Detox at an addiction treatment center is often a frightening experience for the individual undergoing it. However, it should not be. Detox programs are there to make sure you’re healthy enough so that you can manage your substance abuse in the future. If you are looking to quit using any type of drugs or alcohol, then this article is for you. The sooner you start working toward sobriety and stability, the better your life will be going forward. Therefore, let’s explore what goes on during a detox program…
What is a Detox Program?
A detox program is exactly what it sounds like. During an alcohol or drug detox, you are “detoxed” of whatever substances you have been abusing. This is done so that you can begin the process of healing your body, mind, and spirit. It is extremely important to understand that detox is not a cure. However, it is an essential part of beginning a drug abuse treatment program. To put it simply, during a detox program your body is weaned off whatever drugs you’ve been taking. This helps reduce cravings and flush the body of toxins. It is important to note that detox does not always mean going cold turkey. Many programs will use a gradual detoxification plan where you are gradually weaned off the substance over a period of days or even weeks. This is done to reduce the chances of a relapse.
Signs You’re Going Through a Detox
- Treated with respect and dignity – Detox patients are often treated with a lot of respect by the rest of the facility’s clients. You will also notice that everyone at the facility is very respectful and caring of each other. Detox is a very vulnerable time for anyone, and it’s nice to see such compassion in a place like this.
- Physically sick – The first few days of detox will likely be very uncomfortable. You may feel nauseous, dizzy, or have a fever. This is all normal, and it’s important to listen to your body. If you feel sick, stay home. Drink fluids, take vitamins, and rest when you need to.
- Emotionally unstable – Detox often wreaks havoc on your emotions. You are likely to feel extremely angry, sad, or anxious. It is not uncommon for these feelings to last for weeks, months, or even years after detox is over. It is important to talk to someone about these feelings and express them as necessary.
Why You Go Through A Detox Program
- To Remove Drugs From Your Body – The stage of detox is all about removing the drugs from your body. This is a very important process, and it can take several days or even a few weeks. During this time, you may experience mild symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and fever. It is important to drink lots of fluids and rest as needed when you feel these symptoms.
- To Help You Cope with Your Emotions – Another important reason you go through a detox program is to help you cope with your emotions. When you have been abusing substances for a while, you may feel numb or empty. However, this is not normal and will only get worse if you don’t talk to someone and work through your feelings.
How Long It Usually Takes to Complete A Detox Program
This will vary based on a few different factors. First, how long you were abusing is a major one. The longer you were using, the longer it will take to get clean. Another factor is your overall health. If you have a serious health issue or are severely underweight, then it could take longer to complete a detox program. Also, you will likely leave the facility a bit stronger and healthier if you complete a detox program at a treatment center with a medically-supervised detox. Some detox programs require you to stay for a certain period of time, like 30 or 60 days. Others, like residential programs, may require you to stay a little longer, like a year. There are also many different types of detoxes you can choose from. While many will require you to stay in a hospital or treatment center, some will allow you to detox at home.
How to Pay for a Detox Program
Unfortunately, many detox programs require that you pay upfront. Some may ask you to put up a certain amount of money that you promise to return when you complete the program. Others may ask you to pay a large sum upfront, and then make you pay monthly or yearly after you complete the detox. Unfortunately, there is not a whole lot of information out there about what detox programs actually cost. There are, however, some things to keep in mind. Typically, a hospital-based detox program will be the most expensive. These are often medical-based programs, and they will require that you stay in a hospital during the detox. Many of these programs also require that you undergo a medically supervised detox. Some detox programs will allow you to detox at home, and others will require that you go to a medical facility or hospital. This will again depend on the program you are looking into, and it will also factor in in terms of cost.
The Benefits of a Detox Program
- Emotional Well-being – The most important benefit of a detox program is emotional well-being. As we discussed above, the longer you abuse drugs or alcohol, the worse the emotional consequences will be. Many people who abuse substances find that they are not coping with life well when they start using. However, with time and patience, these people can start to open up and connect with others in a healthy way. Many people find that this is what helps them the most as they recover from addiction.
- Physical Health – Another great benefit of a detox program is physical health. The longer you abuse drugs or alcohol, the more likely you are to develop a variety of health problems. From heart disease to pancreatic cancer, the longer you abuse substances, the greater your risk of developing health problems. These problems can greatly impact your life and your quality of living. However, with the right treatment and support, you can get your health back on track.
- Improved Relationships – Another great benefit of a detox program is improved relationships. As you work through the detox process, you will likely come to the realization that you need to change your life and your habits. This is not always easy, and it will take a lot of effort and time. However, with the support of others and a healthy lifestyle, it is possible. Many people who complete a detox program find that their relationships improve as a result.
Final Words – Help Is Available If You Need It
If you are ready to detox from any type of substance abuse, then you are ready to begin your journey toward sobriety. During your detox, you will be experiencing a lot of different feelings and thoughts. It is important to remember that you are not alone, and help is available for you if you need it. If you need help, there are a lot of resources out there for you. If you need help detoxing, there are many programs available that will help guide you through the process safely.
When life isn’t working out the way you want, there’s always a way to make it better. Give us a call today to start getting sober and build the life of your dreams. We’re available now at 833-846-5669.