Drug Detoxification Process
Starting the holistic detox process at Alternative to Meds Center typically begins with an initial medical evaluation on site.
Initial Medical Evaluation
When entering a holistic detox program, the first step in creating an effective treatment plan is understanding the patient’s unique condition. By assessing their situation, their substance of choice, their associated mental health symptoms, and their current prescription regimen alongside routine testing and a psychiatric evaluation, medical professionals can better understand the patient and create an effective holistic detoxification program.
For example, a patient experiencing a long-term alcohol dependency and taking antidepressants is unique from a patient using heroin and taking anti-anxiety medications – and it is likely their physical, cognitive, and mental health symptoms will differ, as well. An initial evaluation and testing can help plan the beginning stages of their treatment which often involves a stabilization period.
Creating a Stable Environment
Holistic detoxification works best in an environment that contributes to a patient’s success. The environment where holistic detox takes place must be supportive, engaging, and staffed with experts who can effectively manage the withdrawal process.This requires the implementation of a full therapeutic menu of what the client will need before, during, and after the holistic detox process.
The stabilization process may involve improving sleep, nutrition, and pain management if needed, so that the drug withdrawal process is starting from a relatively stable condition. Often, clients may have multiple addictions, including alcohol, that require a coordinated set of steps addressing each of these factors in an orderly and medically safe way.
Holistic Support During Withdrawal from Prescription Medications
Dependence becomes a driver of continuing to use prescription drugs. When the drug is stopped or delayed, withdrawal symptoms emerge. If the drug suppressed original symptoms, these often return if the drug is stopped, and with a vengeance. Holistic prescription drug withdrawal offers the opportunity to not only gently withdraw the drug, using natural methods to soften the withdrawal reactions, but to also lessen and eliminate the original symptoms that led to drug use in the first place. This is the aim of holistic support during prescription drug withdrawal.2
Some common types of prescription medications that can cause severe withdrawal periods include benzodiazepines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, opioids, and others. Each class of drug has its own timeline for recovery due to such differences as the drug’s half-life, the age and general health of the client, the dosage, and the length of time it was taken. And, each class of drug will have its own effective methods and protocols during holistic drug withdrawal.36
Common Holistic Detoxification Procedures
Tackling the psychological effects of substance dependency is just as important as treating the physical effects, so effective holistic detox treatments will aim to handle both. Some of the most common methods used in holistic detox programs include:
Medication Tapering and Medical Oversight
A safe medication tapering program with oversight by a trained physician is the safest and most comfortable way to begin medication tapering.
Pain Management
Oftentimes, those taking prescription medications are doing so for pain management. Prescription drug holistic detoxification for those with chronic pain requires the creation of an effective pain management plan that can offer pain relief, and gradually eliminate the need for prescription medication.
Peer Support
Group support can be a very effective way to learn about and use new tools to deal with issues moving forward. Finding others going through the same struggles can create a comforting sense of community during the holistic detox process.
Individual Counseling and Psychotherapy
In addition, individual sessions can provide a safe space for discovering different ways to resolve personal issues. At an appropriate point in their program, One-on-one counseling sessions allow those going through their holistic detox to find the personal reasons for substance use, develop non-drug-based strategies to address mental health conditions and develop more positive life skills that will reinforce success after leaving the program.
Residential Treatment
Residential treatment centers help those with addiction issues by giving them a safe and stable environment, access to round-the-clock care, and the independence needed to facilitate the recovery process. This also helps those who face triggering factors in their normal environment so they can avoid situations that could lead to relapse.
Holistic detoxification from prescription medications like SSRIs and pain medication at Alternative to Meds Center is a multi-phased process involving finding root causes for symptoms, addressing them so they are lessened or eliminated, cleansing the body of built-up neurotoxins, and gentle drug withdrawal for full and complete recovery. In a residential facility, these goals can be accomplished without distractions or outside pressures.
Holistic Detox Process and Treatments
Holistic detox enables a softer withdrawal process because it concurrently purges toxic accumulations from the body that may have contributed to original symptoms in the first place. Holistic detox programs can include a range of cleansing and comfort therapies, as well as orthomolecular and nutritional support for rehabilitating neurochemistry.
Acupuncture
A European clinical trial showed acupuncture significantly lessened opiate withdrawal symptoms which can otherwise be extremely severe.7
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy improves circulation and reduces inflammation and muscle fatigue, providing welcome comfort and relaxation during withdrawal and recovery after drug use.8
Sauna Therapy
The skin is the largest organ in your body, and one of the body’s most efficient methods of releasing toxins occurs through the skin. The steam of a sauna can help open the pores and stimulate sweat release, which allows toxins to come to the surface of the skin. Saunas can also be good for stress relief and relaxation, which can reduce anxiety and encourage a more clear, more focused mindset during the holistic detox process.9
Ionic Foot Baths
Similar to sauna therapy, ionic foot baths may help draw out the toxins in your body through your feet. The ions in water droplets are charged by a low-voltage current that is released by an ionizing apparatus. These charged elements have the potential to draw out and remove harmful substances from the body. In essence, the toxins that are clogging up the system seem to be pulled out as if by a magnet. As a result, the water in the foot bath starts to change color as it gets filled with the chemical buildup drawn out of the body.
Exercise and Physical Therapy
One of the best ways to stimulate physical metabolism and improve mental health symptoms can be through exercise. Toxins are generally fat-soluble, which is why part of the cleansing process at Alternative to Meds Center uses natural supplementation to convert these fat-soluble toxins to water-soluble.
Then the toxins can be released through sweat and normal elimination channels. Exercise can help accelerate this process, without the liability of taxing the internal organs with the flushing out process. Plus, exercising outdoors can also increase vitamin D exposure, which can help alleviate symptoms of depression commonly felt by those who have used prescription medications.12
Nutrition Plans
Getting the right nutritional support can be essential for a successful holistic detox plan. Fueling the body properly can be important to restore mental health naturally. Gut health is also key to recovery of mental health and can be corrected through nutrition and supplementation. A healthy microbiome enables safe and gentle purging of pollutants from the body.10
Supplements and Enzymes
Creating the right balance of nutrients and enzymes is key to ensuring both mental and physical health. Given the right raw materials, the body can rid itself of toxic buildup, and support optimum body function. Supplements can restore vitamin and nutrient levels depleted by poor nutrition or medication toxicity. For example, glutathione is essential to promote toxin excretion and neutralization. That is the reason nebulized glutathione is offered at Alternative to Meds Center for clients during and after gradual medication withdrawal.11
Holistic Detox at Alternative to Meds Center
We firmly believe in the benefits of addressing the whole person during the prescription drug holistic detoxification process. To reduce and remove the accumulated burden these and other toxic substances can cause on your body and brain, it is important to begin with a series of lab tests. Lab testing informs the best way forward for each individual. In addition, we will assess any present physical, neurological, and mental health issues that may require additional treatment especially if it needs to be addressed before medication withdrawal is started.
Based on your lab and examination results, we will build a personalized, comprehensive holistic detoxification program unique to you. With holistic detoxification, you can focus on the work of recovery, beginning your long-lasting healing journey.
