What is Detox?
Substance use can be very harmful emotionally, physically and to relationships. At least $600 billion is spent annually on healthcare, lost productivity and crime due to the misuse of drugs and alcohol. However, statistics have shown a positive trend with substance use treatment.
According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, for every $1 that is spent on treatment programs, $4-7 is reduced from drug-related damages. As an individual, your hormonal systems are affected by substance use and create a strong chemical dependency. Similarly, the more your body is dependent, the harder it is to begin the road to recovery and free yourself. In conclusion, this is why you should get professional help and detoxification (detox) is an important first step.
What is Detoxification?
Detoxification, or detox, is the physiological and medical removal of harmful toxic substances. It is a period of dedicated medical treatment. Additionally it includes close monitoring, counseling, prescription medicine and other recovery methods that allow patients to overcome physical and psychological dependence on substances.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Although dependency on substances is extremely damaging, withdrawal symptoms are feared even more. Withdrawal symptoms can be both emotionally, and physically. In addition, these effects are difficult to contain on your own and can be dangerous in some cases. Withdrawal symptoms can include the following.
- Sweating, difficult breathing
- Muscle tension and shaking
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Hallucinations
- Strokes
- Heart Attacks
How Detoxification Works
A clean system is the first step toward recovery. Detox helps you eliminate dangerous and uncomfortable effects of withdrawal. The sooner you get started with a detox facility, the better your opportunity is to achieve long-term recovery. Lifeline Connections will help you safely attain your physical stability. Our medically assisted detoxification program has a proven success rate. Every treatment plan is designed for the patient’s needs and substance history. Medication is prescribed to minimize the impact of uncomfortable reactions. From there, our staff monitors you and your progress 24 hours a day. This process can take anywhere from 1-5 days. As you progress, staff members will make treatment recommendations to assist your recovery.
Benefits of Detox
- Less painful withdrawal symptoms
- Professionally monitored progress
- Short one to five day process
- Ongoing staff support
How to Choose a Detox Center
When you undergo detox, it’s crucial to find the right treatment center and stay there for the time recommended. In addition, here are a few things that you should consider:
- Staff
- Location
- Services/Quality
Staff & Culture: When you visit a website you should be able to identify the culture of the business and staff. Above all, is it a culture that supports you? Similarly, is the treatment center inviting? Above all do they specialize in specific areas or substances?
Location & Environment: Find a location that you will be comfortable with. The surrounding area should be favorable, but more importantly, the treatment center environment needs to be comfortable for you. The worst possible scenario would be to leave your treatment mid-process due to the environment and location.
Services: Be sure the treatment facility that you choose covers an array of services that pertain to you. For instance, can they treat your specific substance use disorder?
There are many different ways to combat substance use disorders and each patient is different. If you or someone you know is looking for treatment, please contact the professional team at Lifeline Connections. You can visit Lifelineconnections.org, our Services & Locations information or call (360) 397-8246 for more information.
Resources:
www.drugabuse.gov | National Institute of Drug Abuse
