DRUG DETOX
It is widely accepted by addiction professionals throughout the country that the first phase of recovery from drug addiction or alcoholism is drug detox. Drug detox is an essential element of drug detox treatment as it helps manage medical symptoms associated with drug withdrawal, while assessing and treating any accompanying medical problems. Most drug detox centers will manage drug withdrawal symptoms by designing a drug detox protocol for each patient and dispensing the appropriate drug detox medications to offset withdrawal. Due to the medical issues that can accompany drug withdrawal, not to mention how compromised a person’s health is, a drug detox should have a physician trained in addiction medicine and 24 hour nursing care.
When most people hear the words drug detox, they automatically think of managing drug withdrawal. While this certainly the most important aspect of any drug detox, a service equally important is the drug detox’s ability to evaluate every individual as to their need for ongoing treatment. For this reason a drug detox needs to employ clinicians trained in addiction and mental health problems, in conjunction with medical personnel, to evaluate each patient’s individual needs. If you need help with drug detox, call 1-800-99-DETOX today. Don’t suffer any longer!
Credentials of a First Class Drug Detox
There are many factors to consider when choosing a drug detox such as; ensuring that you are choosing a reputable and effective drug detox program. One way to achieve this goal would be to review the licensure of the drug detox program and the credentials of the drug detox staff.
Drug Detox Licensure – a drug detox program should always be licensed by the state in which they provide drug detox services. In Florida for example, it would be the Department or Children and Family Services. Secondly, and most important, is a drug detox program should be accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospital Organizations (JCAHO). This accreditation insures the drug detox maintains certain standards of care as determined the Joint Commission.
Drug Detox Staff Credentials – The physicians providing the drug detox services should be board certified in their particular discipline and secondly credentialed by A.S.A.M., the American Society of Addiction Medicine. This insures the physician has a thorough understanding regarding the disease of addiction and drug detox protocol. The nursing staff should consist of Registered Nurses (R.N.) and Licensed Practical Nurses (L.P.N.) both trained in the treatment of drug addiction, alcoholism and the dynamics that accompany the person in drug detox. The clinical staff should as a minimum be master’s degreed or be a Certified Addiction Professional (C.A.P.). They should have experience in the treatment of drug, alcoholism and psychiatric disorders and have spent some time working in a drug detox.
If you require assistance in locating a reputable drug detox, please call 1-800-99-DETOX, the national drug detox helpline. Don’t Wait, Call Now.
