy, you can relax in a comfortable space and eat, read, nap, use your laptop, watch TV, and more. You will be supervised by a team of medical professionals throughout the process, and you may be asked to return a few weeks after the treatment concludes for a follow-up appointment. If you receive IV therapy and medication-assisted detox together, your treatment may require around-the-clock medical supervision over the course of several days or longer.
Comparing IV Drug Detox to Other Detox Methods
Many addicts who want to achieve and maintain sobriety often underestimate the symptoms and cravings associated with detoxification. While they may initially believe that they can succeed on their own with a natural detox, many start using drugs again to manage their intense symptoms and cravings. Some people even experience dangerous or life-threatening symptoms that require emergency medical treatment when they attempt to get clean on their own.
Medication-assisted detox is a supervised process that involves the administration of specific medications. These medications may alleviate specific symptoms that the individual is struggling with. They may also block or interfere with how the drug use impacts the body to reduce cravings. For those who are struggling with a severe substance addiction and who are addicted to hard drugs, medication-assisted detox may be essential for their personal well-being.
During IV drug detox, the IV fluid may be infused with amino acids, antioxidants, NAD, or a combination of these substances. They each serve a unique purpose, such as protecting the body from damage from free radicals, alleviating symptoms, and more. Studies have shown that medication-assisted detox and IV drug detox can be more effective and more comfortable for the addict. Through a consultation at a rehabilitation center, you can get a personalized recommendation for the treatment that is most suitable for you.
Preparing for IV Drug Detox
Before starting IV drug detox, it is important to know that this method alleviates some symptoms. However, you may still feel withdrawal symptoms to a lesser degree. To optimize the benefits of this detox method, it is important to communicate with your healthcare provider and to attend each scheduled IV therapy session. These sessions can be long and may interfere with obligations at work and home, so you should take the necessary steps to prepare for the full length of the treatment. Communicate with your family to obtain the necessary support that you need during the treatment. Family involvement is also an essential part of successful recovery and continued sobriety after detox is completed.
Life After Detox: The Next Steps in Addiction Treatment
Addiction recovery is a lifelong process that begins with detoxification. Often, various external factors play a role in addiction, such as a stressful job, poor relationships or support systems, financial issues, and more. After detox, a rehab program is beneficial. Inpatient and outpatient rehab programs are available, and your medical team will recommend the program that is most suitable for you. These programs both offer various types of personal, group, and family therapies. They teach life and coping skills and facilitate recovery in other ways. After the completion of the rehab program, many recovering addicts benefit from continued support. This may be through a support group or private therapy.
Even after your body has completely eliminated the addictive substance, the desire to start using it again can be strong. It is important to remove yourself from any temptations and negative influences. In some cases, this may mean finding a new job, establishing healthier friendships, setting strong boundaries with family members, and more.
Request a Consultation at Long Island Interventions
Your goal to become sober and move past your addiction is within reach. The first step is detoxification, and IV drug detox can make this process more comfortable and potentially more successful. Our team at Long Island Interventions will support you on your journey to sobriety, and we encourage you to contact us today to learn more about IV drug detox and other drug addiction treatment options that may benefit you or your loved one.
