7 Benefits of a Medical Detox Program

Many people think they can quit an addiction on their own through sheer determination. While some can, success depends on several factors, such as the duration you have taken the substance, the amount, and what you consumed.

A common misconception surrounding addiction treatment programs is that all people suffer through withdrawal. In fact, medical detox programs facilitate a stronger recovery and lessen the chances of relapse.

The Purpose of Medical Detoxification

Medical detox removes harmful substances from the body under the supervision of medical staff. Prolonged drug and alcohol usage can facilitate strong and (sometimes) harmful withdrawal symptoms in certain patients. Some symptoms are even life-threatening.

However, when conducted in controlled environments, medical detox provides a safer method of managing withdrawal and its side effects. For example, medical detox centres will:

  • Medically stabilize patients.
  • Prevent harmful withdrawal effects.
  • Minimize symptoms.
  • Transition clients to substance abuse rehabilitation. 

Treatment duration depends on how long it takes for the body to eliminate alcohol and drugs. The time it takes depends on the substance abuse duration, the amount regularly used, and the substance type. Recovery time also depends on mental and physical health, age, and gender.

The Advantages of a Medical Detox Program

Medical detox programs provide a safe space to undergo detox. The challenge with detoxifying the body at home is the potential severity of the symptoms and the physical risks some substances can pose. There are several benefits to addiction treatment programs that many don’t consider, including the following:

1. Makes withdrawal manageable

Different substances will have varying withdrawal symptoms. Furthermore, the amount and duration used can factor into the severity as the body attempts to regain homeostasis. Substance abuse doesn’t just alter the body; it affects the brain as well at a neurosynaptic level.

Medical detox makes withdrawal symptoms manageable and less severe than going through the withdrawal process alone.

Different medications help clients manage the severity of symptoms, and may include the following:

  • Naloxone: Naloxone reverses opioid overdose.
  • Suboxone: This medication is a form of buprenorphine and naloxone, which prevents misuse.
  • Naltrexone: Effective at blocking opioid reinforcement to eliminate ongoing use. It can treat cravings for alcohol and deter drinking behaviours.
  • Buprenorphine: As a partial opioid agonist, buprenorphine has a higher safety profile and can stabilize individuals to prevent relapse. It helps clients control opiate cravings and assists in long-term recovery.
  • Methadone: Works for opioid treatment by managing withdrawal symptoms and facilitating stability while in recovery.
  • Clonidine: This alpha-adrenergic agonist handles opioid withdrawal.

When the pain is manageable, there is a greater chance for success.

2. Safer environment

Detoxifying at home can be dangerous. When symptoms become too severe or intolerable mentally and physically, people often give in to the addiction. However, the danger isn’t necessarily that during a relapse, the individual returns to their normal routine.

Since the body is undergoing withdrawal symptoms as it strives to maintain a balance, when a person relapses, they end up taking more of the drug to re-establish a baseline. Additionally, they may take more of the drug as a numbing effect to combat pain. This situation can elicit both a drug overdose and, potentially, death.

Medical detox centres regularly monitor clients. They understand the withdrawal process. They can thus provide enough medication to combat symptoms and are vigilant in spotting potentially lethal consequences. For example, prolonged alcohol usage can generate hallucinations, and some patients can experience seizures with fatal results if left unmonitored.

3. Decreases relapse

Successfully treating substance abuse stems from the ability to manage withdrawal. Chronic drug and alcohol consumption alters the brain’s chemistry. Generally, it causes the brain to overproduce a certain substance depending on the drug. For example, in the brain, opioids block pain signals and increase dopamine. Dopamine is responsible for feeling pleasure and reward.  

As the body counterbalances the effects, more drugs are necessary to maintain the same high as the body develops tolerance. This same tolerance is what can potentially cause an intensity of withdrawal symptoms. 

However, medical detox helps manage withdrawal symptoms and decreases the temptation to go back to using the substance. When a person is comfortable, there is a decreased chance for relapse, and they stand a better chance for recovery. 

