Have you been considering attending a detox facility?
Today, one in ten Americans over the age of twelve reports suffering from a drug or alcohol addiction. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of addicts seek treatment for overcoming their addiction.
For many addicts, attending a detox facility is the first step. This is where a medical aide will help the patient to manage the symptoms of withdrawal. Post-detox, the patient is better able to transition into an inpatient or outpatient treatment program.
If you’re serious about taking a step towards recovery, you’re going to want to read this. We’re uncovering exactly what you need to know about attending a detox facility in California and what you can expect.
It’s safe to say that overcoming addiction is never easy. However, with the right treatment in place, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
1. Timeline
One of the first things patients inquire about is the timeline for detoxing.
The simple answer is that the timeline for detoxing is entirely situational. For the most part, the timeline will majorly depend on the type and level of addiction that the patient is experiencing.
It’s important to note that some drugs will take longer to clear from the system than others. In this situation, the detox process will be longer and the initial withdrawal may be more intense. This type of detox is typically about a week in length.
However, some drugs clear from the system relatively quickly. In this situation, the detox program may only be a few days.
2. Physical Withdrawal
Going into the detox process, patients can expect to experience a number of physical symptoms due to withdrawal. These symptoms may include:
- Muscle tension
- Tremors
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Heart Palpitations
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting and Diarrhea
These symptoms are likely to persist for the first few days but will lessen with time.
3. Emotional Withdrawal
Patients can also expect to experience a number of emotional withdrawal symptoms during the first few days of detoxing. These symptoms may include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sleeplessness
- Irritability
- Nightmares
- Disorientation
- Mood swings
While emotions such as stress and anxiety were previously met with a substance, the patient is now having to deal with these emotions without. However, therapists and doctors are available to help provide guidance and support during these times.
4. Access to a Medical Professional
During the detox process, the patient will have access to a team of doctors and nurses.
These medical professionals will help to guide the patient through the detox process. They will also help to ensure that the detox procedure is being conducted as safely and comfortably as possible.
Oftentimes, medical professionals will prescribe medication to the patient. This medication helps to ease the symptoms of withdrawal and make the process more comfortable for the patient.
5. Access to a Therapist
Alongside a medical doctor, patients will also have access to a therapist.
While detox is focused on physically cleansing the body, the process can also be incredibly taxing on the patient mentally. As noted above, the patient is more than likely to experience a wide range of challenging emotions throughout the process.
Having a therapist available will help to provide guidance and support to the patient during their detox.
6. Prescribed Medication
For some addicts, quitting their addiction cold turkey isn’t necessarily a realistic option.
For these addicts, the withdrawal process can be so intense that addicts feel they have no choice but to use again. In severe cases, the withdrawal process can even put a patient’s life at risk.
For this reason, doctors have chosen to prescribe medication to many addicts going through the withdrawal process. This medication helps to ease the severity of the withdrawal symptoms and encourage a more stable mental state.
7. Detoxing from Prescription Drugs
Nearing the end of the detox program, some patients may also require time to detox from prescription drugs.
Fortunately, this type of detoxing is significantly easier than one’s previous drug or alcohol detox. This type of detox results in far fewer withdrawal symptoms and is generally more comfortable for the patient.
8. Cravings Lessen
Toward the end of one’s detox journey, the patient will notice that their cravings have been minimized.
It is now that the patient is likely to feel a sense of calmness and readiness to move forward in their journey. This is an important step towards moving to an inpatient or outpatient treatment program.
9. Transition to an Inpatient Treatment Program
Once patients have completed their detox, many will transition to an inpatient treatment program.
This is where the patient will live in a sober living environment amongst other patients. Here, patients will continue their journey toward sobriety with in-house staff and doctors. They will also have the support of other patients and engage in many community events.
Many patients find inpatient treatment the best way to stay committed to their sobriety goals and meet likeminded people.
10. Transition to an Outpatient Treatment Facility
On the other hand, some patients may choose an outpatient treatment after detox.
This can offer a more low-cost and low-maintenance option for those that have families or a demanding job. Patients will return to their daily life at home while still continuing their treatment plan.
These patients will have regular contact with doctors and therapist to ensure they are staying committed to their plan. They may also attend group therapy sessions, counseling and relapse prevention training.
What to Expect at Your Detox Facility
Did you know that only one in ten addicts will seek treatment for overcoming their addiction?
For many addicts, attending a detox facility is the first official step in their path toward sobriety. Here, patients will receive the right treatment and support to help eliminate the pain and suffering of withdrawal. For many, the length and intensity of the detox program depend on the level of addiction.
After detox, many patients will then transition into an inpatient rehab facility and continue on their journey toward sobriety.
If you’d like to learn more about our many programs, sure to browse our treatment programs page today.