Recovery from drugs or alcohol can be especially difficult when you are suffering from physical withdrawal effects. Detox programs can help you or your loved one safely stop using addictive substances in a comfortable environment. Safe, medical detox can give you the strong foundation you need for a successful recovery.
Start the new life you deserve today, beginning with medical detox to cleanse your body before you start to heal your mind and spirit through a holistic rehab program.
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What Is Drug and Alcohol Detox?
Drug and alcohol detox is often a critical first step in addressing substance abuse.
In cases where there is no assistance with detox, symptoms can be severe or uncomfortable enough that people quit before any real progress has been made and return to their drug of choice to ease the withdrawal effects.
Modern detox programs are highly effective in preventing serious medical consequences that may appear when substances are no longer in someone’s system. It is possible to have seizures or experience hallucinations during detox when the body has been exposed to a substance for a while. Other uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms can be minimized under medical supervision to help a person be in a more stable mindset. For many people, medical stabilization through supervised detox is the first step toward managing an underlying issue and is the most effective way to overcome substance abuse.
What Treatment Can I Expect During the Detox Process?
Effective detox starts with an understanding that addiction is a complex but treatable condition that alters brain function and behavior.
When you enter detox to reduce your substance use, you will probably face withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms vary in intensity and duration based on how long the substance was used, how much was used, what type of substance was used, and the overall health of the client.
Having professional assistance while you go through the first step of detox can be extremely helpful and reassuring because doctors and nurses know what to expect during each step of your withdrawal and can guide you through the process.
Alcohol, tranquilizers, opioids, and sedatives all produce physical withdrawal symptoms; substances such as stimulants and marijuana will produce cognitive and emotional withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal symptoms are most common for those who used cocaine, opiates, or alcohol. However, they can manifest for most drugs.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) identifies the following as the most common withdrawal symptoms for almost any drug:
- Decreased activity levels
- Depression
- Disturbing or vivid dreams
- Fatigue
- Increased appetite
- Restlessness
With alcohol detox, you might experience
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Shakiness
- Decreased appetite
- Low activity levels
- High blood pressure
- Nightmares
- Seizures
Opiate withdrawal manifests with flu-like symptoms, including
- Anxiety
- Muscle cramps
- Difficulty sleeping
- Heavy sweating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
In each of these cases, it is easy to see how unpleasant those first few days can be. The withdrawal process is tantamount to being very sick. Being in a medical facility with medical personnel to tend to you will make it much easier.
How Long Does Detox Take?
Most withdrawal symptoms are relatively short-lived and last between three and five days, especially when they are properly managed with medication, vitamins, adequate sleep, and exercise. In cases where sedatives or tranquilizers were used in combination with alcohol, the withdrawal process is generally lengthened by several days to allow for a slower system cleanse to prevent health complications.
Using a medical facility for any type of withdrawal management can make you feel more comfortable while experiencing the side effects of drug or alcohol withdrawal. It can also expedite the process and set you up for successful addiction treatment.
What Substances Need Detox?
Most drugs have the potential for addiction, including alcohol, marijuana, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, prescription drugs, and many others.
You should always consult with a professional before attempting to quit any substance, even when you aren’t sure if a formal program is necessary.
Many substances can be better able to be removed from the body with the help of medical professionals, especially when facing addiction.
For exceptionally addictive drugs like heroin, having this type of comfort and support nearby can often mean the difference between a successful or unsuccessful treatment.
Due to the potentially dangerous effects, drug detox facilities should almost always be used for treating dependence on benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or fentanyl. Consult with your doctor, a rehab facility, or another medical professional before attempting to discontinue the use of any of these substances.
Dependence on benzodiazepines like Valium®, Klonopin®, or Xanax® can cause severe discomfort during the initial stages of withdrawal. In the worst cases, it could lead to grand mal seizures or coma. Seizures can cause permanent brain damage, which is one reason why it is so important to have a medical professional supervise the entire process.
Other drugs with severe possible side effects include
- Drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine can cause depression and emotional withdrawal in addition to potential suicidal thoughts, making a supervised detox program necessary for your own or your loved one’s safety.
- Alcohol withdrawal causes disorientation, severe tremors, and inhibited motor skills, all of which can leave people in a dysfunctional state. Medical care can make the process safer and more comfortable by reducing symptoms like nausea or restless legs and providing coping mechanisms for anxiety or depression.
