Detoxing from drugs or alcohol is a necessary first step for most people in addiction recovery. It removes toxins from your body and prepares you for the psychological challenges of addiction treatment.

There are several types of detox programs that can be helpful, depending on your needs. Some involve fasting on liquids, while others allow you to eat certain foods.

Alcohol Detox

Alcohol withdrawal is a difficult and dangerous process, but it's essential to overcoming alcohol addiction. It is the first step toward recovery and involves physical, emotional, and mental symptoms.

Symptoms usually begin six to 24 hours after the last drink. They can vary in severity depending on how much you have been drinking and your history with alcoholism.

Stage 1 starts around 6-12 hours after your last drink and may include nausea, headache, anxiety, insomnia, abdominal pain, and shaking. It can also be associated with a higher heart rate and blood pressure, confusion, rapid abnormal breathing, and hallucinations.

These symptoms can be very painful and dangerous, so it's important to get medical help if they occur. A professional detox program can provide 24/7 care and medicine to ease withdrawal symptoms. Medications such as chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), and Keppra can be used to reduce symptoms. They can also prevent seizures, which are a common cause of death in withdrawal.

Drug Detox

Detox is a process of clearing out the body of drugs and alcohol. Drug detox is not a cure, but it can be the first step in overcoming a drug addiction.

Everyone's experience with drug detox is different, and it can be a challenging time for those who are struggling with an addiction. Medications used in detox help manage withdrawal symptoms while the drugs are removed from your body, and can prevent relapse.

The most common way to detox is through an inpatient drug detox facility or hospital. These facilities provide medical supervision and support during the detox process, and offer medications that can reduce withdrawal symptoms.

Another option is to detox at home. This is a less expensive alternative, but it can be dangerous and often leads to relapse. People who detox at home may have severe withdrawal symptoms, which can lead to self-harm or even suicidal thoughts.

Medically Managed Withdrawal

Medically managed withdrawal is a safe, effective, and less stressful way to detoxify from certain drugs and alcohol. It’s an essential step toward a life of recovery and can help reduce complications from withdrawal symptoms.

Our withdrawal center’s medical staff screens incoming patients and conducts a comprehensive evaluation of their substance use, physical and mental health, and any medical conditions they may have. They then work with clients to develop a treatment plan that’s based on their individual needs.

Withdrawal from many substances can be intense and uncomfortable, but the effects tend to subside in a few days. Some substances, however, can lead to a prolonged process of withdrawal that lasts months or even a year.

Medication-assisted detox uses prescription medications to ease withdrawal symptoms and decrease the chances of relapse. They can also help reduce cravings and prevent the onset of post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). The medication used during withdrawal is chosen specifically for each patient and depends on their medical history and substance of abuse.

Aftercare

After a patient’s detoxification and rehabilitation, they need to be given the right support to help them maintain their sobriety. Without it, it may be easy for a person to slip back into old habits, which can lead to relapse.

A post-care program is a step-by-step plan that includes therapy and regular medical appointments. These programs can be tailored to meet the needs of each individual client.

During a treatment program, clients receive therapy to identify and overcome triggers that might lead to substance abuse. These programs can also be designed to uncover deep embedded emotions that stem from childhood trauma.

Aftercare services are provided by individuals and organizations like healthcare professionals, faith-based groups, schools, and peer recovery groups. They can include 12-step meetings, outpatient therapy, counseling, and sober living housing.