Drug Detox is the First Step to Recovery

Drug or alcohol abuse can easily lead to dependency or addiction as the substances cause drastic changes in an individual’s brain chemistry. This is how the disease of addiction takes hold. Once someone realizes that they have an addiction and need help, one of their first questions is ‘what is detox?’ This type of treatment is generally used to remove physical dependency on drugs or alcohol. Before the individual can begin their recovery, they have to quit using safely. Drug detox is the process of flushing the toxins out of an individual’s system and then managing the withdrawal symptoms that usually accompany abstaining from substances one is dependent upon. Beaches Recovery understands just how challenging the drug detox process can be. Therefore, we offer comprehensive treatment to address substance use disorder and high-quality facilities for medically supervised detox.

What Is Drug Detox Used For?

Detox can be used for any drug or alcohol addiction. It helps to remove toxins from the body in a safe treatment center. Medical staff members always supervise the patient for drug withdrawal symptoms. Throughout detox, the patient is kept as comfortable and safe as possible.

It is important to only detox at a professional treatment center. While some people have successfully quit alone, it is not the safest option. Some of the side effects of withdrawal can be serious, so it is important to only go through detox at a detox or rehab center.

What Is Detox Going to Be Like?

While each treatment center is slightly different, they will generally offer a similar detox process. At first, patients will go through an initial evaluation. They will be tested for drugs and alcohol. In this stage, the patient will discuss their mental and physical health problems. After taking the patient’s history, a doctor will decide on the best treatment strategy. For some, detox may involve medications to help them manage cravings and reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms.

Once the evaluation stage is complete, the patient will go through the stabilization stage. During this stage, the patient will begin the withdrawal process. Depending on the individual’s addiction, this can take a few days or several weeks. When detox is complete, the patient is ready to start rehab.

What Happens After Detox Is Complete?

The next step depends on the patient, their unique addiction, and the staff at the treatment center he or she chooses. Most patients will start follow-up therapy and treatment for substance abuse and mental health disorders. The right treatment is chosen based on the patient’s support at home, the success of detox, their recovery goals, other co-occurring medical conditions, and their ability to attend rehab.

While some patients can take the time to attend an intensive inpatient program, some individuals cannot take time off of work or their family responsibilities. It is important to discuss all of the options available with an addiction specialist before determining the next step. Recommended rehab programs may include:

• Inpatient rehab
• Intensive outpatient program
• Support groups
• Sober living options
• Outpatient rehab
• Therapy

Once patients are ready to ask, “What is detox?” they have made the first step toward their long-term treatment goals. The next step is to find a treatment center that can help with detox and rehab options. With the right treatment, patients can go on to live a healthier addiction-free lifestyle.

Conquering an addiction is challenging, but you do not have to do it alone. Addiction help and support is available to help you throughout your recovery. To get help for an addiction, from detox to your new sober life, call Beaches Recovery now at 866.605.0532.