Going through medical detox for substance use disorders is often a long and painful process for yourself and those who care about you. However, there are resources available to help you get through what is typically the first step on your road to sobriety. Let’s take a closer look at what these resources might be, why you need them and what you might expect during the detox process.
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Inpatient Programs Are Often Ideal
An inpatient program allows you to go through the detox process under medical supervision. It also allows you to do so in a controlled environment where you won’t hurt yourself or others as your mind and body reset themselves.
Detoxing in a controlled manner is typically the best way to do so because you don’t know how you will react to the withdrawal syndrome. While it’s possible that you’ll feel little or nothing at all, there is also a chance that you’ll experience hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, or other negative events that you shouldn’t navigate on your own. These can be symptoms of underlying mental health conditions that should be addressed concurrently with addiction treatment.
After going through the initial detox process, you will have several days or weeks to reacclimate to life without drugs or alcohol. Most inpatient rehab programs last for 30 to 90 days, and you can stay at a facility for an extended period of time if you feel that this is best for your sobriety.
During your stay, you’ll have access to physical and behavioral health experts who can guide your initial recovery. You will be able to participate in group and individual behavioral therapy sessions in an effort to learn more about your triggers as well as what might motivate you to remain sober. A doctor can prescribe and administer medication-assisted treatment to help ease pain associated with withdrawal or associated with secondary conditions caused by your drug or alcohol use.
Why You Need Professional Help
The most important reason why you should strongly consider going through an inpatient program is that you can’t overcome drug addiction on your own. While you may be able to stop using for a few days, weeks or months, there will always be an urge to use (cravings). Although this is true even after obtaining professional help, you will be better equipped to resist those urges.
This may be especially true if you are using despite the fact that you have depleted your savings, sold goods or went into debt to fund your habit. It may also be true if you find that you can’t even go a few hours or days without thinking about using or without incurring significant withdrawal symptoms (which can include mood swings and increased heart rate, and in some cases be life-threatening depending on the type of substance).
In addition to inpatient programs, you will have access to outpatient services, which typically involve group meetings and access to medical support. You may also have access to job training programs, sober living facilities or other resources that make it easier to transition into the sober lifestyle.
What to Expect When Going Through Detox
While the detoxification process is different for everyone, it will typically last for several days. The first 24 hours are usually the hardest as your body adjusts to not having what it has become chemically dependent on. However, you may notice that severe symptoms linger for up to 72 hours. After 72 hours, you’ll likely feel tired, irritable or having issues maintaining an appropriate appetite.
In most cases, you won’t be allowed to bring a phone, computer or other device to use to contact the outside world. This is partially to prevent you from acquiring illicit substances or from potentially acquiring them for others in the detox program. It also gives you a chance to simply think about yourself without worrying about people or places that might trigger you.
You Can Go to Rehab Anywhere
It’s worth noting that you are allowed to go to rehab wherever you want, which can open up a world of possibilities for your recovery. It may be best to stay home if you think that being in a familiar environment will help curb the urge to use. The same might be true if staying home means that you can stay closer to your kids, job or anything else that motivates you to stay sober.
However, going to rehab away from home means that you are far away from people or places that might derail your sobriety. It also gives you more space to simply think about yourself and take steps to get your body and mind right before becoming a parent or employee again. This can be especially important when dealing with severe withdrawal symptoms, such as those from alcohol withdrawal or opioid withdrawal.
Your ability to pay might also influence where you decide to go seek help. For instance, your insurance policy may only pay for inpatient facilities in your home state or another defined coverage area. Furthermore, your insurance may only pay for a certain number of days in a treatment center or otherwise place limitations that you’ll need to consider.
If you don’t have insurance, you’ll have to consider the cost of treatment plus the cost of flying or driving to a facility that is in another state or city. There is a chance that your employer will pay for treatment as part of an employer assistance program (EAP) and even hold your job for you until you get back.
If You’re the Loved One of an Addict
If you are the loved one of someone who is going through a rehab treatment program, there are a few things that you might want to keep in mind. First, your family member may want to keep their distance for a few weeks, months or however long it takes to reclaim their autonomy. It’s important to give your parent, sibling or other relative the space needed to get through what is often a traumatic and confusing experience.
Next, you’ll want to make sure that you have boundaries of your own after a loved one comes out of treatment. This may mean that you don’t offer your home, car or funds to this person without some assurance that they won’t be stolen, damaged or otherwise used for nefarious purposes. Of course, there is nothing wrong with letting your relative stay at your house for a night or simply being there to listen if your family member needs help getting through an urge to use.
If you are in need of help overcoming drug or alcohol dependence, the team at Allure Detox is ready to help. All you need to do is reach out to us to learn more about our treatment programs or how to enroll today. If you are the loved one of someone who is dependent on drugs or alcohol, you’re also encouraged to reach out to learn more about how we can help and ways to convince a family member to seek help.
Published on: 2024-12-31
Updated on: 2025-01-01
