Detoxification is typically needed before anyone with drug or alcohol addiction commits to a treatment program. This process is crucial because you cannot begin your recovery journey while still having an addictive substance in your system.
The overall premise of both drug and alcohol detox programs is to manage withdrawal symptoms while preparing oneself for the work that’s to come next. With a clean slate, you can face the root cause of addiction with a clear mind and strong body. If you want to learn more about the detox process, allow this blog to be your guide.
If. you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, contact Serenity Grove today at 844.904.3485 for information about our drug and alcohol detox center.
How Is Drug and Alcohol Detox Defined?
If you undergo any form of detox, the process centers on the body eliminating toxic substances from your blood. During a detox program, the overarching goal is to help you ride the wave of withdrawal symptoms that come with quitting drugs or alcohol.
Detoxing aims to:
- Provide a safe and comfortable environment
- Teach those with addiction to manage the physical and psychological challenges of withdrawal
What’s most important to note is that detoxing is not a single, standalone treatment that will help a person overcome addiction. It is only the first step to recovery and coincides with either an inpatient or outpatient recovery period.
Types of Detox Techniques
Several types of detox programs are available, and each detox center has different protocols. The detox technique that’s best for you depends on your unique circumstances. The following are the most common:
Medical Detox
This is probably the most common form of detox for most people struggling with a severe addiction. During this time, you’re hospitalized or stay at a detox facility that offers close monitoring and supervision. In some cases, depending on the type of addiction, medication is part of the detox program. This helps to ease the side effects of withdrawal. Medical detox offers significant support during this process and is best for those with long-term addiction.
Drug or Alcohol Tapering
In some instances, you can undergo a slower detox process involving tapering drug or alcohol use. However, medical supervision is still necessary in most cases. This goal is to slowly and gradually decrease the body’s need for a particular substance using measured steps.
What To Expect From the Detox Process
Each person battling addiction is different. No addiction is the same. Therefore, each detox treatment is usually specific to the type of addiction. However, in most cases, the detox process follows these key stages:
- Evaluation — you are screened for mental and physical health issues. While your drug, medical, and psychiatric history is also evaluated
- Stabilization — this process involves medical and psychological therapy. The goal is to prevent harm, complications, and relapse
- Preparation for your entry into a treatment program and what you can expect next
How Long Does the Detox Process Last?
How long can you expect to endure the process of detox and withdrawal? It depends on the type of substance withdrawal and how severe an addiction is. In most cases, the detox process spans seven to ten days in total. However, this duration is not the same for everyone. It also depends on your mental and physical well-being and how severe your withdrawal symptoms are.
Start Your Recovery Journey With Serenity Grove
If you’re looking for a comprehensive, attentive, and comforting environment for the drug and alcohol detox process, Serenity Grove is here for you. Not only this, but we offer residential and outpatient addiction treatment programs to set you off on the right path to recovery. Want to learn more about how we can help you or a loved one get your life back on track? Contact us today at 844.904.3485.
