Medical Detox in a Healthcare Setting
Inpatient medical detox is a complex process which helps to clear alcohol or drugs from the body while managing withdrawal symptoms in a comfortable environment. Withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous. The hospital-based detoxification plan can provide 24/7 observation, medication and clinical support as the detoxing body continues to purge and adjust.
Inpatient Addiction Withdrawal Process
A main difference between hospital-based detox vs outpatient programming may come down to medical intensity. While outpatient mental health and addiction clinics can offer a supportive environment for certain symptoms, they may not be equipped to handle more complicated and unpredictable psychiatric crises.
Certain physical reactions due to withdrawal from drugs and alcohol demand the highest level of observation. It’s important that medical providers, friends and family can recognize the signs a patient or loved one may require hospital level-of-care support for substance use.
Red-flag symptoms for people living with addiction or dual diagnosis may include:
- Seizures or convulsions
- Visual or auditory hallucinations
- High fever and body pain
- Severe heart palpitations
At this stage, the roles of board-certified physicians and psychiatrists are crucial for providing emergency interventions for substance use withdrawal. After the crisis, the next steps may involve clinical intake, evaluations and a 72-hour stabilization window.
What is medical detox in the hospital?
Upon arrival at a medical detox healthcare facility, the medical team can immediately assess your vital signs, start diagnoses and begin to build a personalized detox plan. While every patient is highly unique, inpatient hospital detox can take anywhere from 3 to 10 days.
Detoxing from substance abuse in a hospital can vary based on which substance was used and for how long, as well as the patient’s general health. Detoxification can also take longer if your liver is diseased or damaged. Patients who have other health conditions (like obesity or diabetes) may experience longer detox periods as well.
Once admitted, your doctor or provider’s priorities become a full assessment and help managing more challenging withdrawal symptoms that can include:
- Heavy sweating and fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Restlessness and insomnia
- Shakiness and high blood pressure
Medication-assisted treatments and behavioral health
Doctors may use medication-assisted treatment for severe symptoms to decrease the patient’s emotional and physical discomfort. Targeted medications may also help to ease anxiety, cravings, severe cramping and other side effects of medical detox.
Detoxing without supervision can be dangerous, potentially causing seizures and discomfort. For alcohol dependence, inpatient detox can be vital for easing nausea and delirium with round-the-clock nursing care. After several days, once acute physical symptoms stabilize, the patient may progress to a long-term rehabilitation plan and transition to outpatient status.
Providers can help patients move from detox to rehab
Inpatient medical detox is a recognized medical pathway to safety and clearing substances from your system but it’s one step on the addiction journey. s only the vital first step. While inpatient detox can help clear the body and nervous system, it’s not the complete treatment. Detox is the necessary first step that prepares patients for further addiction treatment, such as 12-step plans and outpatient therapy.
After several detox days, a patient may be more prepared to transition from their initial mental health crisis to ongoing rehabilitation. Treatment can eventually shift to treating psychological disorders and addiction through outpatient counseling, prevention and group therapy.
Positive next steps to take after medical detox might include:
- Scheduling consistent outpatient treatments
- Maintaining healthy daily habits like exercise
- Building a stronger support network
- Preventing relapse with a sustainable recovery plan
Contact Horizon Health Behavioral Health Solutions
Call 800-931-4646 to learn how Horizon Health partners with hospitals and facilities nationwide to design, develop and implement behavioral health solutions and medical detoxification inpatient programs. Contact the business development team today.
