The Drug Detox Process
The first step in receiving any type of substance abuse treatment is admitting that you have a problem with drugs and alcohol. Often, this is not an easy admission to make for someone with a history of drug abuse. However, once this person has realized they need a higher level of care, the first step they may need involves going through a drug or alcohol detox to ensure they have the required medical support during this particularly trying stage of their addiction treatment. Whether you’re struggling with opioid addiction or alcohol addiction, you will experience the physical and psychological ramifications of no longer using your substance of choice. Although the initial step of getting started on the road to recovery is something that may seem daunting, when you partner with an experienced addiction treatment and detox center in your area, you will have the guidance you need to develop a comprehensive treatment plan which will help you address your drug or opioid use disorder.
You may be surprised to learn that any form of opioid addiction or alcohol addiction can quickly trigger withdrawal symptoms. This process is one of the reasons why, once you have decided to work through the addiction treatment process, you should reach out to an addiction detox facility as soon as possible. A top-rated addiction detox will move quickly to get you into a medically assisted treatment program to receive the urgent help and care you need before you start to experience the height of your withdrawal symptoms.
Whether you’re suffering from an opioid use disorder or a prescription drug addiction, one of the biggest mistakes you would make before the detoxification process is thinking that you can detox at home. Several dangers come along with going through detox at home compared to being in a treatment center. Trying to quit drugs cold turkey is never the answer. For instance, a medically assisted treatment center can provide you with the immediate care you need during particularly dangerous parts of your detox. There are also several unexpected withdrawal symptoms that you may experience, which is all the more reason for you to decide to partner with a medical detox facility.
Drug Withdrawal Symptoms
One of the leading reasons you should always partner with a drug and alcohol detox facility when you’re ready to overcome your alcohol or drug addiction is the withdrawal symptoms you will likely experience during the initial hours and days of your newfound sobriety. Withdrawal symptoms are hazardous because they are unpredictable. For example, a person with a long-standing prescription drug addiction could be more susceptible to severe withdrawal symptoms. However, a person who has a binge drinking alcohol addiction could still experience just as severe symptoms. A medical detox team will provide you with the supportive environment you need when you begin to experience the detoxification process. There are several types of withdrawal symptoms you may encounter while in detox. Some common examples of withdrawal symptoms include:
- Shakiness
- Cravings
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sweating
- Muscle aches and pains
- Seizures
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Why Medications Are Used in Detox
Many people try to steer away from detox because they are concerned about the withdrawal symptoms that they may experience when they are in detox. This is where taking medication when you’re in detox can be incredibly beneficial. When you initially reach out to your detox facility of choice, you must be upfront and honest regarding the extent of your addiction. Certain details such as your drug of choice, how long you have been taking that drug, and how frequently you use it are all critical for preparing for your time in detox. This process includes formulating an addiction treatment plan that will benefit you and help you transition into your life of sobriety.
Detox Drugs Used in Rehab
It’s important to understand that there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach when it comes to the proper medication for withdrawal symptoms. Here are just a few examples of medications that may be incorporated into your detox treatment plan:
Benzodiazepines
One of the withdrawal symptoms that a person commonly encounters during their time in detox is anxiety and irritability, which is why different benzodiazepines may be used during your time in detox. However, doctors are typically cautious of prescribing benzos because there are addictive qualities associated with this type of medication.
Antidepressants
Unfortunately, one of the other results of going through detox is an increased possibility of experiencing depression, shape or form. Even if you haven’t been diagnosed with depression before your time in detox, there is always the possibility that you may experience a period of depression. Antidepressant medications can help you avoid falling into the trap of depression while taking these healthy steps in your life.
Naltrexone (Vivitrol)
This medication can be beneficial in your recovery journey because it can block the receptors that react to the influence of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This medication comes in the form of an injection which you will receive every four weeks.
Slow Tapering in Detox
Depending on your drug of choice and the severity of your addiction, it may not be beneficial to you to completely cut off taking that drug right away. Even while taking certain detox medications, there is always the possibility that you could experience serious adverse or potentially fatal effects due to no longer taking this substance. Suppose it’s decided that a slow tapering method is the most effective option for you. In that case, your treatment team will work closely with you to develop a plan that will help you slowly and strategically remove the influence of this substance from your life. Taking this step can help you avoid the severe impact of withdrawal symptoms and give you a better mentality when beginning your long-term recovery program.
How Long Does Detox Last?
One of the understandable questions that many people have revolved around how long detox lasts. This is a question that may have a different answer depending on your drug of choice and the severity of your addiction. However, on average, a person will need to spend at least seven days in drug rehab. Still, this timeframe may be extended depending on the extent of your addiction and the withdrawal symptoms you’re experiencing.
Drug Detox at Muse Treatment in Los Angeles
We always caution at Muse Treatment Center that while taking this initial step toward recovery and working through a detox program is undoubtedly a big step, it should never be your only step. Once you complete your time in detox, the next step in your journey will be to commit to an addiction treatment program so you can overcome your substance abuse issues once and for all.
If you completed a detox program, you may feel more comfortable committing to an inpatient or residential treatment program. This approach gives you the opportunity to continue to live on the campus of your treatment facility of choice while you work through the different aspects of your addiction and recovery. The focus of your time in treatment will be to determine the root cause of your addiction so you can overcome it, and it no longer plagues you to the point where you feel that these events have control of you. Changing your surroundings and committing to an inpatient program can be incredibly beneficial.
If you’re unable to commit to an inpatient treatment program, you can still receive addiction treatment care through our outpatient program. An outpatient program offers more flexibility, allowing you to work or go to school. You will work closely with your recovery team to develop a treatment schedule that works best for you so that you don’t feel as though you need to decide between committing to an addiction treatment program or working or going to school. If any changes need to be made throughout your recovery program, simply connect with your treatment team so that they can make those adjustments.
At Muse Treatment Center, our team focuses on providing you with the different options that you need and deserve to be able to address your addiction and abuse issues. Whether you have been struggling with substance abuse for an extended period or this is relatively new in your life, you can rest assured that our medication-assisted treatment will provide you with the care and support you need to work through the struggles you’re facing. Call us at (800) 426-1818 today to start your addiction treatment.
