The detoxification process is an incredibly important first step in recovery from addiction. If you are addicted to alcohol or drugs, then this can be done by going to one of the many detox centers available.

Detox is essentially based on the fact that if you are unwell. Although you may not look to get help yourself, it is something that must be done if you want to get help for your addiction. The purpose of detox is to tackle the physical side of addiction and then allow you to be ready to face the psychological features of your addiction as well.

What is Detox?

Detox is the process by which all traces of either alcohol or drugs are removed from the body. By going to a detox center, it ensures that you are physically able to start other forms of therapy for your addiction.

Alcohol or drug addiction causes you to become used to having substances in your body. This is when you most likely will experience unpleasant symptoms known as withdrawal symptoms.

Medical Detox Services

The detox process aims to minimize the negative impact of withdrawal symptoms. It should make your experience as safe and as comfortable as possible. The most effective form of detox is a detox that is medically assisted. This allows you to have support from trained specialists. 

In this case, you would look for detox centers. Then under the care of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals you will go through your detox. Attempting to detox on your own is rarely successful and can even be extremely dangerous.

Medical detox is most often the first stage in the continuum of care. Going to a detox center means that you will be provided comprehensive care while suffering from the effects of chemical intoxication

Disorders Attended to in Detox Centers Near Me

Disorders Attended to in Detox Centers Near Me

Alcoholism

Alcohol remains one of the most widely abused drugs in the United States. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, over 7 percent of American adults have had a problem with alcohol. This is approximately 17 million people. In addition, around 88,000 Americans die of alcohol-related causes every year. Despite this, only a small percentage of Americans with a drinking problem get the treatment they need. 

Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription drug misuse is now passing illicit drug abuse as a public health threat. The World Health Organization reports that prescription drug misuse is a global problem. In the United States,  prescription drugs are the most frequently abused substances after marijuana. Commonly abused prescription drugs include:

  • Pain relievers
  • Sedatives
  • Tranquilizers
  • Sleeping pills

Although these are commonly used or prescribed, they can all be just as dangerous as illicit drugs when they are used for nonmedical reasons.

Opiate Abuse

Used for centuries as powerful pain-relieving drugs, opiates are also highly addictive. Examples of opiates include:

  • Heroin
  • Morphine
  • Codeine
  • Hydrocodone
  • Oxycodone

Over 5 million Americans misuse pain relievers each year. As central nervous system depressants, opiates pose a high risk of overdose, especially when they are taken along with alcohol or other drugs.

What Happens in Detox Centers Near Me?

Step 1: Medical Assessment

The first step when looking for a detox center is to have a thorough medical assessment. This is essential in order to build an accurate picture of your needs. During this time you will provide information on your medical history, addiction, and receive a personalized plan. 

Step 2: Withdrawal

Once you reduce the amount of alcohol or drugs in your system, you will most likely experience withdrawal symptoms. The type of symptoms you experience, how bad they are, and how you feel them will depend on how long you have been addicted to drugs or alcohol. It will also depend on what you are addicted to, how much you normally consume, and if you suffer from any other co-existing conditions.

Physical withdrawal symptoms may include:

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea 
  • Vomiting
  • Shaking 
  • Shivering
  • Sweating
  • Runny nose
  • High temperature
  • Increased heart rate
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Headaches
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Muscle and bone pain
  • Exhaustion
  • Vivid and unpleasant dreams
  • Hallucinations
  • Delirium
  • Seizures

Psychological withdrawal symptoms may include:

  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Confusion
  • Paranoia
  • Insomnia
  • Depression
  • Agitation
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Extreme mood swings
  • Intense cravings

Step 3: Medication

In order to cope with withdrawal, you may be given appropriately controlled medication as part of the detox process. Although these medications cannot prevent all withdrawal symptoms, some medications can help with various symptoms such as anxiety and depression, help you with insomnia, or counteract other problems.

Step 4: Getting Healthy

Going to a detox center near me means that you will be given supportive and compassionate care. This has been proven to be just as important as medication in enabling a successful detox. This means that while going through detox you will be carefully monitored, 24 hours a day, for the duration of the process, to ensure your safety.

After detox, you should be ready to move on to an alcohol or drug treatment program, where you will receive therapy. This will range anywhere from 28 to 90 days.

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Detox

Some facilities offer outpatient detox programs. While outpatient care is an option, it is not always recommended for those dealing with severe addiction, or long-term addictions. Choosing inpatient or outpatient detox will depend on your specific medical circumstances. 

You may choose inpatient treatment if you are able to leave your responsibilities behind for a minimum of 30 to 90 days. In some cases of drugs such as opioids, alcohol, or benzodiazepines, you may want to choose inpatient detox because of the intense withdrawal effects. 

If you cannot leave your responsibilities behind and struggle with a mild addiction, then outpatient detoxification may be a better option for you. This allows you to continue living at home during treatment, and tend to family, work, or school.

Inpatient Detox Centers Near Me

Inpatient Detox Centers Near Me

Inpatient detox centers are facilities where you will live in the facility while you go through the detox process. As a residential patient, you will be given 24-hour care and be surrounded by medical staff. This staff will be available to attend to any of your health needs immediately should problems or discomfort arise.

Although this sounds simple, long-term recovery involves addressing the behaviors and environmental factors behind addiction. Your detox will need to also focus on the short-term aspects of addiction. This is why using approved medications administered by professionals can help to minimize any complications.

Next Steps

Detox is a huge step for anyone on the path to recovery. When it comes to the risks of detox, they will vary based on your individual condition. This is because detoxification is a medical process and will physically affect your body. Whether you choose inpatient or outpatient detox, while in detox be sure to follow the direction of the professionals around you, and you should be able to pursue a safe and successful recovery. 

At Emerald Isle, we try to make it easier with free insurance verification for treatment. If you have decided to take the necessary steps to pursue detox, congratulations. You have taken the first step. Contact us today to find detox centers near me.