As you move toward a sober lifestyle that is free of drug and alcohol use, you will walk through the detoxification process. This transitory step involves cleansing the body of all traces of drugs and alcohol. It can be a challenging process, and many people may fall back into their old habits before they get clean. Drug and alcohol detoxification programs offer the support that you need to navigate through this important process. These programs come with a higher likelihood of achieving and maintaining sobriety. At Long Island Interventions, we are committed to helping you achieve a drug-free and alcohol-free lifestyle. We know that you may have been questions about the detoxification experience. What can you expect from a detox program?
Understanding Drug and Alcohol Detox
In order to live a sober lifestyle, you must first rid your body of all traces of drugs and alcohol. This is done through a detoxification process. While it is possible to go through detox on your own without treatment, the effects of detox on the body can be stressful, painful and even life-threatening in some situations. A detoxification program offers you the medical supervision and assistance that you need to get clean safely and with minimal discomfort. However, you should be aware that your detox experience depends on several factors, including the types of substances in your body and how severe the addiction is.
A detox program will be tailored to suit your specific needs. It will consider the type of substance you are addicted to and how long you have struggled with it. It also takes into account the drug ingestion method and how much of the substance you currently use. There are other factors that can contribute to a drug or alcohol addiction, including your family history and underlying health conditions. All relevant factors will be taken into consideration to create a plan that could produce a successful outcome. Keep in mind that the detox process could take anywhere from a few days to several weeks or longer depending on these factors.
The Benefits of Drug and Alcohol Detox
Addiction can alter a person’s brain function, which is one reason why the risk of a relapse is high. This explains why some drugs are more difficult to detox from and why a longer addiction may contribute to a higher risk of relapse. A customized drug or alcohol detox treatment plan provides the full support you need to get clean. This includes treatment through medications that can ease the withdrawal symptoms while also tackling underlying conditions, including mental health issues that may be contributing to the addiction.
Approximately 43% of addicts who enroll in a drug or alcohol detox program complete the program. Many of these individuals then enter a rehab program, providing additional support and resources to promote sobriety going forward. There is a 68% success rate for individuals who complete a combined detox and rehab treatment plan. Detoxification is difficult, and maintaining sobriety in the years ahead is equally challenging. Thankfully, you do not need to get and stay clean on your own. Through our drug and alcohol detox program at Long Island Interventions, you will benefit from a medically-assisted program that can help you to be more successful on your journey to sobriety.
The Detoxification Experience
Many people who would benefit from a drug and alcohol detox program want to know what the experience entails before they make a commitment. If you are withdrawing from alcohol alone, many of your most challenging withdrawal symptoms may subside within a week. However, this timeline can be much longer if you have been struggling with a longtime addiction. Alcohol withdrawal has significant health risks. For example, side effects from alcohol withdrawal syndrome may include everything from headaches and anxiety to insomnia, vomiting, tremors and even delusions.
If you are addicted to drugs or a combination of drugs and alcohol, it may take several weeks or longer to fully rid your body of the substances. For example, it normally takes at least two weeks to detox from an addiction to Benzodiazepines. The withdrawal symptoms of drug detox can be equally unpleasant. Depending on the substance, you may experience respiratory issues, fever and chills, depression, irritability, anxiety, insomnia and more. For both drug and alcohol detoxification, there is a possibility of experiencing very serious or even deadly effects. Because of this, completing an assisted detox program under medical supervision is recommended.
It is important to ensure that the body is completely rid of the substance to diminish the risk of a relapse. However, even when the detox program is complete, there is still a risk of relapsing. Because of this, a rehab program is usually recommended after the detox process has been completed.
What Happens During Detox Treatment?
While each person has a unique detox experience based on the substances they are addicted to, the severity of their addiction and underlying health issues, there are essential steps that anyone on the detox journey will follow. The first of these steps is a medical evaluation or assessment. During this assessment, the incoming patient will be carefully screened for existing mental and physical health issues. These must be addressed as part of the detoxification process. In addition to asking the patient critical questions to assess his or her condition, the medical team may take blood and urine samples. Doing so helps the doctor determine which medications should be used during treatment and how much to prescribe.
After the initial evaluation has been completed, the individual will begin the withdrawal and stabilization process. Medications will be used to stabilize the individual and alleviate withdrawal symptoms. The patient will be carefully monitored to promptly address any serious or potentially dangerous symptoms. Medications can also be used to avoid complications related to withdrawal symptoms. Patients may experience symptoms that range from paranoia and sweating to high blood pressure, agitation, seizures and more during detox. Because of the possibility of experiencing dangerous symptoms of withdrawal, the patient will be monitored around the clock for the length of the detox program.
Even if you have completed a detox program previously, it is important to note that each detox process and experience is unique. You may experience different symptoms or complications than you experienced before. With this in mind, different medications may be administered to increase your comfort level and to set you on a path that optimizes your chance of success. If you intend to enroll in a rehab program, your detox steps conclude when you start the rehab process at Long Island Interventions.
A Closer Look at the Recovery Process
Detoxification is only the first step in the recovery process. Through this step, the drugs and alcohol that you are addicted to will leave your system. However, there may be many underlying factors that could contribute to a relapse. For example, there may be stressors at home, at work or even in your social circle that could lead you back to addiction. In some cases, there are physical or psychological issues at play that must be addressed after detoxification is complete.
A rehab program may be recommended as the next step after detox. Rehab may provide you with the tools and resources needed to navigate various social pressures and stressors in your life. This type of program may also include long-term treatment for or stabilization of underlying physical and psychological conditions. More than that, rehab may present you with tools and strategies you can use after the program is completed to stay on a sober path.
Learn More About Drug and Alcohol Detox Today
At Long Island Interventions, our goal is to help those who are addicted to drugs or alcohol break free from the chains of their addiction. We provide you with the full support that you need to get clean through the treatment program. More than that, addiction treatment programs will give you the firm foundation that you need to stay clean going forward. To learn more about drug and alcohol detoxification programs, contact Long Island Interventions today.