As the first step in treating addiction and alcoholism, understanding what to expect while in detox is essential for anyone seeking addiction treatment. Whether a person chooses to enter an inpatient detox program or an outpatient detox program, this information is an excellent way to ease concerns and set the tone for successful treatment.
What is Medical Detoxification?
Medical detoxification is the process that safely enables a person to rid their body of toxins as a result of alcohol or drug abuse. An individual will experience various withdrawal symptoms during this phase once they stop using drugs or alcohol.
Some of the most common substance abuse withdrawal symptoms include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Aggression
- Mood swings
- Fever
- Flu-like symptoms
- Body aches and pains
- Fatigue
- Muscle cramps
- Anxiety
- Night sweats
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
Withdrawal symptoms can begin anywhere within 12-24 hours after a person's last drug use.
Patients are given medication to help relieve the effects of their withdrawal symptoms. Medical staff will prescribe and administer medications that are given as part of the detox process.
Some feelings of withdrawal do not go entirely away with medication, but it provides a much more comfortable experience during this phase. Sleep is improved; anxiety and depression are significantly reduced.
Intensity and symptoms will vary depending on how long someone has been using and what drug(s) they've used. Those who have been abusing drugs for a longer time tend to experience more intense withdrawal symptoms than those who have had a shorter substance abuse experience.
We encourage clients to be open and honest with doctors and nurses during detoxification. This ensures they can provide the appropriate medications to ease symptoms, and a person can transition into the next treatment phase.
Alcohol detox has some additional symptoms, including
Agitation
High blood pressure
Confusion
Tremors
Seizures
Delirium tremens (DT's)
Hallucinations
These symptoms generally do not start until 24 hours after a person's last drink. They usually start very slowly and worsen as time passes. Eventually, these symptoms will then taper off.
Medically Assisted Detox Process
Assessment
Patients who detox in a medical facility will have a medical assessment to create a treatment plan that meets their exact needs. A medical professional will take as much information as possible about a person's medical history and details regarding their substance use. This is done to develop a medically-informed individualized detox plan.
24 Hour Support
With twenty-four hour monitoring, each person will have access to emotional support during detox. This is as important as the medications prescribed to ease withdrawal symptoms. This support will allow for a more successful detox process and a better long-term outcome.
Medication
FDA approved medication is given to patients to help alleviate some of the withdrawal symptoms they are experiencing. Medications are part of the detox process and will be administered by a staff member. However, all of the withdrawal symptoms will not completely go away with medication. Individuals may be prescribed anti-depressants or medications to help sleeping.
Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms are part of ridding the body of toxins. Depending on the substance used, symptoms may appear in as little as 6 hours. While uncomfortable, withdrawals are part of the detox process. Medical professionals are on hand in detox to ease the withdrawal symptoms to make each person comfortable as they begin their recovery.
Break free from the struggle of addiction |
Call Now |
Detox Duration
The entire detox process usually lasts between 7 and 10 days. This will depend on the severity of withdrawal symptoms and the amount of drugs and/or alcohol someone has been using. A person’s mental and physical state is crucial to determining how long detox will last. The good news is that after the detox process is complete, a person can move forward to a treatment program to begin the recovery process. Most rehabs are 28-day programs, and treatment often includes individual therapy, group therapy, support groups such as AA or NA, and medication for issues such as depression.
Detox is Necessary
Detox is a significant step to take on the road to addiction recovery. Since withdrawal symptoms can be extremely dangerous and unpredictable, a medically monitored detox is strongly encouraged for anyone seeking to stop alcohol or drugs. Not only is detox an essential part of recovery treatment, but it is also the first step in completing this process.
No two detox processes are the same. There are many challenges that all patients will face while undergoing detox. The most important goal here is for a person to rid their bodies of drugs or alcohol to begin making changes for a substance-free life. There are instances where an individual will benefit from outpatient care, but this is often not the best choice for someone who needs to physically detox before treatment.
Knowing what to expect in detox is extremely helpful for anyone hesitant about the detox process for themselves or a loved one. Are you or a loved one struggling with drugs or alcohol addiction? We are here for you, and we are here to help.