What to Expect During a Drug Detox Program
The foundation of long-term recovery begins and ends with drug detox. Medical detoxification is critical in helping people become medically and mentally stable to enter an intensive drug treatment program. While drug detox is essential, many people feel tremendous anxiety about the detox process. They fear the pain and discomfort of withdrawal, and they fear they will never feel better. While the fear surrounding detox is understandable, much of that fear is based on a lack of information. The reality is that drug detox is safe, highly monitored, and gives those new in recovery the best chance at long-term sobriety.
This article outlines what to expect during a drug detox program. You will learn more about detox and why you should never quit substances “cold turkey.” Do you need treatment but are afraid about what happens during detox? Arista Recovery offers detox programs that are effective, safe, and closely monitored by compassionate and experienced staff. Call Arista Recovery today and learn more about our evidence-based detox program in Missouri.
What is Drug Detox?
Drug detox is a set of interventions that help addicts better navigate the pain and discomfort of withdrawal. When an addict abruptly stops using drugs, both the body and brain will experience a variety of physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. The detox process allows people to wean off of substances in a safe, secure, and clean environment. Once toxins are removed from their system, and clients regain their mental and physical health, they can start drug treatment.
Detox is an effective intervention in the treatment process, but some think they can detox on their own. While some methods of self-detox bring short-term relief and even short-term sobriety, this form of “sobering up” can have dangerous consequences. While going “cold turkey” and doing a self-detox may help with some withdrawal symptoms, underlying medical or mental health issues can complicate recovery and even become life-threatening. Undergoing a professional detox program run by experienced personnel minimizes the risk of relapse as well as preserves one’s health.
What to Expect During a Drug Detox Program
As stated in the introduction, many people fear the detox process simply due to the fact they have little information about the process. In some cases, they may have been given misinformation. Knowing what to expect during a drug detox program reduces one’s anxiety about the process, and they will also learn and feel the benefits of detox as they progress through treatment. The following are the three main phases of drug detox:
Evaluation
The first phase of detox is the evaluation stage. In this stage, experienced staff will measure the bloodstream for substances and the concentration of these substances and perform a thorough screening for any co-occurring mental and physical conditions that may complicate the recovery process. This evaluation provides the basis for a client’s personalized treatment plan.
Stabilization
During the stabilization phase, treatment staff utilizes medications that help clients better tolerate withdrawal symptoms which may include the following:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Flu-like symptoms
- Heart palpitations
- Tremors
- Insomnia
- Panic attacks
- Confusion
- Irritability and agitation
- Short-term memory loss
In addition to medications, staff may utilize other interventions such as nutrition and exercise therapy as well as talk therapies such as CBT.
Entry into Treatment
Once clients become physically and mentally stable, treatment staff will prepare clients to enter intensive drug treatment. When clients enter treatment, they are told the importance of being motivated and following through with all substance abuse treatment and care phases, including aftercare. In general, the detox process lasts 10-14 days but can be longer depending on the length of time a client has been addicted to substances, the amount of substances taken, and their overall health.
Arista Recovery’s Detox Program Restores Your Well-Being
Many seeking recovery are intimidated by drug detox. However, knowing what happens during detox makes for a smoother recovery. As one of the Midwest’s top-tier treatment facilities, Arista Recovery’s detox program features a wide spectrum of services that restore the mind, body, and soul. Along with multiple levels of care and experienced treatment staff, Arista Recovery provides all clients with the tools and support they need to succeed in sobriety. Are you ready to make the commitment to recovery? Call Arista Recovery today and learn more about how our Midwest drug rehab can help.
