It has often been said that the initial stage of any long process is the most challenging. This thing might be especially true in the case of drug or alcohol addiction. People with no understanding of what recovery is or how it begins may be concerned about what may happen to them. They may have specific concerns about medical detox. After all, this is the first stage in the recovery process and may cause the most discomfort.
What is Detox?
Detoxification, or detox, is the elimination of toxins, drugs, and other substances from the body. The primary objective of the detox process is to assist a person in properly managing withdrawal symptoms that occur when they quit using drugs or alcohol.
Detoxification is not a standalone addiction treatment option. The completion of detox does not indicate complete recovery from addiction. Instead, detox is the first step on the road to recovery. When a person quits using drugs or alcohol after long, regular, and heavy usage, withdrawal symptoms typically appear 6 to 24 hours later. These symptoms can be physically and mentally challenging, requiring hospitalization for a proper detox.
The primary premise of detox is to create a secure environment to physically detox while also developing new coping strategies to deal with the psychological detoxing process. Therefore, detox aims to assist you in managing physical symptoms so that you may complete and securely the procedure. The detox process mentally prepares you for the following stages of treatment.
What to Expect?
As mentioned above, detox is not a standalone treatment. Instead, it is a component of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. For the detox process to be completed successfully, it is essential to have realistic expectations. The detox process may be completed in a few days, but it might take up to a week or ten days. Always remember that everyone reacts differently to detox.
It is also important to expect withdrawal symptoms. While not everyone will suffer the same withdrawal symptoms, you must remember that with help, support, and proper medical guidance, you can overcome any withdrawal symptoms and strengthen physically and mentally.
| Drug Detox Withdrawal Symptoms | Alcohol Detox Withdrawal Symptoms |
| Sleep problems Restlessness Anxiety Digestion issues Muscle cramps Poor concentration Hot or cold flashes Night sweats | Blood pressure changes Seizures Tremors Hallucinations Delirium tremens Confusion Agitation |
You can expect to have both good and bad days. As the detoxification process continues, these bad days may diminish as the body gets used to the fact that you are no longer using drugs or alcohol.
Overview of Detox Process
Initial Assessment
After arriving at The Haven Detox, each patient undergoes an evaluation consultation so that we can get to know them. Each client will be greeted by a compassionate intake counselor who will answer their specific questions. These questions are necessary to make the detoxification process as comfortable as possible. The evaluation will concentrate mainly on the history of substance usage and any present withdrawal symptoms or discomfort.
Feeling anxious and overwhelmed at this process stage is normal. It is essential for you not to get discouraged, as this feeling will pass, and our team of medical professionals will be there 24/7 to support you through every stage of the process.
Medical and Mental Health Evaluations
After the initial consultation, each patient can settle in before undergoing the comprehensive assessments conducted by our medical and mental health specialists.
Patients will initially undergo a historical evaluation in which we will collect information about their medical history. This evaluation may include nutritional, physical, and mental health histories. Our mental health specialists will then conduct a psychiatric assessment to better understand the patient’s current mental health condition and mental health history.
In addition, we will evaluate any medications currently being used to treat a mental health problem. Based on these evaluations, our medical team will next cooperate in developing a customized detoxification treatment plan.
Medically Supervised Detox
Since substance abuse significantly impacts the body’s physical and mental health, our medical staff will offer the most effective detoxification methods for reducing withdrawal symptoms. Our medical team monitors each patient so that adjustments may be made to make this process as comfortable as possible.
We strongly emphasize combining holistic therapies to cure the mind, body, and soul as a whole, as drug or alcohol detox involves more than just physical care. Each patient will get daily personalized individual and group therapies.
Safe Transition into On-Going Drug and Alcohol Treatment
After the detoxification process is complete, patients will feel and look healthier. However, treatment does not finish here. After working with each patient throughout detox, our medical staff will have an in-depth insight into their requirements and assist them in transitioning to the most appropriate ongoing treatment program. We will ensure that the next treatment step is tailored to each patient’s specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What to expect when you’re detoxing?
You can expect mild to severe withdrawal symptoms. The most common detox symptoms include fatigue, headaches, bodily pains, nausea, cognitive fog, and irritability. Since your skin serves as a significant toxin exit route, you can also develop acne or skin irritation.
How long does the detox stage last?
While the time needed to detox from drugs varies from person to person, detox programs often last 3, 5, or 7 days. Detox is the initial step of addiction treatment and should not be viewed as a replacement for necessary rehab or counseling.
How long does it take to detox the body completely?
Typically, detoxing lasts between three and ten days. However, a more severe addiction might delay detoxification by many weeks or months. Therefore, you must understand what to expect during detox before beginning the detox process.
What is the detox process?
Detoxification is safely and effectively withdrawing from a specific addictive drug. There are many reasons why patients may undergo detoxification, including addiction may demand it to begin drug rehabilitation treatment.
Start Living Sober Life with The Haven Detox
Regardless of how long it takes, withdrawal is necessary to recover from addiction. Under medical supervision, detox is safe and comfortable. Detoxing from a substance is not the same as overcoming addiction; it is crucial to undergo complete addiction treatment after detox.
The Haven Detox is ready to assist you in overcoming addiction and achieving lasting recovery. We provide personalized, integrated, compassionate care for alcohol and substance use disorders (SUDs). We offer multiple levels of care, including detox, inpatient, and more.
Contact us at (561) 328-8627 today for more details.
