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When it comes to treating drug abuse and addiction, everyone has got different needs. And the symptoms of withdrawal can vary from mild to severe depending on the patient’s addiction level. The care you’ll need therefore will be determined by the category where you fall in. But the good news is that there’s always a drug abuse program that’s well-suited for everyone.
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What’s Detox?
Detox alone isn’t treatment, however, it’s the first step towards getting better for those who’re dependent on alcohol. When a person who’s addicted to alcohol suddenly stops drinking, often within 6 to 24 hours after their last drink, they’re more likely to develop withdrawal symptoms.
The symptoms can vary from mild to severe, and may include anxiety, depression, shakiness, hallucinations, difficulty sleeping, and even delirium tremens (DTs).
Why You Need a Detox Program
If it gets to a point where you need to consume alcohol for your body to feel normal, then you really need help. But getting through a drug abuse treatment program isn’t only a matter of willpower, it also involves going through a series of treatment plans. In some cases, drug withdrawal might cause death. So, even if your addiction isn’t that serious, trying to overcome it all alone can be a big challenge.
A detox program provides comprehensive guidance through the withdrawal process. And that often includes the issuance of certain medicines that help relieve symptoms and care for medical as well as mental health conditions. Typically, your symptoms might last a week or more and hitting their worst within two to three days.
What to Expect
A detox program usually includes the following basic things:
- An intake exam to help the detox team determine the type of support you need. You’ll be required to talk about your health plus drinking history, get some blood work, and have several tests to check your physical as well as mental health.
- Detox support, which might include medications for treating withdrawal symptoms as well as other issues that might arise. The main aim is to help you regain mental and physical stability. During this process, your body temperature, breathing, and blood pressure may have to be checked regularly.
- Help to get through the treatment program so that you can easily learn how to break your addiction.
Types of Detox Programs
Detox programs play an important role in helping you make a step ahead to rehab. This is simply because you’ll need some form of treatment to break your addiction. But there are certain programs that combine detox and rehab.
There are two options that are commonly available for detox programs. These include:
- Inpatient, where you stay at a detox clinic, rehab center, or hospital during the entire process. You’ll get medical care around the clock to assist you to get through your addictions successfully.
- Outpatient, where you’re treated on a part-time basis. The doctor attends to you during the day but you live at home. You’ll have to visit your healthcare professional frequently to get medication.
Conclusion
Inpatient often provides more services but tends to be costlier. Outpatient, on the other hand, is less expensive and generally safe for those who’ve mild alcohol withdrawal. It works perfectly if you are physical, as well as mental health, is good and if you’ve supported at home. Depending on your schedule, there’s always a drug abuse treatment program that will suit your requirements.