Medical detox methods help manage the pain and bring it to tolerable levels. Our centre monitors patients around the clock. We immediately address discomfort and can provide assistance if there is a medical emergency.

4. Safer than detoxing at home

As mentioned, going through the detox process at home can be dangerous. Medical detox centres assist in pain management and reduce symptoms to tolerable levels. We provide 24/7 assistance and can handle any medical emergency.

Most people choose a medical detox centre because of this factor. While they may never require medical assistance, they are in a safer space if something were to happen.

During the detoxification process, there are many unknown factors. Medical professionals are on-site to deal with any situation and can prevent fatalities. They are thus a safe space to heal mentally and physically.

5. A supportive environment

Sometimes, the environment plays a role in addiction relapse and the recovery process. When a person is trying to quit substance abuse, there may be many around them engaging in the activity they are attempting to avoid. This increases the chance of relapse because they aren’t in a supportive environment. 

While a medical detox centre largely deals with the physical aspects of withdrawal, an added benefit is that it is a proactive step in removing the person from the environment wherein they can resume past harmful behaviours. It removes them from enablers as well.

6. Assistance in full recovery

Medical professionals are available to assist throughout the detoxification process and continually monitor individuals to ensure their safety. While patients are sincere about quitting substance abuse, it is easier when you are surrounded by a strong support staff. 

Once our patients are admitted, they remain at the centre until medically stable. After that, we transfer them to treatment or rehabilitation centres. Since substance abuse can mask underlying mental and physical health conditions, our team can ensure a more successful treatment to prevent relapse. 

7. Detect underlying physical and mental health issues

Medical professionals must address the underlying issues since they need to determine the source. Some symptoms can appear to be mental health issues when they simply exist from prolonged drug usage.

Therefore, we must determine the exact underlying cause before successful treatment can be initiated. If a mental health disorder is present, then we can treat it separately.

How can I admit myself or a loved one?

If you or a loved one requires an addiction treatment program, consider the Metamorphosis Centre for Change. We have a high staff-to-patient ratio, thus providing more personalized care and timely intervention. Furthermore, our reduced wait times means you can receive the attention you need.

For more information, please call us at 1-855-888-0212 or fill out our online form and contact us here.

