Detoxification, or detox, can be an essential first step in your recovery from drug or alcohol addiction. Detox is the process by which your body rids itself of toxins. For those struggling with addiction, detoxing can be a difficult process. If your body has formed a chemical dependency on addictive substances, it will enter withdrawal. As a result, detoxing can be dangerous and even life-threatening if attempted alone, and it should be done under supervision, in a detox program certified to provide Incidental Medical Services (IMS).
At New Bridge Foundation®, an important first step of our drug addiction treatment services might be our detox program. With more than fifty years of experience providing detox services in California, clients can rely on our staff of trained professionals to provide assistance and care while they safely detox. You can learn more about our programs by reaching out online or calling 866.772.8491.
The Benefits of Drug Detox
The largest and most obvious benefit of medically supervised detox is that it allows individuals struggling with addiction to deal with the symptoms of withdrawal under the care and supervision of medical professionals. Doing so leaves the client with a lowered risk of complications due to withdrawal symptoms and a much lower likelihood of relapse.
Another benefit of detox programs like the one at New Bridge Foundation® is that it removes clients from the stresses and temptations of everyday life, allowing them to recover without having to juggle responsibilities like work, school, or family. This allows clients to focus on their recovery without any distractions or temptations.
What to Expect During Medically Supervised Drug Detox
In a drug detox program, clients generally go through three main stages: evaluation, stabilization, and preparation for future treatment.
Evaluation
Evaluation is the first step in detox. Clients undergo a comprehensive evaluation, including a psychosocial assessment that includes medical history and health questionnaire and physical examination. Our clinicians screen for:
- Drug and alcohol use disorders
- Co-occurring disorders
- Medical conditions
- Contributing psychological factors
- Risk for withdrawal
This helps our clinical staff develop a tailored treatment plan that meets each client’s needs. From there, treatment can begin.
Stabilization
Stabilization is the step most clients think of when they imagine drug detox. Here, clients discontinue drug use, and our staff of clinical and medical experts monitors and assists them while they get sober.
During detox, there is a wide range of withdrawal symptoms an individual can experience. These can include:
- Shaking
- Irregular heartbeat
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Sweating
Fortunately, many of the withdrawal symptoms can be reduced or eliminated with the help of medications. Depending on the severity and type of addiction, the length of this process can vary, but generally, stabilization lasts between five to ten days.
Preparation for Future Treatment
Detox should not be the end of a client’s addiction treatment. While the physical withdrawal symptoms are usually at their worst during detox, much more work is needed to prepare clients for the psychological challenges of sobriety. Effective drug rehabilitation programs address both aspects of addictions, and detox is only the first part of a larger treatment program.
At New Bridge Foundation®, our detox programs usually transition into one of our residential rehab programs, where clients receive comprehensive addiction counseling. We offer specializations in dual diagnosis, as well as a specialized program for active-duty military members and veterans (Operation Success) and LGBTQ+ affirming services.
Learn More at New Bridge Foundation® Today
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and needs help, drug detox is the first step towards a new sober lifestyle. Importantly, the detox process alone is not proper addiction treatment. Still, it is an essential first step, and clients who complete drug detox under medical supervision are more likely to continue treatment and ultimately achieve long-term sobriety.
To learn more about what detox options are right for you or a loved one, call New Bridge Foundation® at 866.772.8491 today.
