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Detoxification is a process that rids your body of drugs or alcohol. After misusing substances, most people must go through detox so they can begin a full addiction treatment program. Detox typically happens separately and before addiction treatment, especially if the individual is experiencing withdrawal symptoms that are severe, painful, or which otherwise make it difficult to focus on their recovery.
If you are currently going through withdrawal and need a safe, effective detox program to help you, get help at
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What is Detoxification Treatment?
Detoxification is a medical program that manages the physical and psychological symptoms of drug and alcohol withdrawal once an individual decides to stop their use of these dangerous substances.
A combination of medications, therapies, and other methods is used to help ease the symptoms of withdrawal and to generally make the process less difficult and traumatic for the patient. Tests, including a full physical examination, are included so your doctor can get a sense of what you need.
Certain medications may be used during detox and then gradually tapered to minimize the severity of withdrawal symptoms. These medications are often in the same class or mimic similar results to the drug the individual was using without causing euphoria and other problematic effects. The process is called medication assisted treatment.
For help finding a safe detox program that’s right for you, contact
800-914-7089
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.
Medical intervention, such as medication to reduce withdrawal symptoms, allows you to feel less of the aftermath of quitting and for the entire process to be much less painful and uncomfortable. These medications can help reduce the rate of early relapse. In some cases, no specific medications are approved for the withdrawal syndrome as a whole, but certain drugs may be administered to treat specific symptoms as they occur.
As withdrawal symptoms begin to subside, you may no longer need medications, or in cases in which a potentially habit-forming drug was administered, you are weaned off slowly. At this point, you are ready to begin addiction treatment.
How Long Does Detox Take?
Depending on the substance, detox can take from a few days to a month or more. Some substances, like opioids, cause a syndrome that is uncomfortable and painful but is usually over in 6 to 8 days.
Cocaine and other stimulants, on the other hand, cause a much longer lasting withdrawal syndrome, and an individual is likely to still experience lingering effects even after their detox––and sometimes their entire addiction treatment regimen––has ended.
Because every individual goes through detox at their own rate, and different medications and other treatments may make your withdrawal faster or slower, it’s important to discuss how long detox will take for you.
Is Detox a Treatment Program for Addiction?
No. Even though you go through detox treatment and withdrawal from the drug, this does not mean you are no longer addicted to it. Many will leave treatment early, right after detoxing, believing they are fully recovered from their substance abuse. These individuals often end up relapsing back to drug use and sometimes, even worse, overdosing on drugs or alcohol. This is why it is very important to understand the difference between detox and addiction treatment and to continue and finish the entire program.
Detoxification vs. Addiction Treatment
- Detoxification
- Focuses only on the treatment of withdrawal symptoms
- Helps minimize the severity of these symptoms in the early stages of recovery
- Allows patients to quickly and safely move through the withdrawal process
- Is often used by programs that focus on complete abstinence from mind-altering substances as a goal
- Is the first step in addiction treatment, not the final goal
- Addiction Treatment
- Is a full, well-rounded treatment program that focuses on overall recovery, not just one’s withdrawal symptoms
- Utilizes both medication and behavioral therapy to treat addiction
- May contain maintenance treatment, which is different from detox
- Is the overall treatment program, for which detox is usually only the beginning
Why Is It Unsafe to Only Attend Detox?
Because detox treatment is only the first step in a long journey, you are at serious risk by just going through detox and not continuing to a customized treatment program. Relapse becomes much more likely when you do not attend addiction treatment after detox has ended because your habit of using substances is triggered by cravings, pressures, and stressors in your life. This means you are still addicted and will likely return to using.
In addition, many individuals who do detox and then relapse after not attending treatment are in danger of a deadly overdose. Drugs like opioids, stimulants, and sedatives can cause respiratory depression, heart attack, stroke, and other effects when taken in high doses. Those who have gone through detox usually don’t realize their tolerance for their substance of choice has diminished considerably. As a result, they take a large amount of the drug and overdose.
Get help at
800-914-7089
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Types of Detox Centers
Like rehab centers, detox facilities are either inpatient or outpatient based. Inpatient detox is necessary for those experiencing severe withdrawal effects such as seizures, hallucinations, severe depression, etc.
Certain substances, like alcohol, cocaine and other stimulants, sedatives, and others, may cause symptoms severe enough to require inpatient care or outpatient treatment. We can help you find a treatment facility that will meet your needs and help you withdraw as safely as possible.
What to Expect in Detox
Detox often begins when your doctor evaluates the severity of your symptoms and tests to verify your current physical and psychological state. You will be given medication to go through withdrawal safely and to avoid experiencing severe or painful symptoms. Depending on the center you attend, you may receive additional treatment methods, including holistic options.
It is important to ensure you call the detox center before you decide to attend treatment and ask:
- What treatment options do you provide?
- How long does your program last?
- Will you take my insurance?
- What is your program’s success rate with patients?
You will be weaned off the medication as your withdrawal symptoms reduce. Then, once you are ready to discuss the process, you and your doctor can decide how to move on to addiction treatment and what type of program will be right for you.
Seek Detox Treatment Today
Get help today at
800-914-7089
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to find a detox program that will suit your needs. This is your first step toward recovery; start today!
