Rehab is intense. Leaving a routine is hard, even if just for a few months to get straight again. Addressing complex and difficult issues related to addiction make it hard to focus and heal unless the person is ready in mind, body, and spirit. Detox can be the hardest part of the process but once that is over, a person usually feels much more clear and ready to focus on rehab.
Withdrawal Symptoms During Detox
Rehab is important for people who want to recover from addiction. One of the steps is detoxing the body from all the toxic chemicals that build up. The symptoms of withdrawal and detox include:
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Increased appetite
- Disturbing dreams
- Decreased activity
- Restlessness
- Increased heart rate
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures
- Shakiness
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Digestive problems
Medically Supervised Detox
Detox is key to rehab programs because it helps the person stop taking a substance and clears it from the body before treatment begins. The detox process has not always been part of rehab. There is little to no medical treatment for detox from addictive substances historically speaking. This changed in 1958 when the American Medical Association officially classified alcoholism as a disease. Healthcare professionals have developed ways to help manage symptoms of withdrawal.
Detox Stages
Detox has become more common and many treatment centers follow similar guidelines for detox process. Some of the stages include:
- Evaluation: testing for substances in the bloodstream. Includes physical and mental health screening, especially to diagnose co-occurring disorders. Healthcare professionals will use assessment to customize a treatment plan that suits the person’s needs
- Stabilization: assist the person through detox. This stage may or may not use medication to ease symptoms. The focus is on helping the person reach a stable and substance-free state
- Fostering entry into treatment: prepares user to complete rest of treatment and encourages them to commit to entire rehab process
Detox is a necessary step in overcoming addiction. Withdrawal symptoms can be unpredictable and dangerous. Detox is essential to recovery but is only the first step. Completing rehab is the most effective way to maintain sobriety. It may be uncomfortable, but it only lasts a short time and then the person with addiction can be on their way to living a more full, substance free life.
Oceanfront will help you kick addiction to the curb with our premier beachfront community in Laguna Beach. We are founded on the principle of providing the best in care and services at affordable prices. We are located in beautiful Laguna Beach. Call us to find out how we can help you navigate addiction recovery: 877-279-1777
