A lot of work goes into overcoming an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Before you can begin the important work of recovery, for example, you must endure a period during which the substances that you have been using work their way out of your system. Known as detox or withdrawal, the process can be extremely uncomfortable on one hand or dangerous and even fatal on the other. As a result, detox is never something that should be done alone. Medically supervised detox is the way to go not only because it is safer but because it is the first, crucial step toward true recovery. Read on to learn more about alcohol detox Scottsdale and why it is so important.
The Dangers of Detoxing Alone
Much is made of the idea of quitting drugs or alcohol “cold turkey.” People who do so are often admired for seeming so determined and strong. In reality, however, to stop using a substance that your body has been physically dependent on for some time is a recipe for disaster.
For starters, attempting to detox alone increases the odds of relapse. Detoxing is very uncomfortable and extremely difficult to endure, so it’s very tempting to give up and go back to using. Even if you stick it out, you can face symptoms that range from somewhat uncomfortable to downright life-threatening—and they often spring up with surprising speed. A few examples of the types of withdrawal symptoms that detoxing patients endure include:
- nausea and vomiting
- confusion and hallucinations
- anxiety and mood swings
- racing heart
- seizures
- cardiovascular collapse
Detox: The First Step in a Successful Recovery
All too often, people believe that once the substance is out of their system, they are out of the woods. In reality, detox is simply the first step in the long and difficult road toward recovery. It is important to understand this because that way, you are more likely to seek all of the help that you can get. Increasingly, addiction recovery programs and facilities are including detox as part of an overarching strategy to lead people successfully into recovery. Our inpatient treatment center, for example, recently opened a new alcohol detox Scottsdale facility where patients can take this crucial first step under qualified medical supervision. During detox, you will develop trust with the doctors, nurses and therapists who care for you. This trust will make the next steps in the recovery process that much easier.
What to Expect During Alcohol Detox Scottsdale
It is normal to feel anxious about the prospect of undergoing detox. However, it is important to remember that the whole point of medically supervised detox is to keep the patient safe and comfortable throughout the process. You can alleviate some of your concerns about detoxing by familiarizing yourself with what it involves.
The detox process consists of three stages: evaluation, stabilization and transition to rehab. When you first arrive for detox, then, you will undergo a thorough physical and mental evaluation. Information about the substances that you use, how much you use and how frequently you use them will be noted and used to develop an effective detox plan for you. Your current state of physical health will also be taken into consideration to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the process.
Stabilization is the most crucial part of the detox process. During this time, you will be encouraged to rest and sleep as much as you like while the drugs work their way out of your system. You will be monitored for any serious symptoms, and they will be addressed should they arise. Typically, these symptoms are managed through prescribed medications; the types of medications that are used vary depending on the drugs that you were using. They may include anticonvulsants, antipsychotics or antidepressants. Medications like Suboxone and methadone are sometimes specifically prescribed to wean patients off of opioids, and they may also be prescribed.
During stabilization, you will also be encouraged to adopt healthy eating habits and to get regular light exercise. These activities will help to speed up the process of detoxification and will help you to clear your head for the important work that lies ahead. To that end, your detox will wrap up with a period during which you ideally transition into inpatient drug or alcohol treatment.
Get on the Road to Recovery with Alcohol Detox Scottsdale
If you are coping with an addiction to drugs or alcohol and are ready to reclaim your life, the first step is detoxing and clearing your body of whatever chemicals you have been using. This is never something that should be attempted alone as the consequences can be dire. As the first step in your recovery, your detox should be as comfortable and safe as possible to get you off to a good start. If you need help, please contact Desert Mountain Detox today.
