Are you wondering if you might have a problem with drugs or alcohol? Reaching out for help and seeking treatment isn’t easy. If you’ve decided that you’re ready to make a change, the first step towards wellness is to detox safely in a comfortable and nurturing environment.
Why Do I Need to Detox?
Detoxification is an important part of the sobriety process and learning how to live a life without drugs or alcohol. It requires time and care to overcome the extensive psychological and physical effects of addiction. Skipping this initial detox phase makes it more difficult to effectively purge drugs and/or alcohol from your system.
Detoxification is the best way to help severe forms of chemical dependence. Numerous studies have shown that ridding the body of the toxins, and entering into an addiction treatment program, directly contributes to a successful recovery from substance use disorders.
Tolerance, Dependence or Addiction?
The thought of quitting drugs or alcohol is often overwhelming. Did you know there is actually a difference between tolerance, dependence and addiction?
Tolerance is when your body adapts to the effects of the drug resulting in reduced effectiveness over time. This desensitization often results in your having to take larger doses to achieve the same effect.
Dependence refers to a physical adaptation of your body characterized by many withdrawal symptoms when you try to reduce the amount taken or quit using the drug.
Addiction is associated with different factors including uncontrollable cravings, continued use despite the risk of harm and an inability to stop using the drug.
Anyone, even if just chemically dependent, can go to detox.
How Does Detox Work?
Drug or alcohol detox involves clearing all substances from your body while managing any withdrawal symptoms that occur. The complete detoxification process can take a few days, a couple of weeks or several months.
Your body often gives you signs that it’s time to detox. The length of time you will experience withdrawal symptoms depends on different factors such as:
- Family history
- Underlying medical conditions
- Underlying behavioral health issues
- What types of drugs or alcohol have you been using
- How long have you been using specific drugs and/or alcohol
- How much are you using at a time
A medically supervised detox takes place in a clinical setting with nurses available around the clock to check for any possible withdrawal symptoms. Detox starts the healing process by clearing your body of harmful substances so you can focus on therapy and resetting your mind.
Is It Safe to Detox?
Many people may think, “Why can’t I detox on my own?” While the thought of going through the detoxification process on your own at home may have crossed your mind, you need to look at a number of factors.
Getting into a medically monitored detox plan is always a safe bet as quitting cold turkey is never a good idea and can lead to various complications. Drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms pose a dangerous health risk along with being uncomfortable and difficult to deal with.
Medically Supervised Detox Plan
The first step towards achieving sustainable sobriety is to do it in a way that doesn’t put your health at risk. Medically Supervised Detox includes frequent monitoring of your health and vital signs.
Withdrawal symptoms can start within a few hours after you stop using drugs or alcohol. Common detoxification withdrawal symptoms include:
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Shakiness
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Rapid heart rate
- Loss of appetite
Reach out to the staff at The Haven if you are experiencing any of these symptoms when trying to cut back use or between uses. Certain medications may be prescribed to help you with pain, nausea, fatigue and other withdrawal symptoms.
How Does Detox Work at The Haven?
The typical detox process involves three steps; namely evaluation, stabilization and preparation to enter either an inpatient or outpatient treatment program. The evaluation process occurs during intake to screen you for any underlying physical or mental health issues.
The next step is stabilization using medical and psychological therapy to reduce your withdrawal symptoms and prevent possible complications. The last step of the detoxification process is to discuss your various rehab options where you can work on things such as relapse prevention, life planning skills and co-occurring conditions.
Why Can’t I Detox on My Own?
As previously mentioned, the withdrawal process is different for everyone and trying to quit on your own comes with the very real possibility of severe or even fatal withdrawal symptoms. However, these risks are greatly reduced when you enter an accredited facility like The Haven Detox.
Our medication-assisted detox programs are closely monitored by medical professionals who provide necessary support during the drug or alcohol detoxification process.
Finding a Drug and Alcohol Detox Center
If you are ready to start your journey to recovery, don’t’ let the fear of change stop you. For many people entering addiction treatment, detoxification is a necessary first step towards living a healthier and more serene life.
While not everyone requires a drug or alcohol detox, this phase provides you with a medically supervised and safe environment while you go through the withdrawal process.
If you are looking for ways to overcome either a substance use disorder (SUD) or alcohol use disorder (AUD), The Haven Detox is here to help by providing the best drug and alcohol detoxification services. Our detox program eliminates chemical substances from your body, reverses physical dependency and helps restore your mind-body connection to normal.
