What Can I Expect in Medical Detox?

Detox is one of the first steps in an effective recovery journey at any center for alcohol and drug treatment. It can be difficult to truly explore sober lifestyles, ideas, or effectively engage in new therapeutic practices to overcome the use of drugs or alcohol while there are still traces of these addictive substances in a person’s body. For this reason, medical detox is paramount in not only processing and removing these traces but also situating oneself in the best possible scenario to continue maintaining these sober transformations and transitioning to further professional care. 

While attempting at-home detox can be tempting, there is no replacement for educated, professional, medical detox. Knowing what to expect during this time can help each individual better approach this crucial phase of their treatment with an open mind and appropriate goals for their sober journey ahead. 

Detox is the process of expelling the remnants of alcohol and drug use from a person’s body. This is a process that takes time, with detox programs lasting anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks depending on the individual. Additionally, this time can be filled with any number of challenges, with withdrawal symptoms, intense psychological and emotional needs, and more all common. Moreover, withdrawal symptoms are particularly difficult to navigate without professional support. Some common withdrawal symptoms expected from detox include:

Medical detox utilizes trained and effective support practices for navigating this time, coupled with medication and medical support when needed to reduce withdrawal symptoms under the supervision of a trained professional. Not only can this help those navigating withdrawals do so with the best and most appropriate support possible, but also accompanies the use of medication with effective and proven therapeutic practices. 

It can also be impossible to predict all of the ways in which these challenges may manifest. Having professionals to help adapt to manifesting challenges and ever-changing needs while continuing to focus on a person’s sober efforts is paramount for navigating this difficult stage of recovery. The emotional and medical support provided in detox is essential and designed to help those navigating recovery effectively transition from this phase of recovery to further appropriate treatment. 

Taking the first step into a medical detox program can be intimidating. Setting appropriate expectations is necessary to help those ready to overcome their use of drugs or alcohol commit to these programs. 

Upon arrival at a medical detox facility, an individual will first have a chance to sit down with professionals to discuss their own journey with addictive substances. While this can be difficult, it is important to be open and honest during this time, with conversations conducted without judgment or blame. Some important information that professionals will need to create an effective and personalized treatment plan include:

Medical detox can be a difficult experience, and an individual will have to overcome any number of discomforts from withdrawal symptoms to anxiety, depression, and more. Professionals will help an individual set up their personal space with comfortable amenities to help ease this process. However, it is also common for any belongings that an individual brings with them to be checked to ensure that there isn’t anything that may compromise their detox efforts. 

Individual therapy with trained professionals is a regular part of effective medical detox. For some, these individual sessions are important for gauging a person’s progress, while others may use them to identify new withdrawal symptoms or challenges that may manifest. Sessions are held regularly to ensure that any medications used are effective and pertinent, or if any adjustments need to be made to an individual’s treatment plan.

Individual therapy sessions can also be utilized to help each person adopt the necessary skills to process many of these emotional challenges. While medication can help those throughout detox effectively manage withdrawal symptoms, an individual will still be tasked with creating personalized strategies to cope with a number of personal challenges, especially emotional challenges like anxiety, depression, and more. Practicing effective coping skills during detox can help an individual begin this part of their healing journey while still being supported by medication and trained professionals. 

Medical detox also comes equipped with many resources for those beginning their sober journey, and it is a great time to utilize the professionals and peers available. At-home detox efforts not only may be devoid of any of these additional supportive options or the monitoring required for effective care during detox, but an individual may also not have access to these resources to further their recovery efforts. The guidance of professionals and the camaraderie of peers are instrumental in not only maintaining motivation to see sobriety through to the next stage of recovery but also creating the structures necessary for an individual to transition out of detox to residential or outpatient care.

Medical detox is an intimidating, yet necessary, part of an effective and sustainable sober journey. At Hawaii Island Recovery, we take a personalized approach to each individual recovery journey, addressing not just the symptom and challenges of addiction recovery in detox, but also empowering you to explore the stresses and factors behind the use of drugs and alcohol. From medical detox and withdrawal to engagement in our healing atmospheres and sober communities, we create a culture of healing that permeates our walls to create a truly transformative experience. Our expert approach to detox at our center for alcohol and drug treatment can certainly help you today. For more information on how we can help you, call us at (866) 390-5070.