Designer Drug Detoxification*
While detox is a form of withdrawal, freeing a client from designer-drug addiction is usually a routine procedure. First, detox staff will ascertain possible reactions during the withdrawal process. Since many so-called “designer drugs” are chemical cousins to legitimate medicines, usually in the amphetamine family, the goal is to make the client as comfortable as possible. As with any upper (street names include “salt” and “foxy”), cessation after prolonged use usually leaves the individual exhausted and irritable. Appropriate medication is provided and rest is the routine during the three to seven days it often requires to detox from designer drugs. Also, since the illegal labs that attempt to alter known compounds don’t always get the recipe right, 24-hour detoxification care is a must.
The second major type of designer drugs is synthetic opioid derivatives (street names include “Mephy” and “Nexus”). Usually manufactured in trailer labs, these dangerous compounds have resulted in numerous overdoses and deaths. Similar to a standard opiate detox program, withdrawal from designer drugs features a professional nursing and counseling staff that constantly monitors clients’ progress. Clients are often prescribed medication for sleep hygiene. In short, clients are guided through these first crucial days of recovery as discomfort is minimized.
No matter the substance in question, a client's detox process will deal with compulsive urges to use. The goal of detox is to encourage clients to avoid extreme reactions and begin a path to the thoughts, feelings and reactions that lead to recovery. The client gets much needed rest in a home-like detoxification facility, quieting the mind and healing the brain. When ready, clients begin their recovery journey by meeting with therapists and attending seminars. Clients are often amazed at how much better they feel.
Clients progress through detoxification treatment at various rates, and all decisions regarding length of treatment are made by clinical necessity. Studies have shown that lasting recovery is dependent upon an adequate length of treatment. Clients withdrawing from designer drugs typically spend three days to a week detoxifying prior to joining treatment at Morningside.
*Detoxification services are not provided at Morningside Recovery facilities. We work closely with local, fully licensed detoxification centers that provide the highest level of care to our clients. If a client requires detoxification and is admitting to any of Morningside's programs, our clinical team will follow the client’s detoxification treatment at these local facilities. If the detoxification period is to exceed 72 hours, we will also begin private therapy and other treatment services at the designated location. Our consulting physician and psychiatrist will also follow each client’s case at this outside center in order to ensure a smooth transition into any of our many levels of care. Although outcome studies have shown significant increase in client success when receiving full or extended treatment services after detoxification, if you require only a detoxification without further treatment, we are happy to refer you to one of the highly regarded and trusted detoxification facilities that we utilize.
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