Detox can help a person wean themselves off drugs, alcohol or other addictive products. “It’s a moment of significant stress” explains addictologist Hervé Martini. Duration, medication, hospitalization: the underside of a detoxification cure.
The case Palmade brings to light the dangers of drug addiction. Among the weaning tools, the rehab. “This weaning is sometimes conveyed as the ultimate weaponthe last chance to get out of it but if the change is not ripe in the head of the person, it can already be an opportunity to open the discussion with her” exposes Dr Hervé Martini, addictologist doctor of the association Addiction France. What is a detox cure? For who ? What is it about ? How much does it cost ? Is it refunded ?
What is a detox cure?
Detoxification is one of the therapeutic tools that can be offered to a person dependent on a product (alcohol, drug, medication for example). “Often this is associated with a notion ofhospitalization but weaning can also be done on an outpatient basisit all depends on the severity of the addiction” specifies the addictologist doctor.
What symptoms occur during withdrawal?
During a detox or “withdrawal”, the body must get rid of the product (alcohol for example). “It’s a moment of significant stress for the individual. When the product is taken away from an organism that had become accustomed to it, clinical signs of withdrawal may occur: physical signs such as tremors or some sweatspsychological disorders such as anxietya feeling of wanting to take the product back (craving)…Physiologically, the brain that was in a state of equilibrium with the product must return to a new state without this product, he’s completely messed up“ explains the doctor.
Who decides on a detox treatment?
Weaning can beaccidental“when the person no longer uses the product or therapeutic that’s to say program and integrated into a course of care. Withdrawal from therapy can be self-decided who has “need to get away from the world” argues Dr. Martini, or by the doctor who supports it. Always with the patient’s consent. The accompaniment of the entourage can also be set up during the hospitalization of a loved one. “The cure is an important step but it is not the only one in the user’s care pathway” would like to underline our interlocutor.
“The first days are exhausting and tiring”
Where to go for a detox?
- at his attending physician
- in a hospital addictology consultation
- in CSAPAs (Centres for Care, Support and Prevention in Addictology, anonymous and free system)
“In weaning, there is a multidisciplinary and global approach around the person” replies Dr. Martini immediately. The care programs may vary according to the structures but the care of the patient always starts with his medico-psycho-social assessment. Three determinants are assessed:
- the product or products consumed and their consequences
- the individual
- the environment
“We go protect the person from the product (so that she no longer has access to it, editor’s note). We work then with her on the levers to be mobilized or the weak points : how she handles the situation, anguishthere depression… And on its environment: we see the surroundingshow to envisage the exit, should it be set back from its place of life” details our interlocutor. Then weaning begins. “The first days are exhausting and tiring, the patient may need some time to recover physically and psychologically.” The care protocol includes the management of physical and psychological symptoms. This goes through :
- the prescription of drugs -if necessary- such as benzodiazepines Or anxiolytics “to overcome anxiety”.
- individual and/or group sessions relaxation and/or of sport “For reduce tension“.
- of the discussion groups to address the problem of addiction, regain self-confidencegive meaning to your life.
The patient meets several professionals throughout his stay: psychiatrists, addictologists, psychologists, dieticians, social workers…
Alcohol, drugs: is the detox treatment the same?
“Overall yes, replies Dr. Martini. What may differ is the medication process and patient profile. Treatments are appropriate if, for example, he has a psychiatric disorder or polyaddiction (addiction to several products).”
“Weaning is not a magic word”
How long is an alcohol detox?
“Physical withdrawal, that is to say, for the body to get rid of alcohol, is to 7 to 10 days” replies Dr. Martini. “Then we have more complete care programs that can go up to 3 weeks” and contrary to shorter stays favored by people who have simply “need a break in their lives”. “It all depends on their state of health” continues our interlocutor before insisting on the fact that “weaning is not a magic word. At the hospital, we are in a protected atmosphere and little exposed to the outside, it is necessary preparing for the outing, the following outpatient support is very important”. There are “aftercare” structures offering follow-up and rehabilitation care that takes in “frail people for whom residential care is important” on the longer terms ranging from 3 to 6 months.
How long is a drug rehab?
“Stays last 10 days to 3 weeks but this may vary according to the structures and care programs offered. The idea is to be as close as possible to the user and his journey to adapt as well as possible, some need 3 to 4 days” answers the addictologist.
Is a detox free?
She is partially covered by health insurance. The rest can be paid by mutual insurance. “You should always look at your mutual insurance contract because some may exclude the “alcohol” risk or limit the duration of stays per year” advises our interlocutor.
Thanks to Dr Hervé Martini, addictologist from the Association Addictions France.