It’s normal to feel overwhelmed once you come to realize that you have a serious substance use disorder. Whether you are battling an addiction to drugs or alcohol, it can be difficult to come to terms with your problem. However, you are in a good place as you are one step closer to getting the help you desperately need.
One of the first, biggest questions in your mind is probably whether you need detox. It’s important to get all the information you need so that you can return to being a productive member of society by regaining your sobriety. There are certain indicators that tell you when you need a detox program.
What Is the Detox Process?
Detox is the process that allows you to have all traces of drugs or alcohol in your system eliminated. It’s the first big step toward recovery that many people take when they struggle with addiction. Generally, detox is most helpful for those who have serious addictions to substances that have a higher risk of dependence and tough withdrawal symptoms.
Do You Need a Detox Program?
If you have a serious addiction to drugs or alcohol, you no doubt feel that you need more of the substance to feel normal and even to function on a daily basis. These are indicators that you need serious help to curb your substance use disorder and get back to normal. When going cold turkey isn’t enough to get you back to sobriety, detox is that helping hand to get you through without putting your health at risk.
Depending on the specifics of the substance you are addicted to, withdrawal can be dangerous. Medication management is used to help ease your symptoms, which can be particularly bad within the first 24 to 72 hours of detox. You can expect the following during the detox process:
- You go through a process known as intake, which gives the team helping you some insight into the type of support you’ll need. In some cases, you may be required to give blood. You are asked questions about your overall health and history of addiction. You may also be examined for both your physical and mental health in the event that you suffer from dual-diagnosis and are dealing not only with addiction but with a mental health disorder as well.
- You will also receive detox support to ensure that the process is smooth and as painless as possible. This includes medication management to help with your withdrawal symptoms. You will also be monitored regularly by skilled personnel to ensure that your heart rate, blood pressure, temperature and breathing are all stable.
- Once you are through the detox process, you will receive assistance in getting into a treatment program so that you can continue on your journey to becoming clean and sober.
How Long Does Detox Last?
Every individual person is different when it comes to the detox process. In other words, what works for one person might not work for the next. However, the process can be tailored to your unique needs based on a variety of factors.
When you have to enter a detox program, you will probably wonder how long the process will take. This, too, depends on different factors. However, on average, it can last anywhere from a few days to several months before you’re completely done with detox. The following factors can play a part in the length of your detox process:
- The specific substance you abused
- If you abused multiple substances
- How often you abuse those substances
- The amount of the substances you took
- Whether you have any co-occurring mental health conditions
- Your medical history
- Your age
- Your gender
How Can You Choose a Detox Program?
You can choose from several different types of programs to do your detox. Inpatient treatment requires you to stay on a 24/7 basis at the facility while you undergo your rehab. It offers you access to medical professionals whenever you need them.
Outpatient treatment lets you live at home and come in during the day to do your rehab. This option is better for those who have a milder, shorter-term addiction.
Residential rehab is a facility that lasts for one to three months. During this time, you live there and have access to more help if you have a stronger addiction.
Partial hospitalization treatment lets you live at home while you go for treatment several days per week. It’s also available through telehealth.
When choosing one of these programs, you will have to weigh out the pros and cons and whether they accept your insurance. You may want to know which specific services they offer and whether the staff is licensed and how they are trained. Aftercare may also be a major consideration when choosing the right detox program.
Ready to get help? Call us today at 833.970.2054 to get started.
