Perhaps the biggest myth about drug and alcohol rehabs is that the treatment they provide does not work. Believing in it is one possible reason why seeking the right treatment program at the most suitable facility seems so hard to many. Another common myth relevant to this context is that substance abuse is only a matter of choice, be it alcohol or drugs. In reality, these addictions are long-term diseases that are possible to recover from, similar to other chronic problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, and asthma.
If you have been battling substance abuse disorder for a long time and finally desire to quit it, getting professional help from a detox center is extremely important. This article will provide an overview of what to expect at the best detox center for alcohol addiction and drugs and how to prepare for recovery accordingly.
Beginning Treatment at the Best Detox Facility: The Check-in Process
When you first arrive at a detox center, staff members conduct a detailed interview to know more about you. This is a crucial step in rehabilitation as the information you provide is then used by professionals to start customizing your care plan. During this intake interview, you will need to answer multiple questions related to your substance abuse and lifestyle. These questions may include but are not limited to the following:
- During the past 30 days, what are the number of days when you drank alcohol, got intoxicated, and/or used illegal drugs?
- During the past 30 days, where have you been living mostly?
- During the past 30 days, how stressful has it been for you to carry on with your life due to your drug or alcohol use?
- During the past 30 days, how often did your addiction force you to reduce or entirely give up daily life activities?
- Do you have a spouse and children? Do they live with you? If not, do they live separately because of a court order?
- Do you work or attend school?
- Have you been arrested for drug-associated crimes during the past 30 days?
- How would you describe your current overall health?
- Have you sought outpatient or inpatient treatment for any physical, emotional, mental, or addiction-related issue during the past 30 days?
- How happy and contented are you with yourself and life?
While some of the above-mentioned questions may seem a bit harsh, prepare to answer them in all honesty. While discussing your life, addiction, and daily choices, things can get tricky. However, remember that providing accurate information will only help the staff members curate the most suitable addiction recovery program for you.
What Happens During a Medically-Assisted Drug or Alcohol Detox?
The best detox programs offered at all high-end rehab centers comprise several stages explained below:
Medical Assessment
The first step towards detox is for clients to undergo a medical assessment, allowing them to build an accurate picture of their individual needs. During this assessment, an expert gathers information relevant to the client’s medical history and addiction problem in detail and uses it to develop a personalized detox plan.
Withdrawal
As detox begins, the amount of a drug or alcohol in the body gradually reduces. As this happens, most people experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are quite similar for both alcohol and drug detox. However, the exact type of symptoms and their severity may vary depending on the type of substance they are addicted to, the duration of addiction, the amount of substance they have been consuming, and their general physical and mental health.
It is imperative to keep in mind that every individual uniquely goes through detox, and each detox might be entirely different, regardless of how many times someone has gone through it in the past.
Withdrawal can lead to a broad range of uncomfortable psychological and physical symptoms that include:
Physical Symptoms
- Increased heart rate
- Sweating
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Shaking
- Runny nose
- High fever
- Headaches
- Increased blood pressure
- Pain in bones and muscles
- Abdominal cramps
- Vivid and unpleasant dreams
- Exhaustion
- Seizures
Psychological Symptoms
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Paranoia
- Inability to concentrate
- Confusion
- Intense cravings for the substance
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Extreme mood swings
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
- Delirium
Use of Medication
In order to help patients manage the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, they are sometimes provided with controlled medication as a part of their detox plan. While no single drug prevents all withdrawal symptoms, some can help ease depression and anxiety, and others enable sufficient sleep, and so on.
Round-the-Clock Support
Experts say compassionate and supportive care is just as important as medication to enable successful detox and achieve the best possible outcomes. Hence, all best drug detox centers and alcohol rehabs provide careful monitoring, 24 hours a day, throughout the entire duration of the treatment process.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I need to join a detox center for drugs and alcohol?
You might have had a choice when you first started using alcohol or drugs. However, over time, these drugs alter the structure and functions of the brain to induce addiction. Under the influence of this addiction, you may have intense cravings for the particular drug and possibly develop uncomfortable symptoms if you do not get your daily dose.
If you are still confused about whether or not to join a detox center, look for the following two warning signs. If they are present, getting immediate help and support is recommended:
You keep using alcohol or drugs despite knowing that they are messing with your physical health, education, job, and relationships
You need progressively higher quantities of alcohol or drugs to get the same euphoria
How long can a detox program last?
It may take weeks or months to get through the withdrawal symptoms. The exact duration may vary from one person to another and depends on a number of factors, such as:
- Duration of addiction
- Amount of substance taken
- Type of substance you are addicted to
- Family history of addiction
- Method of abuse (such as smoking, swallowing, injecting, or snorting)
- Underlying medical conditions
Why can’t I detox at home on my own?
While it’s possible to detox from alcohol or drugs on your own in your private accommodation, it can be hazardous and potentially deadly in most cases. Quitting any drug cold turkey without any medical supervision can trigger severe symptoms, including dehydration and seizures. Hence, choosing a detox center to perform the process is highly recommended for your own safety. The best detox centers across the world offer both outpatient and inpatient programs to get the job done while keeping you safe from dangerous complications.