You want to quit using drugs or alcohol – or maybe you rather have a loved one you want to help to break the cycle of addiction. The idea of detox facilities may seem intimidating. The idea of rehab can be overwhelming. You might not know what to expect. Having a better understanding of detox facilities for drug and alcohol use will do you or your loved one well.
What Are Detox Facilities for Drug and Alcohol Use?
Just as drug and alcohol addiction experiences may vary from person to person, so does the experience at substance abuse detox facilities. Some people require detoxification in addition to rehabilitation.
Detoxification is a medical intervention process that is aimed at helping a person through the experience of drug and/or alcohol withdrawal. Detox programs can initiate a fresh start in life and can offer the foundation for a successful recovery. Quality detox facilities offer the latest evidence-based approaches and resources to ensure the detoxification process is as comfortable, effective and safe as possible.
Many detox facilities for drug and alcohol use employ medication assisted detoxification in addition to psychological therapies to help relieve withdrawal symptoms while addressing any mental health issues at hand.
Medical detox is the primary stage in the continuum of care. Most detox facilities offer comprehensive services for people suffering from substance abuse and addiction, including the treatment of the following disorders:
Alcoholism
Alcohol is one of the most widely abused drugs in the US. Many people drink to relax, socialize and celebrate. Alcohol has a strong effect on people and can vary from person to person.
Opiate Abuse
Opiates have been used for centuries as pain-relieving drugs yet they are highly addictive. Drugs that fall into this family can be natural and synthetic and are derived from opium as well as morphine, heroin, hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine and many others. Nearly 5 million Americans misuse pain relievers, according to Pain Physician.
What Happens in Detox Facilities?
Typically, when a client enters into a detox program, the primary priority is to ensure the person is medically stable. Members of a clinical staff monitor the client around the clock, ensuring vital signs are where they should be as well as neurological status. Chemical withdrawal is a serious issue, which is why it is important that medical staff is available to monitor for issues including:
- High blood pressure
- Delirium
- Seizures
- Other dangerous symptoms
Rehydration and nutritional replacement are often required for dehydrated or malnourished people as well.
Medication management is also offered in many detox facilities, better enabling individuals to advance from one phase of the recovery process to the next. This is something people can only do in a detox facility.
Can I Detox on My Own At Home?
Withdrawal is uncomfortable, regardless of the type of substance you are addicted to. It can also be dangerous. This is why it is important that detoxification take place under the care of medical professionals. Many quality programs offer 24-hour monitoring offered by experienced professionals who are trained to both identify and treat signs and symptoms of alcohol or drug withdrawal.
At-home detox comes with may risks, including:
- Relapse: Detoxification is uncomfortable. The temptation to alleviate these symptoms is challenging. The agitation, cravings and discomfort are difficult to get through without relapsing based on willpower alone.
- Mental health issues: Many people experience mental health issues, such as paranoia, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, agitation and more during the detoxification process, but some people also have underlying mental health disorders that co-occur with addiction and can be easily overwhelmed during detoxification.
- Overdose: The risk of overdose is high during the detox period. What once seemed like a normal dose to the body that initiated a high can become an overwhelming dose due to body changes and can be deadly.
- Medical complications: Some people have medical conditions that can become an issue during detoxification. Whether known or unknown, chronic medical issues can create complications during detoxification.
Medical Detox Benefits
Detox facilities offer professional medical detox including psychiatric and medical care that can protect or prevent against the issues listed above. Clients have access to necessary treatment to manage these issues. It is never guaranteed that detox will not result in problems but detox facilities are equipped to help manage the side effects associated with detoxification.
To learn more about the benefits of professional detox facilities and to find treatment near you, reach out to My Recovery Source today. We are ready to match you or your loved one with a detox facility that is equipped to help, guiding you to the path of lasting wellness and recovery.
