Making the decision to enter a drug or alcohol detox program is not one you do quickly or lightly. It can be scary when facing the unknown and unfamiliar. However, learning what to expect during detox can assuage these concerns.
Just as every individual faces drug and alcohol addiction differently, the detox process can be different in a variety of ways. There are many basics that will remain the same, however, and knowing these will help ease some of your anxiety about the process.
Intake and Evaluation
The first thing you can expect during detox is a thorough evaluation. During the initial stages, you will undergo a complete physical exam and the doctor will take a thorough medical history. You will be questioned about your substance use and it is best to be completely honest to receive the care needed.
A personalized plan will be put into place based on the evaluation. The plan may contain any of the following:
- Holistic detox program
- Executive detox program
- Medical detox program
- Men’s or women’s detox program
You will then get a chance to meet staff members and the other residents of the detox center. You may have your bags gone through in order to make sure you don’t have any banned items and you will be told the rules and routines will be discussed.
During your first few days, you will probably not want to interact with anyone other than medical staff. Your symptoms will reach a peak in approximately 3-5 days and then will begin to ease. It is now that you may start participating in group or individual counseling sessions. You will be able to eat meals in a family-type setting and enjoy time for exercise and relaxation. You are on your way to the next step of your journey.
Going Through the Process
Within 24 hours, you will most likely begin to experience withdrawal symptoms. The nature of these will depend upon what substance you are detoxing from. Your vitals will be checked on a regular basis and you may be given medications to ease whatever symptoms you are personally experiencing. If there is extreme anxiety or other emotional need, you will see a counselor.
Common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Feeling cold
- Excessive hunger or loss of appetite
- Depression or anxiety
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach cramps
The symptoms you will encounter greatly depend on the substance you are detoxing from. A detox specialist can give you a more accurate representation of symptoms to expect during detox after an evaluation.
The Journey Continues
An important aspect of what to expect during detox is having a plan for where you will be going next. Physical detox is only the beginning. You will be able to sit with your team and discuss your needs to help you stay on the recovery path. After drug detox most often, this will include a stay at an addiction treatment center where you can begin to heal emotionally from your addiction. You will undergo counseling and other programs to help make plans for moving forward and gaining support once you return to the community.
Your Support Team
At Tides Edge Detox, we want you to know what to expect during detox and beyond. When you contact us you will be given a chance to ask initial questions about us and what we have to offer. At the time of admission, you will be given a tour, meet your team, and once again be able to ask questions and express concerns. It is our hope that we can make this process as easy as possible.
Don’t allow fear of the unknown stop you from taking that step onto the path of recovery. Your journey begins today when you call 866.723.3127.
