It is never easy to quit or stop any substance addiction. Besides the mental battle, the physical consequence is often presented as withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms come about as a result of detoxification and can be severe as the addictive yet harmful chemicals are eliminated from the body. Unfortunately, this process is not as easy as it sounds.
Many people struggle to cope. A safe environment is needed to support the process, as it can take a toll on one’s body. It is best to consider the safest detox program, preferably an inpatient program for people with chronic and mid-level addiction.
Mild addicts can work with outpatient programs as long as they have no underlying conditions that could lead to medical complications. Either way, visiting a detox facility such as Taylor Recovery for assessment and diagnosis is the first step to recovery.
Understanding the Detox Process
To guarantee safety, following the detox process to the letter is best. The procedure details may differ depending on the facility one attends but the basics remain the same. Below are a few things that must be captured:
- Identity of the substances the patient is addicted to
- Knowing the duration the patient has been addicted
- Understanding the severity of the addiction
- Underlying mental health conditions
- Finding out any additional medical problems
- Ruling out drug allergies
- Considering local laws
- Analyzing facility-specific policies and procedures
- Factoring in the patient’s age
- Acknowledging the amount of support the patient has
- Gauging the motivation level needed
A typical detox done safely should follow the procedures below despite the differences observed in different rehab facilities:
Early Stage Treatment
This is the first phase, where the substance quickly deteriorates in amounts. The chemicals leave the body rapidly, and not much happens. It may take a day or two as it moves toward the peak. The initial stage may not require medication, although some may be prescribed proactively.
Peak Stage
This moist stressful stage happens within the first few days of the treatment commencement. It occurs when all the drugs and substances have left the patient’s body, and the actual withdrawal symptoms lick in because there is a different setting in the chemicals the body was used to. Usually, the body cannot function normally, and the craving for the substance kicks in. Medication may be given to help manage the severe symptoms and make the process more comfortable for the addicts. It can be an intense pain to go through this peak phase.
Final Stage
Detox takes 5 to 14 days for the majority of patients. The last few days after the peak phase are marked with subdued withdrawal symptoms. All the substance has left the body, and the necessary adjustment has begun. Some patients are ready to leave the facility and continue their long-term treatment outside the rehab center.
However, for those affected severely, the detox can go on for a year since acute withdrawal symptoms exist. Only when the patient is in the clear should they be left to leave the facility to avoid relapsing, which happens mainly at the peak stage.
Mental issues and co-occurring medical conditions make it challenging to overcome the addiction process. They also make the detox process very difficult. However, with medical intervention, most addicts quickly get the relief they need.
It is dangerous and uncomfortable to detox on your own. Make a point of ensuring you are guided professionally and, if possible, commit to a facility for the detox phase.
If you or a family member requires urgent detox from drugs and substance abuse, feel free to call Taylor Recovery for assistance. We are always ready and eager to serve you at any time.