Beginning a recovery journey is a crucial moment. There are so many things to consider, such as when to seek help, choosing inpatient or outpatient treatment, and even just making sure that you understand the definitions and terminology being used. Even if you or your loved one is completely ready to begin treatment for drug or alcohol use disorder, it can still be helpful and even empowering to learn some basic facts about drug detox. In fact, expanding your knowledge about addiction-related topics like drug detox and rehab can be the first step to a successful recovery journey.
What Is Medical Detox?
Medical detox is a process by which a person who is physically dependent on drugs or alcohol can stop using their substance of choice under the supervision of medical and therapeutic professionals. There are both in- and outpatient detox programs out there, but most often a detox program will be inpatient so that clients can be monitored closely during the time that withdrawal symptoms are most intense. Clients may be offered medications or treatments to help ease their discomfort as well as therapeutic activities that can help jumpstart the healing process.
How Long Does It Take to Detox from Alcohol or Drugs?
Everyone’s detox experience is different because everyone’s body and life circumstances are different. There are many factors that can impact how long it takes a person to detox from alcohol or drugs. Some of these factors are:
- How long the person has been drinking or using drugs
- Whether or not the person has been mixing drugs and/or alcohol
- The individual’s general state of physical and mental health
- The specific substances that have been used
- How much and how frequently the person drinks or uses drugs
What Are the Symptoms of Alcohol and Drug Withdrawal?
As mentioned before, everyone’s symptoms will be somewhat different because no two people are exactly alike. However, there are some symptoms common to drug and alcohol withdrawal that will likely be experienced to some degree.
Detoxing from alcohol and certain drugs can be dangerous, especially for someone who has been using/drinking heavily or for a long time. It is wise to seek professional advice before quitting alcohol or drugs, and many people choose to quit with the help of a medical detox center. Some of the withdrawal symptoms associated with drug and alcohol detox include:
- Headaches and body pain
- Increased heart rate, blood pressure, and palpitations
- Anxiety, depression, or other psychiatric symptoms
- Fatigue, yawning, insomnia, or excessive sleepiness
- Tremors, goosebumps, and sweating
- Gastrointestinal problems such as nausea and vomiting
- Seizures
How Does Detox Work in the Context of Rehab?
Detox is usually the first step in a longer course of rehab for alcohol or substance use disorder. Sometimes clients will be referred to a longer inpatient rehab program, and sometimes to an outpatient program. Studies have shown that people who complete a full course of drug or alcohol treatment are more likely to maintain their recovery over time. They are also more likely to successfully return to productive daily life activities such as work, school, and family obligations.
How Can Lotus Recovery Centers Help Someone Who Needs Detox?
When a person is struggling with a substance use disorder, it can be difficult to take the first steps towards recovery, but Lotus Recovery Centers’ kind and professional staff have the experience to help. We are proud to serve our clients and their families in West Virginia and Delaware. We believe that cost should not be an obstacle when someone is ready to get help, and we happily accept Medicaid in addition to private insurance. Reach out to us today at 833.922.1615 and let us tell you what we can do to help.
