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Understanding Detox Programs: What You Need to Know

treatment during a detox program

Overcoming dependence on alcohol and drugs requires more than just sheer willpower. For many individuals, the withdrawal symptoms that arise when they significantly cut back or stop using substances can be the most challenging hurdle on the road to recovery. The Alcohol and Drug Foundation notes that these symptoms can vary widely in intensity, often presenting as the opposite effects of the substances themselves. During this challenging phase, individuals may experience intense cravings, which can lead them to continue using substances in an attempt to avoid unpleasant symptoms. Fortunately, withdrawal can be effectively managed through detox programs, which offer comprehensive addiction treatment. These programs provide continuous care, medication management, and emotional support to help individuals safely navigate the process of eliminating drugs and alcohol from their systems.

Chronic abuse of alcohol and drugs leads to physical dependence as the body becomes accustomed to the substances. Over time, the brain’s chemistry adjusts to the presence of these drugs, impacting neurotransmitters that control mood, pleasure, and stress levels. When someone abruptly stops using, their brain and body struggle to cope with the sudden absence, resulting in withdrawal symptoms. The severity of these symptoms can vary based on several factors, including the type of substance, the length of use, the quantity consumed, and the individual’s overall health. While some may experience mild symptoms, others could face severe and potentially life-threatening reactions, particularly with substances like alcohol or benzodiazepines. In such cases, a medically supervised detox for addiction is often the safest approach.

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What Is a Detox Program?

Drug and alcohol detox programs are typically the first step in a comprehensive treatment strategy aimed at assisting individuals in safely and effectively ceasing substance use. These programs focus on alleviating withdrawal symptoms, cleansing the body of substances, and preparing individuals for treatment or recovery. Medical detox facilities offer a secure environment where healthcare professionals supervise the detoxification process, providing medications and various forms of support to mitigate withdrawal effects and ensure the safety of patients.

Before starting detox, individuals undergo a detailed medical and psychological evaluation. This allows healthcare providers to understand the person’s addiction history and overall physical and mental health. The assessment helps in creating a personalized detox plan. During detox, medications may be used to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. Detox typically occurs in a monitored setting, where medical staff can observe the individual’s health and adjust the treatment plan as needed. The duration of detox varies based on factors such as the type of substance used, the severity of the addiction, and the individual’s overall health, usually lasting from a few days to several weeks.

Prescription and over-the-counter medications can be effective in alleviating withdrawal symptoms and curbing cravings. For example, medications like methadone and buprenorphine are approved by the FDA for use in opioid detoxification, helping to manage both cravings and withdrawal effects. Detox services also include counseling, therapy, and support groups to help individuals navigate the emotional challenges during this process. Completing detox is typically just the first step toward long-term recovery. It is important for individuals to continue with additional treatment options, such as inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation programs, which focus on identifying the underlying causes of addiction and providing coping strategies and relapse prevention techniques.

How Does Inpatient Detox Work?

The immediate objective of detoxification programs is to help patients achieve a substance-free state and relieve the immediate symptoms of withdrawal while treating any co-occurring medical or psychiatric conditions. In the realm of addiction treatment, there are various levels of care tailored to meet the unique needs of each person. As noted by Alcohol Health and Research World, detox can be effectively and safely conducted in both inpatient and outpatient environments. Each setting provides medical oversight to ensure the safety of patients, manage medications, and offer emotional support.

Inpatient detox programs require individuals to stay at the facility around the clock, allowing for continuous monitoring by a team of professionals, including doctors, nurses, and therapists. This option is particularly recommended for those facing severe addiction or at risk of experiencing dangerous withdrawal symptoms. On the other hand, outpatient detox enables patients to return home after each session, offering a less intensive level of monitoring. This approach is generally more suitable for those with mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms and who have strong support systems at home. Outpatient detox provides greater flexibility, allowing individuals to maintain their daily routines while attending counseling, receiving medical oversight, and managing symptoms through prescribed medications. For those with significant withdrawal risks or co-occurring mental health issues, inpatient detox remains the safer choice.

How Long Does Detox Rehab Last?

The length of detox will depend on the type of drug and how long and severe the patient’s addiction is. In general, patients can expect to spend anywhere from a few days to 10 days in a drug detox program. As the detox program nears completion, addiction specialists will begin to guide individuals toward ongoing treatment aimed at fostering long-term recovery. This typically involves transitioning into a rehabilitation program, either inpatient or outpatient. These programs can last 30, 60, 90 days, or longer and include intensive therapy, group counseling, education, and medication management. Individuals work with therapists to explore the emotional, psychological, and behavioral factors behind their substance use.

Many rehab programs also offer dual diagnosis treatment, addressing both addiction and any co-occurring mental health issues at the same time. Patients will work on establishing routines, acquiring life skills, and finding healthy hobbies to support recovery. Additionally, a key focus of these programs is to educate patients on relapse prevention strategies, helping them to identify and manage triggers and stressors effectively.

detox programs

How Do Beginners Detox?

Patients arriving at a detox center will first go through a comprehensive medical assessment. This evaluation typically includes a physical exam, mental health assessment, and a thorough review of their substance use history. A team of medical health professionals will use this information to determine the best detox plan, including whether inpatient or outpatient detox is more suitable. Depending on the substance abused, withdrawal symptoms may start to manifest within hours after the last use, varying in intensity from mild to severe. Common withdrawal symptoms of what happens to the body during drug detox can include:

  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Insomnia
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Sweating
  • Fever
  • Body aches and pain
  • Tremors
  • Confusion

In more extreme cases, individuals may experience hallucinations, delirium, or seizures. To alleviate these withdrawal symptoms, medical staff will either prescribe or administer medications proactively or as symptoms arise. As noted by the British Pharmacological Society, options may include methadone and buprenorphine for opioid dependence, as well as benzodiazepines for alcohol withdrawal. Additional medications might consist of sedatives, anti-nausea treatments, and over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Supportive care such as hydration, nutrition, therapy, and counseling will also be provided.

How to Get Started With Detox Programs at Resurgence Behavioral Health

If you’re finding it difficult to overcome drug and alcohol dependence on your own, Resurgence Behavioral Health provides comprehensive detox programs designed to help you safely and effectively manage withdrawal symptoms. Our dedicated team of addiction specialists will perform a detailed assessment to develop a customized detox plan, which may include medication management, 24/7 supervision, and emotional support. We also offer both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs to facilitate a smooth transition into long-term addiction recovery. Patients can detox in our serene treatment facilities, designed to create a comforting, home-like atmosphere that alleviates the stress often associated with the detox process.

To get started with medically supervised detox at Resurgence Behavioral Health, reach out to us today at 855-458-0050. One of our intake specialists will be happy to answer your questions or help you schedule your initial intake.

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Addiction Treatment that
Just Works

Individualized treatment programs delivered in a comfortable, relaxed setting promote healing in your recovery journey.

David Rofofsky
David Rofofsky
After growing up in New York, David chose to get help with substance abuse in California because of the state's reputation for top-tier treatment. There, he found the treatment he needed to achieve more than nine years of recovery. He's been in the drug and alcohol addiction rehab industry for eight years and now serves as the Director of Admissions for Resurgence Behavioral Health. David remains passionate about the field because he understands how hard it is to pick up the phone and ask for help. However, once the call is made, someone's life can be saved.


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