Detox is the starting point for any reliable addiction recovery plan. It not only helps you halt your pattern of drug or alcohol abuse. It also puts you in a position to receive follow-up care in an appropriate rehab program. But a well-designed drug and alcohol detox center does not try to achieve these goals all at once. Instead, it provides the help you need in several connected stages.
The experienced professionals at Northpoint Washington can help you identify the stages of detox and provide treatment options along the way to get you on the road to recovery. Learn more about the benefits of detox by calling 888.450.2153.
The First Stage of Detox: Evaluation
Not everyone in detox goes through the same process. Instead, all patients receive the help that meets their specific needs. Things that determine these needs include:
- The type of substance acting as the source of your addiction
- Any additional substances in your body
- The severity of your addiction
- Your overall state of physical health
- The presence or absence of any other significant mental health issues
Your detox team needs information as accurately as possible for each of these factors. To gather this information, they perform a detailed evaluation. The results of your evaluation help guide all subsequent decisions for your treatment. That includes the specific detox options available to you. It also includes the appropriate setting for detox.
Managing Withdrawal Symptoms: The Second Stage
Once your evaluation is complete, the actual detox process begins. At that time, you will stop using drugs or alcohol. Since you’re addicted, this action will trigger the onset of substance withdrawal. Depending on your situation, the intensity of your withdrawal symptoms may range anywhere from mild to severe. In addition, you may or may not experience significant complications.
The key goal of the second stage of detox is managing withdrawal symptoms. This means that you receive the help that keeps those symptoms within a tolerable level. This is crucial to the detox process.
Why? One of the main reasons many people don’t seek addiction treatment is fear of the effects of withdrawal. In addition, once you decide to quit, untreated withdrawal symptoms can be enough to make you change your mind. Detox takes much of the fear out of the process by successfully managing those symptoms. It also helps ensure that you stay comfortable enough to make it through withdrawal.
Depending on your situation, appropriate methods of managing your symptoms may include:
- General supportive care
- Specific withdrawal medications
- A combination of supportive care and medication
Your evaluation will guide the choice of methods that make sense for you.
The Third Stage: Using the Benefits of Detox to Prepare for Follow-Up Rehab
Successful detox leaves you in a state of initial sobriety. To protect and nurture this sobriety, you must follow up detox by entering a drug or alcohol rehab program. Experts consider this a universal recommendation, regardless of the details of your situation.
Properly designed detox centers are well-aware of this recommendation. As a result, they take steps to prepare you for rehab. These steps include explaining the importance of follow-up care. They also explain how rehabs work and what you should expect when you enter one.
Learn More About the Stages and Benefits of Detox at Northpoint Washington
Want to know more about the stages of detox? The professionals at Northpoint Washington are ready to assist you. Our timely, accurate answers will provide you with all the information you need to make informed decisions.
Northpoint also offers comprehensive drug and alcohol detox services. No matter the source of your addiction, our process will thoroughly support the start of your recovery journey. Call us today at 888.450.2153 to schedule your stay in detox. You can also reach us through our brief online form.