Leave a Comment

Brittany BuchanBrittany Buchan
10:49 21 Dec 22
Metamorphosis literally saved my life .I went to the centre completely broken and honestly just done. But after a month of learning and amazing care from all the medical staff and counsellors ( Rick , Vicky, Troy , Jen , Mel , Nicole ) I left a with a new lease on life and I now look forward to living.I wasn’t sure if this place was for me as I suffer from mental illness and not addiction but although most of the focus was on addictions , it’s very applicable to mental health as well and found myself learning a lot.My primary counsellor Rick was amazing , he lifted me up and helped me see my true potential and worth and guided me in tackling some daunting work and was always there for me when I needed , for hims i am so thankful!My secondary counsellor Vicky was another saving grace for me , we shared a lot of similar stories and she was easy to talk to , always made sure that if I had a issue , it was rectified and she’s definitely a huge blessing to me and my recovery !The only negative thing I have to say is the centre is quite disorganized ( managerially , administratively) and I did feel like I was chasing people to try and receive some of the things that were supposed to be part of my treatment there from family therapy to psychiatry . When I did speak to the owners about this it was dealt with in a productive manner and although in my opinion it wasn’t able to be fixed as it was too far gone ; it was sorted out to the best of their ability .Metamorphosis was the first place I have felt safe , heard , valued and supported and everyone there was amazing I would recommend this centre to others who are looking for a place to heal !
Ada WoodsAda Woods
05:44 02 Oct 22
My time at Metamorphosis Centre was unexpectedly beautiful.I've travelled around the world, and I have to say this was the best month of my life. Nothing compares to this experience and the knowledge I gained. If you are on the fence or looking into treatments centres, I promise this is the place for you!I remember making the decision I needed to go to rehab and being terrified based off what movies portray - I'm 25 - so the picture of the movie "Girl Interrupted" played through my mind. Wow, did Metamorphosis prove me wrong. The gentlemen Todd who answered the phone on the other side of Metamorphosis tackled all my questions with empathy and made me feel comfortable with the decision of going there. I was still hesitant but when I walked through the front doors of Metamorphosis a rush of hope came over me and I felt instantly at home. I was greeted with compassion, understanding, and no judgements. That continued for my 30 days there, as well as after I left. I have a new family; the staff, counsellors, owners, and clients that attended alongside me.The program itself gets to the bottom of addiction by exploring how everything starts with the importance of mental health. They focus on how to love and accept yourself despite decisions or experiences we've all had in life. It is accompanied with beautiful walks and swims at the beach, nature hikes, and fun group activities that taught me I can have fun being sober again. I can be myself and be loved for it.Every single counsellor in the building goes above and beyond with their jobs. It is so evident that they truly give their whole heart to every individual that walks through their front doors. I have done therapy consistently for 2 years prior to going. During my first conversation with head counsellor Rick he got to the root of my problems in that one conversation. (I know my mind was blown too.) I will forever be thankful for Rick, he truly changed my outlook on life, and helped re-build the broken relationships I had with my parents. Vicky, the mom of the building, with the biggest heart. She wasn't even my assigned counsellor but she stood by my side and cheered me on while I figured my life out. Nicole, my primary counsellor provided me with tools to overcome my anxiety and panic attacks. She is such a joy to be around, and lights up any room she walks into. I learned more in a month at Metamorphosis Centre than I had doing therapy for 2 years.To Frank and Chris, the owners, thank you SO much for opening up Metamorphosis Centre, and your determination to make it the best centre out there. In my eyes, you have achieved that. I couldn't imagine my life without this place now.
stephanie beedhamstephanie beedham
19:34 11 Aug 22
Metamorphosis changed my life. It is a treatment center that stands above the rest in every aspect of recovery. The treatment is personalized to each individual's struggle and the staff work one on one to provide the best care possible. My counselor Rick is one of the most wonderful people I have ever met. With years of experience and a heart of gold, he challenged me, taught me and encouraged me to face my addiction and overcome a lifetime of trauma. Vicky is a counselor that will go above and beyond for her clients. She is relentless in her pursuit to make your journey successful. Chris and Frank, the owners, make Metamorphosis a place that people can call home during recovery. Their work is not only amazing...it is beautiful and inspiring. I will forever be grateful for the time I spent at this Centre and urge anyone struggling with mental health or addiction to reach out and look no further than Metamorphosis. It is treatment that will make the difference.
Dennis CDennis C
15:34 02 Apr 22
Metamorphosis showed me how to be the best version of my self . The patience and consideration from all the staff is what makes Metamorphosis different from other centre's. The food was fantastic, I enjoyed the kitchen staff so much I would volunteer cleaning dishes. Frank and Chris gave me an opportunity that allowed me to break the cycle of addiction that I will be forever grateful for. My primary counselor Madison , went above and beyond. Secondary counselor Tom was open and friendly , but took my recovery seriously and helped show me the way into better living. I am still in contact with Tom and he continues to support me with the challenges I face in recovery
Melanie BucciMelanie Bucci
21:39 10 Jan 22
I cannot begin to describe how thankful I am for Metamorphosis for helping me get my life back together. I was in a very dark place when I arrived and I did not know what to expect as this was my first (and last) treatment center I have ever been to. Right away I was made to feel comfortable and at home by the staff and the other clients staying at the center. You can tell that the owners, Frank and Chris, truly care about their clients. My primary counsellor, Jen, was absolutely amazing and I am so grateful for her. She understood me right away and gave me the tools I needed to be successful in my recovery, along with the help of the head counsellor, Rick, and the other counsellors at Metamorphosis. The doctors and therapists that they work with are also excellent and extremely knowledgeable. The food they provided was top notch. Thank you, Metamorphosis, for making me live again and not just survive. This center will always hold a special place in my heart.
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