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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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.
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 following1https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000947.htm as the most common withdrawal symptoms for almost any drug:
With alcohol detox, you might experience
Opiate withdrawal manifests with flu-like symptoms, including
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.
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.
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
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.
Medically supervised detox refers to the cleansing2https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/support-treatment 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.
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 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.
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) 967-4542.
FAQs:
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.
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.
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.
For people who have never struggled with addiction, it is nearly impossible to understand what it is like from the inside. To gain some insight into what it is like to be addicted, there are several things that are important for you to understand.
Addiction is a disease. Just like diabetes or Alzheimer’s, addiction is a disease that cannot be wished away. When an addict uses a drug, it is not necessarily because they want to. In fact, once they become addicted, they no longer have a choice. Their body and mind have been taken over, and the drug is now in control.
Addiction does not discriminate. Addiction affects people of all ages, classes, races, and genders. It does not care where you live, how much money you make, or where you went to school. Even the most successful and highly educated professionals fall victim to the grip of addiction.
Many people suffer from co-occurring disorders. Nearly 8 million Americans have a dual-diagnosis. This means that in addition to the addiction they are battling, they are also suffering from a mental illness such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. The presence of a co-occurring disorder may mean that a different treatment approach is necessary; a customized treatment plan that addresses both the addiction and mental illness is more beneficial than either would be alone.
Withdrawal symptoms can be painful or even deadly. For many people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol, trying to quit cold turkey can not only be extremely painful, it can also be dangerous to their physical health. Depending on the severity and length of the addiction, the individual may need to undergo medically supervised detox to remain as safe and comfortable as possible throughout the process.
Treatment options vary. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol. Every addiction is as unique as the person who is addicted, and the treatment methods should be as well. The most successful treatment program will customize the recovery plan around each individual and their needs. There are many treatment types available today; methods that work wonders for some people may not be as effective for others. Carefully monitoring progress throughout the treatment process and re-evaluating when necessary is a crucial component for a successful recovery.
Recovery is a lifelong process. Even after getting clean and successfully completing a treatment program, a person who struggles with substance abuse will fight the addiction throughout their entire lifetime. It is something that will consistently present itself in their lives, forcing them to make the difficult decision to stay sober. Because of this, relapse is something that happens to many people. It should not be looked at as failure; instead, it can best be viewed as simply a misstep in the overall journey towards sobriety.
Most people don’t have any formal training in addiction recovery methods, and that is why it is important to bring professionals in on the process. However, family members and friends are still able to help the person with the addiction.
When someone you love is battling addiction, there are some helpful tips that you can use. There are also some situations that you should avoid in order to be as supportive as possible. Some of the best ways to provide support are actions that you might do automatically, but there are also some natural tendencies that can often do more harm than good.
Things you should do:
Things you should not do:
An intervention is one option that many people attempt to get their loved one to enter treatment. However, this technique must be handled with care to have even a chance at success. Many interventions cause more harm than good, and a professional must be included to avoid making the situation even worse.
Once you decide to hold an intervention, the first step is contacting an intervention specialist. They will determine whether an intervention is appropriate in your situation. They will also be able to ensure that the intervention is as successful as possible. After all, this is a very sensitive situation that must be navigated extremely carefully to avoid disastrous consequences.
When planning an intervention, keep in mind that it is possible that your loved one does not yet realize that they have a problem. They may even be in complete denial about having an addiction. If this is the case, they may react in a manner that you aren’t expecting. Be prepared for a range of reactions and emotions. Your loved one may feel angry, hurt, or betrayed.
The purpose of having an intervention is very specific:
There are several steps that should be carefully considered and completed in advance to help achieve these intervention goals. First, you should begin making a list of the people you want to help with the intervention. This list may include other family members and friends, a counselor, a doctor, or a leader from your church. The people involved in the intervention should all be on good terms with the individual you plan to address. Anyone who is actively struggling with an addiction should not attend. If your loved one has a history of mental illness, violence, or has attempted to commit suicide in the past, it is crucial that you consult with a professional before staging the intervention.
It is also important for the people involved in the intervention to emotionally prepare for the possibility that the loved one is not ready to seek help. They may also feel angry, scared, upset at being confronted by a group of people, or betrayed by their family and friends. They may feel lonely or as if they have nowhere to turn after their closest friends and family members unite to encourage starting treatment.
Gather your group to practice the intervention ahead of time. Once you have all gathered, you should discuss how the addiction has negatively impacted each of you. This is a good time to discuss different choices for treatment and prepare several options for how the individual can proceed. You should also discuss what you are all prepared to do if the individual refuses to seek help; this should be a careful balance of supportive yet firm consequences. Finally, schedule the day and time of when the intervention will occur.
On the day of the intervention, make sure the individual is invited without knowledge of what is going on. Once they arrive, make sure that everyone present has the opportunity to speak and share what they need to say. Once everyone has shared, discuss treatment plans and options.
Finally, if the individual decides to seek treatment, be sure to support them through every step of the journey towards their new life. This includes being available and present for any family therapy groups or other participation that may be requested.
If the individual decides not to seek treatment, be prepared to follow through with your ultimatums. This may be difficult for many of the people participating in the intervention, but it is a necessary part of the process.
Often loved ones (kids, spouses, family, and friends) are subjected to violence, threats, and emotional and physical abuse at the hands of the individual who is struggling with addiction. While we cannot change their behavior, we can protect ourselves and leave if they refuse to get help.
Do not be discouraged if you do not see immediate results following your intervention. Even if the process initially fails, you can still make many changes in your own life that will affect them. Most importantly, regardless of whether or not they choose to enter treatment right away, avoid enabling them to continue their negative behaviors and always encourage positive choices that they can make in their life.
Having your life turned upside down because of a friend’s or family members’ addiction can be frustrating and exhausting. Whether they realize it or not, when a person has become addicted to a substance, it eventually begins to affect every single person around them in one way or another. It is important to remember to make time to care for yourself when dealing with a situation like this. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help care for yourself:
The recovery process can be difficult and extremely delicate, but it is worth it if we see someone we love struggling with addiction. Many support groups exist in every region of the United States and around the world to help family members going through the same thing you are. These groups can provide not only education and information to help guide you through the process, but can also offer amazing support networks with others who understand what you are going through.
This is a worldwide support group for family members and friends of those who are addicted to alcohol.
This is a division of Al-Anon that is specifically designed for adolescent family members of alcoholics.
Families Anonymous is a group for relatives and friends concerned about the use of drugs or related behavioral problems.
Grief Recovery After Substance Passing (GRASP) is a support group for people who have lost a loved one due to substance abuse.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides a wide range of support options for loved ones of people suffering from symptoms of a mental health condition.
Similar to Al-Anon, this worldwide fellowship helps family members and loved ones of those who are addicted to drugs.
Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL) is a Christian based group of parents helping other parents learn how to cope with an addicted child that allows for both educational and peer sharing opportunities.
SMART Recovery Family & Friends
This group is an alternative to Al-Anon that focuses more on science-based and non-confrontational methods of helping your loved one.
Al-Anon is considered one of the biggest and best options for family and friends of someone with alcohol addiction.
Parents play an important role in preventing substance use among teens and adolescents. Talking about substance use and expressing your disproval of the use is important to shaping their attitude and behavior.
