Medical detox is the first step for those Illinois residents wanting recovery, and it can be the most challenging. Before drug rehab can start, your body must detox from the substance it is dependant on, which can be a challenge. Choosing a medical detox center means you don’t go through it alone.

patient in group therapy listening in medical detox centerWhat is Medical Detox?

Medical detox programs provide a safe and medically supervised environment for you as you go through detoxification. The goal is to keep you in a secure and monitored place and give you care to ease withdrawal symptoms.

When you use a drug or drink alcohol, it can interfere with how the brain works, specifically when it comes to endorphins. Endorphins are chemicals that make you feel good. Their goal is to encourage you to do things that are good for you, such as exercise. If exercise makes you feel good, then you’ll want to do it again.

Unfortunately, it’s an imperfect system. Sometimes things that are not good for you can give you that euphoric sensation. That is the basis for most addictions. Many drugs like heroin, for example, can act as one of the primary endorphins, dopamine. That is why people get “high” from it.

Over time, the brain starts to rely on that drug to release endorphins. That is dependence. If you stop taking the drug, it causes a chemical imbalance in the brain, and you go through withdrawal.

What is Withdrawal?

Withdrawal is the reason you need a medical detox program. Medical detox centers like Tides Edge Detox keep you safe while you go through withdrawal and provide medication to help with the symptoms.

During withdrawal, you might experience some uncomfortable symptoms such as:

  • Vomiting
  • Muscle cramps
  • Sleeplessness
  • Chills
  • Fever
  • Diarrhea

Medical detox centers have a staff of professionals that monitor your vital signs and provide medication that can help ease those withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal can be different based on the substance you use, too. Withdrawal from alcohol is especially hard and can be life-threatening when done without a medical detox program. Healthcare professionals can provide medication that lowers your risk of seizures and depressed breathing, for instance.

Finally, a medical detox program in Illinois can help reduce the intense cravings that come with withdrawal, making it easier to get sober. Some medications make drinking alcohol or taking a drug much less pleasant, too. That can help you stay true to your recovery plan.

What Happens After Medical Detox?

For most people, the next step after a medical detox center is a primary treatment like residential care or intensive outpatient services. Many of these treatment programs will not accept you unless you can prove you have maintained sobriety for a specific number of days. The best way to do that is by entering a medical detox program first.

Just choosing to go to a medical detox center like Tides Edge Detox shows a level of commitment to recovery that you can take with you into treatment. Tides Edge Detox has patients come from all over the country, including Illinois.

Services at Tides Edge Detox include:

When looking for a medical detox center, consider everything they offer. You don’t want one that just houses you while you detox. Look for a program that provides both physical and mental support in a comfortable setting. By choosing a medical detox program, you can be sure you enter your addiction treatment sober and ready for recovery.

If you are an Illinois resident looking for a medical detox center, give us a call at 866.723.3127. Tides Edge Detox wants to help.