Detox is a challenging process that requires a lot of determination and support. Having access to 24-hour nursing is crucial for helping clients achieve sobriety. Understanding the benefits of having full-time medical staff available while in a detox program can motivate someone into the first steps of recovery.

Medications in Detox

With the growing number of clients entering treatment facilities to treat opiate addiction, there is an increased need for and use of “opiate antagonist” medications. Opiate antagonist medications like Narcan (naloxone) and others containing naloxone (the active ingredient) are typically used to reverse the effects of an overdose of opiates.

Some naloxone-containing medications are solely used for preventative reasons. Whereas Narcan and Revia (naltrexone) are used for both prevention and emergencies, newer options are commonly used to treat withdrawal symptoms specifically.

Suboxone for Opiate Detox

One medication that has become widely used as the go-to for treating withdrawal and conducting a taper program is Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone). This drug can be used to treat withdrawal symptoms while also being used as a preventative.

Suboxone contains naloxone, just like Narcan, but also includes an opioid. Due to the effect of the medication, a doctor will be able to help their clients safely withdraw from opiates. This will make the symptoms much easier to handle. When the withdrawal symptoms are controlled and minimized, there is a greater chance that the client will stay in treatment and have long-term success.

Medications for Other Substances

For nearly all other detoxes, there are no specifically developed drugs used. However, the detox facility will have many peripheral medications to ease the symptoms associated with detoxing. Having 24-hour access to professional medical staff with all the tools and medications available to ease withdrawal symptoms will provide a much more comfortable and pleasant experience than alternative methods.

A Full Spectrum of Care

Medications for withdrawal are not the only part of detox that requires around-the-clock care. Clients also benefit from having 24-hour nursing staff in detox for various aspects of their care, including:

#1. Mental Health Care

When clients check into a residential treatment program, they are always given an assessment. These assessments will help the clinical staff develop the right program for the client’s specific needs. Sometimes, they also include mental health evaluations to screen for any mental health issues that the client may need to be treated along with substance use disorder.

Having 24-hour care available is essential in receiving the best treatment for emotional and mental health issues. Some clients may have never had a proper evaluation done before and may not even be aware that they had any problems that they needed professional help with.

Detoxing from substances while also having other underlying mental health disorders can make it quite challenging for clients to cope with the withdrawal symptoms. Having consistent nursing staff who can help clients who need assistance with mental health disorders is crucial. Having the support and resources of professional medical care 24/7 will provide clients with a much more comfortable experience, which will lead to a higher rate of clients staying to complete treatment.

#2. Physical Health

Clients may also have incurred various physical health issues while using substances. They may have contracted an illness, have organ damage, or infections that have gone unnoticed. Having 24-hour care available will ensure that clients get help with these issues, and it will ensure that their problems do not go unrecognized or untreated.

Some physical issues that a client may have upon entering treatment could be related to more significant underlying physical health issues. Some may also require emergency medical care. This is where having a 24-hour staff available is critical.

There are many ways physical ailments related to detox could develop into more severe issues requiring emergency medical care. Some detox processes may even have the potential to be lethal on their own. Having staff available at all times will ensure the safety of anyone that is going through a detox process.

#3. Nutritional Care

Clients who come into detox are sometimes malnourished due to their substance use. Having a staff that is available 24-hours a day will help ensure that clients will be cared for effectively. Clients who are dehydrated, underweight, or experiencing illness due to malnourishment will be able to receive the appropriate help and resources that may not have been available to them anywhere else. It is essential to distinguish between what ailments a client has as a result of their substance use versus as a result of their diet or malnourishment.

Everyone wishes to have the best care for themselves or their loved ones, especially during detox; it doesn’t get better than having expert medical care available 24 hours a day. There are many important details and procedures involved when completing a detox program. Clients will typically get a mental health evaluation, a physical health evaluation, and start a medical detox shortly after arriving at a treatment center. All of these things are critical to establishing the status of the client and determining the type of help they’ll need to detox and enter recovery safely. At Capo Canyon Recovery, we provide our clients with the most comfortable experience possible. We ensure that our clients feel cared for by providing the best medical staff at all hours of the day and night. If you or a loved one are seeking care for substance abuse and wish to learn more about our program, call Capo Canyon Recovery today at (800) 804-8714.