Detox is the process in which all traces of alcohol and drugs are removed from a person’s body, ensuring they’re physically stable enough to begin therapy. Drug and alcohol addiction results in people’s bodies becoming used to having these substances take over their system. When these substances leave a person’s system during detox, the brain has to readjust to the decrease in chemicals. Generally, this decrease causes people to experience a set of unpleasant symptoms known as withdrawal.
When a person stays at an inpatient treatment center, they will undergo a safer and comfortable detox experience compared to doing it at home. The most effective detox method is one that is medically assisted and supervised by trained professionals.
Once a person begins medically assisted detox, a professional will conduct a thorough medical assessment to better understand a patient’s needs. During the evaluation, the expert will collect information on a patient’s medical history and details about their addiction to create a personalized detox plan.
Experiencing withdrawal is inevitable. The type of symptoms one experiences and their severity depend on how long the person has experienced addiction, the kind of substance they’re addicted to, and how much they consume. Furthermore, the severity of withdrawal symptoms also depends on a person’s mental and physical health.
Each person experiences detox differently, and every detox is entirely different, regardless of whether someone has gone through it before.
Psychological withdrawal symptoms include:
Physical withdrawal symptoms include:
The most severe withdrawal symptoms include seizures, delirium, and hallucinations.
Controlled medication is crucial to help patients cope with these symptoms; however, no medication prevents all withdrawal symptoms, but some can help ease anxiety and depression.
Generally, detox lasts less than two weeks. However, this will vary for everyone, as detox depends on several factors such as:
After a patient successfully detoxifies, they will be ready to enter an alcohol or drug rehab program where they may participate in intensive psychological therapy. Effective therapy can reduce a person’s risks of relapsing and can help them get back on track with their life. Most rehab programs include a range of services, from counseling and medical care to life skills training, which can help prevent relapse.
One of the benefits of staying at an inpatient treatment center is that patients will be in a safe and supportive environment surrounded by other people with similar experiences. People who stay at a treatment center can learn to set realistic goals and develop the necessary skills to accomplish them.
Steps Recovery Centers guarantee that any person who completes any of our programs are welcome to come to our weekly aftercare group for additional support at no charge for life.
Take the first step and call: 801-800-8142
