Starting recovery from addiction is no easy task, and people often need help to get through withdrawal. Detoxing in a treatment center may seem overwhelming, but it is usually necessary to manage withdrawal symptoms and break a person’s dependence on drugs or alcohol. It’s also safer and more comfortable than detoxing alone at home. Understanding the various stages of detox can help dispel some worries about entering one of these programs.
If you or someone you care about has been looking for a drug and alcohol detox program in Fort Worth, many good options exist. Because addiction is a disease without boundaries, treatment centers cater to people from all backgrounds and income levels. Understandably, there may be concerns that treatment is too complicated or unaffordable, but rest assured that with some research, you can find the right treatment center and detox program for your unique circumstances.
What Are the Stages of Detox?
The process of detoxing from drugs or alcohol takes time. Each individual’s body is different and will only have a limited capability to flush toxins from the system. There is no practical way to speed up this process; in most cases, the only thing to do is wait. In general, the healthier a person is, the more they’ll be able to withstand the withdrawal symptoms associated with detox.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) outlines three primary stages of detox:
1. Evaluation Stage
During the evaluation stage, a medical professional will assess the individual’s physical and psychological condition to determine their risk for withdrawal symptoms, detox needs, and any underlying mental health issues. At this stage, they will also review the patient’s medical history to identify potential complications during detoxification. The goal is to develop an appropriate plan tailored to the individual’s needs.
2. Stabilization Stage
During stabilization, the focus shifts to monitoring and managing withdrawal symptoms while providing measures such as nutrition support and medication management. This stage may involve administering medications to reduce cravings or minimize withdrawal symptoms. At this step, healthcare providers monitor for signs of relapse so that they can intervene if necessary.
3. Referral Stage
The final detox stage is a referral to an appropriate treatment program for continued care once the patient is stable. Healthcare providers refer patients to a suitable program that best meets their unique situation. Treatment programs may include supervised residential care or outpatient services and one-on-one counseling sessions with a licensed mental health professional.
Do You Need to Start a Detox Program?
For most people, if they have to ask themselves this question, the answer is generally yes. However, when in doubt, it’s best to speak to a physician or addiction specialist in an addiction treatment center to get a proper diagnosis. There are some signs that it’s time to enter detox or one of the many substance abuse treatment programs offered around the country:
- Trying to quit repeatedly but failing – It is common for people who are addicted to substances to experience powerful cravings that make it difficult for them to stop using on their own.
- Substance use has negatively affected multiple areas of life – Addiction often affects numerous aspects of an individual’s life, such as their relationships, job performance, physical health, and mental well-being.
- Exhibiting compulsive behavior when it comes to using substances – Compulsive behavior is one of the primary indicators of addiction. It includes activities like lying about how much you drink or take drugs, spending large amounts of money on substances despite financial hardship, or neglecting responsibilities to obtain drugs or alcohol.
- Deteriorating physical health due to substance use – Substance abuse can take a toll on physical and mental health, resulting in either medical conditions or mental health disorders.
Spotting these signs and recognizing substance use disorder is the beginning of a long road toward recovery. Encouraging a friend or loved one to enter detox and receive treatment afterward may save their life and relationships.
Begin Your Recovery in an Addiction Treatment Center
Healing from addiction doesn’t begin until detox is complete. Whether your best option is a medically-supervised detox program or outpatient treatment, seeking help will pay dividends in terms of your comfort and chances of success in recovery. The road to sobriety and sustainable recovery is a process, and resources are available to help.