Alcohol and Drug Detox Programs

With so many alcohol and drug detoxification centers, choosing the right one can be a bit of a problem - especially if you don't know what to look for. However, the main thing you should remember is that selecting to take part in detoxification is typically the initial step you need to make to begin the journey that will enable you to overcome your drug and alcohol abuse issue and drug addiction and ensure that you lead a healthier life free of harmful alcohol and drugs.

You should also know that according to NIDA (the National Institute on Drug Abuse), those who complete their stay in an alcohol and drug detox center are more likely to proceed to a drug abuse program, where they can finally:

• Have less issues with the law
• Experience fewer relapses
• Enjoy better relationships with coworkers, friends, and loved ones
• Achieve sobriety

As you search for the correct drug and alcohol detoxification programs, however, you should know that drug addiction always comes with the risk of relapse - much in the same way chronic conditions like diabetes and arthritis can recur. However, the right detoxification center will give you a head start and protect you against relapse.

What Is Alcohol And Drug Detox?

Detoxification, otherwise known as detox, refers to the process of eliminating all traces of drugs and/or alcohol from the body while at the same time managing the withdrawal symptoms which occur when you stop using these substances.

Abusing alcohol and certain drugs might cause your body to become physically dependent on these substances. When you stop using them abruptly, you may experience a withdrawal syndrome, which may prove - in some instances - to be life threatening. The only safe way to quit, therefore, is through detox.

The correct alcohol and drug detox facilities, therefore, can help:

• Manage the pain and discomfort of withdrawal
• Lower the risk of relapse or continued alcohol/drug use
• Offer the smoothest path to get through the often difficult phase immediately after you stop using drugs/alcohol with all serious medical situations and emergencies that might arise

Drug And Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

The main reason why you may need alcohol and drug detox facilities is due to withdrawal symptoms. This is because stopping alcohol or drug use can cause uncomfortable and - sometimes - dangerous withdrawal symptoms. At a detoxification center, you should be able to manage and alleviate these symptoms in an environment that is safe and comfortable.

In the majority of instances, these symptoms may begin 12 hours after your last use of drugs/alcohol and - for the the majority of part - resolve fully in about 2 weeks. However, you might struggle with more persistent withdrawal that may last for a few months.

That said, the following are some of the usual withdrawal symptoms associated with the majority of types of harmful substances:

• Anxiety
• Back pain
• Clammy skin
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Hallucinations
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Joint pain
• Mood swings
• Muscle aches
• Nausea
• Panic attacks
• Shaking
• Trembling
• Vomiting

Drug and alcohol detoxification programs can help wean you off the intoxicating substances you have been consuming. Additionally, they will provide you with ongoing aftercare and support - or refer you to other rehab centers where you can pursue further recovery.

How To Choose The Right Alcohol And Drug Detoxification Centers

While evaluating different drug and alcohol detox centers, some of the factors to be considered include the quality of the detoxification center, the training of the staff members, and the ability of the program to cater to your specific needs and preferences.

To help you find the correct program, make sure you ask the following questions and get the right, satisfactory answers:

• Are the rehabilitation and detox methods you use evidence based?
• Do you work with insurance? Which types of insurance?
• Does this facility provide medication assisted detox?
• Does this program develop and provide individualized detox and rehabilitation plans?
• Does this facility have aftercare plans in place?
• Is your center accredited? Are you listed on the SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) website?
• What drug and alcohol addictions do you address?
• What is the average patient to staff ratio at any given time?
• What qualifications, licenses, and credentials do the staff (substance abuse counselors, mental health counselors, social workers, psychologists, nurses, and medical doctors) have?

What Happens At Alcohol And Drug Detoxification Centers?

After arriving at the alcohol and drug detox center, you will undergo the intake process. Here, a therapist will be assigned to help you work on your detox and recovery.

At this stage, you may be asked questions relating to your drug/alcohol history, prior use, and any family history of addiction. As much as possible, make sure that you answer as fully and as honestly as you can to make sure you get the most ideal care.

After that, the therapist will devise an appropriate detoxification and treatment plan specific to your particular needs and preferences, the severity of addiction, and how long it will take for you to detoxification.

Following the intake process, you may receive a quick tour of the alcohol and drug detox facility to make sure that you can find everything easily. Then, you will be brought to your accommodations where a counselor or nurse may help you unpack to make sure you have no contraband items - including over the counter medications and electronics.

When you have finally settled into the program, you will take part in a complete physical exam with a physician to identify all underlying conditions that need treatment during your detox. For instance, dehydration and malnutrition are common among addicts and they need to be handled fully during drug/alcohol rehab.

In most cases, detoxifying from opiates, alcohol and other drugs will take anywhere from several days to a couple of weeks depending on:

• If you suffer from a co-occurring disorder
• The severity of your substance use and drug and alcohol addiction
• Whether you are exhibiting the signs of polysubstance abuse
• Your overall state of health

Opiate addicts and alcoholics typically take part in medically assisted detoxification to help them deal with severe withdrawal and lessen their cravings. Depending on the individual treatment plan created for you, the detoxification professionals may use these medications alone or with other treatments to help you get through the detoxification stage and make progress with recovery.

Certain medications you may receive while detoxifying from drugs like opioids include naltrexone, methadone, Suboxone (naloxone and buprenorphine) and buprenorphine. When you are given these drugs, you will be monitored closely to ensure that you do not have any adverse reactions.

Last but not least, the alcohol and drug detox centers may provide sleep aids, non-opioid painkillers, nutritional supplements, and other supportive remedies to handle all medical issues associated with withdrawal - in case they become a problem.

Overall, irrespective of the drug and alcohol detoxification centers you select, you can be sure that the programs provided can help you begin your path to total sobriety and recovery from addiction and drug and alcohol abuse issues. This is why it is very important to ensure that you choose the correct one according to your particular needs and preferences.