How Does Detox Help With Substance Abuse Rehabilitation?
Detox programs are just the first step in your treatment, and persistence is important.
Some people with substance abuse issues can simply stop after their first addiction treatment and never touch drugs or alcohol again. Overcoming an addiction is an ongoing process that can include setbacks. It’s important to remember that this is normal and doesn’t mean all hope is lost. Oftentimes, a person just needs more assistance adapting to the skills they have learned in rehab. Sometimes people are so ashamed they “failed,” they or their loved ones give up when a mistake is made. Continuing to hit reset and understand what caused the relapse is the key to unlocking recovery.
That is why a treatment program and continued follow-up is such an integral component of treatment. Detox is just the first step of your recovery.
Treatment for substance use will begin once your mental and physical health is stabilized in detox.
Is Medically Supervised Detox Necessary?
Medically supervised detox refers to the cleansing of drugs or alcohol from the body while under the care of mental health and medical professionals. It is recommended in many cases. Realistically, it is best for most cases as the observation and expertise of professionals increases safety and comfort during the process.
This is especially true for individuals who might experience painful symptoms or those who run the risk of medical complications. Medical professionals can also administer medications to reduce strong cravings or ease any painful symptoms, if necessary.
Is Drug and Alcohol Detox Available Near Me in Denver, Colorado?
Yes! Denver Recovery Center is here to help you or your loved one with entering the right drug and alcohol medical detox programs. We partner with local facilities that will provide you or your loved one with the highest quality care available for this initial stage of treatment.
If it is necessary in your case, you will start at a partner facility with the physical process of safely stopping the use of alcohol or drugs. When that step is complete, the next stage is to move forward with Denver Recovery Center’s wide range of holistic and evidence-based addiction treatments.
We know that you are not defined by your addiction and that many factors in life contribute to substance abuse. We also know addiction can affect many people, both men and women, young and old, and all races and income levels. We appreciate the diversity and uniqueness of our clients and strive to develop their individualized programs.
- We provide specialized holistic programs that address every aspect of a person: mind, body, and spirit.
- Every person’s journey and recovery experiences are unique, and your treatment should be as well. We customize rehabilitation plans for each client to ensure that you are safe and comfortable during recovery. We also provide outpatient addiction treatment.
We understand that when you step out of the recovery center door after addiction treatment, you will still need to maintain your focus on recovery using the tools you have learned with us. Recovery should be lifelong, which is why we focus on providing sustainable life skills that support healthy daily decisions, emphasize fitness, and cultivate stress management skills. Managing life’s various issues in healthier ways means a reduced chance of returning to substance abuse down the road.
Contact Denver Recovery Center in Colorado Today
Many people choose a local addiction treatment program to have support close to their homes. Set yourself up for success by contacting Denver Recovery Center today to get started on your journey.
Our compassionate, experienced staff members are here to ensure that your rehab program is tailored specifically to your needs. It may include individual and group therapy, fitness programs like yoga and exercise, or adventures using outdoor therapy. We offer a wide range of rehabilitation options that are meant not just to start the sobriety process, but to provide you or your loved one with the tools needed for a lifetime of success.
You have many treatment options available to you, and withdrawal management centers are often the first step to a sober life. Let Denver Recovery Center help you take the first step along your path to a better life. Call us at (844) 602-3175.
FAQs:
- What Is a Detox Center?
A detoxification center is usually a medically licensed facility where a person can be monitored for their health and safety as they go through withdrawal symptoms when they discontinue the drug or alcohol use. Some acute withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening and others can lead a person to relapse to diminish strong cravings or actual pain that may occur as a substance leaves the body.
- What Happens in a Detox Center?
In a detox facility, a person will receive monitoring by health professionals of their vitals to ensure a person is not in a life-threatening condition. In addition, the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms can be managed by resting, replenishment of hydration, and vitamin supplements. Some alcohol and drug detox locations are equipped to prescribe or dispense prescription medications that can help with the initial urgent cravings.
- What To Expect From a Detox Center?
A detox center is a short-term facility that will help a person achieve physical and mental stability before entry into an alcohol and drug rehab center. It is not a complete addiction treatment program on its own to help a person achieve recovery tools to maintain sobriety.
