Addiction is a serious and complicated disease impacting both the physical and mental well-being of a person. Addiction cannot be conquered alone and is a life threatening illness if not treated appropriately.
Addiction medicine doctors are vital to a successful treatment plan and recovery. Therefore, selecting an alcohol and drug rehab center with active physician oversight is of paramount importance.
For those seeking drug and alcohol treatment in Jacksonville, FL and St. Augustine, FL, it’s important to seek multidisciplinary programs with physician(s) certified in addiction medicine on staff, seeing patients daily and active in all phases of evaluation, diagnosis and treatment.
A Medically Supervised Detox
Although life-threatening complications from withdrawal are less common, they can occur, and there is no way to predict how or when they might. Simply put, withdrawal from certain drugs and alcohol is dangerous, and in some cases deadly, which means a medical detox can mean the difference between life and death.
In many instances, medical detoxification can be safely accomplished on an outpatient basis. However, the possibility of outpatient detox is determined based on numerous factors and variables.
Is there a strong support system?
How severe is the addiction?
How long and how much has the person been using?
What is the overall health of the patient?
An experienced addiction medicine physician is the most qualified professional to make this important medical assessment, give a diagnosis, and suggest the most appropriate treatment for the individual including medical detoxification (detox). For those who are recommended for outpatient detox and treatment, a physician should supervise the individualized medical plan to minimize the likelihood of complications during the challenging transition from using dangerous, harmful chemicals to abstinence and recovery.
There are many type of addictions that require detoxification, including alcohol, heroin and opiate-related drugs, and certain prescription drugs such as Xanax, Oxycontin, Vicodin and Hydrocodone. Withdrawal symptoms can have severe side effects that can be fatal if not properly treated. Symptoms from detox can include vomiting, trembling, nausea, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, seizures and coma.
In an addiction treatment facility, healthcare professionals such as addiction medicine physicians can treat withdrawal symptoms with specialized medications to help decrease the risk of more serious side effects occurring. Serious complications of withdrawal or intoxication can include things like:
- Seizures
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Dehydration
- Delirium tremens
The duration and intensity of withdrawal varies among individuals, however; medical staff should be on hand to check vital signs, evaluate mental and physical progress, and provide support to the patient throughout the withdrawal process.
Choosing the Right Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center in North Florida
There is no question that the safest and most successful detox process is run by highly trained medical professionals in a specialized facility after a comprehensive physician assessment. Checking credentials and understanding that physician-led treatment is a vital component to a safe and successful recovery is the first step in choosing a drug and alcohol rehab center.
Recovery Keys of Jacksonville and St. Augustine, Florida specializes in alcohol addiction treatment, and our state-of-the-art facilities and services ensure that you or your loved one will receive the highest possible quality of care in a confidential and comforting environment.
If you’re interested in learning more about our accredited drug and alcohol rehab program, contact us today. Our helpful and dedicated employees are more than ready to find you the help that you need to finally beat your addiction.
