If you’re a severe user of drugs or alcohol, it can be dangerous to attempt detox at home. In fact, going “cold turkey” can cause a seizure, heart attack, stroke, or even death. That’s why it’s so important to seek support from a licensed detox center.
Take a look at some of the standards of detox to get a better sense of what’s ahead on your personal path to recovery.
Defining Detox
Detoxification is the crucial first step in addiction treatment, as drugs and alcohol work their way out of your system. Detox works to diminish physical dependence on these harmful substances so you can be free to focus on psychological dependence issues during treatment.
In a detox center, you can benefit from round-the-clock support as your body withdraws from substances and then stabilizes. Rather than going through it alone, you will receive medical supervision to keep you safe and as comfortable as possible throughout the process.
Intake Evaluation
When you arrive at a detox center, staff members will perform a full intake evaluation, including a series of questions to determine the details of your drug or alcohol use. This will help your care team get a clear picture of the nature and severity of the addiction in order to develop a detox plan that’s tailored to your individual needs. A therapist will be assigned to you, and they will begin building a relationship with you to provide the support you need throughout treatment.
Physical Evaluation
Once you’ve toured the treatment facility and gotten settled in your room, you will be given a full physical exam to determine any other health problems relevant to recovery. Issues such as dehydration or undernourishment, which often go hand in hand with addiction, will help inform the requirements for your specific detox plan. At this time, your care team will determine whether you’re a candidate for medically assisted detox.
Medically Assisted Detox
The choice between medically assisted detox and detox without medication depends on the type of substance involved, as well as the depth and degree of substance abuse. A licensed therapist can provide guidance on the type of detox that’s best for you.
Frequently used “substitute drugs” in medically assisted detox include suboxone and methadone, which are safer alternatives to other dangerous and highly addictive drugs. If you’re a heavy drug user, these medications may be recommended to alleviate the pain and symptoms of severe withdrawal and help wean your body off substance use. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) must be closely monitored by licensed medical professionals so that you don’t become addicted to the substitute drug.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Once physical withdrawal symptoms begin to subside, and you are physically able, you will begin your personalized treatment plan. This plan may include group and private therapy, as well as activities such as meditation, yoga, and massage. These holistic treatments can help relieve stress, promote relaxation, and foster self-esteem. In addition, you can create bonds with peers and benefit from the support of others who are dealing with similar struggles.
Dual Diagnosis
Once the drugs or alcohol are completely out of your system, underlying mental conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD may become more evident. By correctly diagnosing any co-occurring conditions, your care team can develop a more effective plan for recovery that addresses addiction as well as any other disorders.
Duration of Detox
Most detox programs are designed to last 30 days, but more time may be needed to ensure success and help prevent relapse. Your length of stay will depend on the complexity of your specific treatment needs. Factors that determine length of treatment include the duration and severity of addiction, the amount consumed during addiction, and the method of abuse.
Next Steps After Detox
After detox, an inpatient treatment program can help you address the psychological aspects of addiction. A detox center will build the bridge from detox to an inpatient program to help you achieve long-term success. Ideally, the transition to inpatient care should come immediately after detox so you don’t lose any hard-earned ground on the road to recovery.
Detox is a key first step in overcoming addiction, offering a strong foundation for successful recovery. A drug and alcohol treatment center can equip you with new ways of thinking and new behaviors, instilling the confidence and motivation you need to stay sober and live a healthy, addiction-free life.
At Beachside Rehab, our compassionate and holistic approach to recovery focuses on mind, body, and soul. Contact our trained admissions counselors at (866) 349-1770 to learn more about detox programs at our luxury rehab center.