SearchSubstance use disorder is a serious problem that affects nearly 50 million people every year.1 Thankfully, addiction isn’t the end of the road; millions of people find freedom from the grips of drugs and alcohol through treatment and ongoing recovery programs.Â
Although recovery may look different depending on a person’s individual goals, addiction treatment typically involves detox as the first step.Â
The impact of drug and alcohol dependency is not only psychological; addiction can have serious physical side effects as well. Detoxification plays an important role in identifying and overcoming the physical aspects of substance use disorder. It also lays the foundation for subsequent stages of addiction treatment and can give you a solid chance at lasting recovery.Â
Keep reading to learn more about drug detox, what to expect, how it fits into the greater landscape of substance abuse treatment, and how to find the right program for you.
What is drug and alcohol detox?
Detoxification, more often referred to as detox, is typically the first step in addiction treatment. Detox is the process of clearing the toxic substances from your body and managing the withdrawal symptoms that arise from discontinuing your drug or alcohol use. Detox programs aim to safely wean you off alcohol and drugs while making the withdrawal period as dignified and comfortable as possible.
Additionally (and most importantly), it’s crucial to be clean of all substances and their residual effects before other treatment methods can truly benefit you. Detoxification helps lessen your physical dependency on substances so you can maintain focus during your time in rehab. The combination of detoxification and substance abuse treatment ensures you have a solid foundation for long-term recovery.
When is drug detox necessary?
Alcohol and drugs take a significant toll on your body. Long-term substance abuse can lead to lasting physical and psychological effects. Tolerance develops as your body adapts to the consistent presence of alcohol and drugs. Over time, you become physiologically dependent on a regular flow of substances to function properly. Discontinuing your use of these substances can cause mild to severe physical and psychological side effects known collectively as withdrawal.
Not everyone who uses alcohol or drugs will experience withdrawal symptoms when they quit. A few factors impact the likelihood of withdrawal and the severity of withdrawal symptoms:
- Types of substances used
- Amount of substances used
- Length of time substances were used
- Whether substances were used individually or combined
- Pre-existing health conditions
Mild withdrawal symptoms include slight discomfort or agitation. Severe withdrawal symptoms can cause serious and even life-threatening health complications.Â
How do you know whether your withdrawal symptoms will be mild or severe? If you’ve tried to quit before, you may have experienced some initial withdrawal symptoms and turned back to drugs or alcohol to find relief.Â
Professional addiction treatment will help you develop a true understanding of your condition. It will also help you determine whether you’re safe to wean yourself off substances on your own or if you should detox in a medical facility. Specialized detox and drug rehab programs are equipped to manage the unique needs of people going through alcohol and drug withdrawal. If your symptoms are severe enough, you may need to detox in a medically supervised setting.
How drug and alcohol detox work
Detoxification is the first stage of treatment for substance abuse, but what should you expect from the detox process? Although there is no one-size-fits-all approach, it usually follows a similar framework.
Detox starts with a clinician or physician identifying the substance or substances involved in your addiction. This can provide insight into the withdrawal symptoms you may experience. Once your medical team has an understanding of your usage history, they initiate the cessation process and begin weaning you off addictive substances.Â
As the drugs and alcohol exit your system, the care team monitors and moderates the side effects that occur. This might include using medication-assisted treatment or other medical support as needed. After a safe taper from all drugs and alcohol is complete, usually within a week to two weeks, you are released and can enter the next stages of treatment for substance use disorder.
Navigating the stages of addiction treatment
Detox is just the first step in addiction recovery. After completing detoxification, individuals enter the next stages of substance abuse treatment, each of which is crucial to establishing lasting sobriety:
- Assessment and Evaluation: The initial stage after detox involves a thorough assessment and evaluation of the individual’s physical and mental health, as well as the extent of their substance use. This information helps treatment providers develop a personalized and effective treatment plan.
- Treatment Planning: Based on the assessment, a comprehensive treatment plan is formulated. This plan outlines the specific interventions, therapies, and goals for the individual’s recovery journey. Treatment planning considers each person’s unique needs, challenges, and strengths.
- Therapeutic Interventions: The core of addiction treatment involves various therapeutic interventions. Individual counseling, group therapy, and family therapy are common components. These sessions aim to address the underlying issues contributing to substance use disorder and provide tools for coping with life’s challenges without resorting to substances.
- Alumni Programs and Relapse Prevention: As individuals progress in their treatment program, a crucial step is preparing for life after formal treatment. Alumni programs and relapse prevention strategies are implemented to support individuals in maintaining their sobriety and navigating the challenges of daily life without turning to substances.
Find detox and rehab for substance use disorders
Detoxification and addiction treatment are critical components of treating alcohol and drug dependency, dealing with the physical and psychological effects of withdrawal, and laying the foundation for lasting recovery. Once you understand the role detox plays in a comprehensive recovery process, it can help you determine whether or not you’re ready to seek treatment.Â
If you’re ready to take the first step to recovery, Silver Pines Treatment can help. We offer individualized, comprehensive treatment for individuals struggling with alcohol and drug addiction. You can call us at 866-313-2181 or submit an online contact form to connect with an admissions specialist, learn more about our programs, and determine which is the best fit for you.
References
1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023). 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
