Deciding to get help for drug or alcohol addiction is terrifying for most. Many addicts and alcoholics fear going into withdrawal and will do anything they can to avoid feeling sick. The best way to start the recovery process is by going to a drug and alcohol detox in Hallowell, Maine. You don’t have to recover alone and you don’t have to fear going into withdrawal because addiction professionals are equipped to treat your symptoms and support you in recovery. With the help of detox medications, therapy, and ongoing care, you can recover from drug and alcohol addiction. Most importantly, drug and alcohol treatment providers can set you up with a treatment plan that is unique to your individual needs, goals, and beliefs. Get started on your journey by locating a detox center near you.

The Importance of Medically Supervised Detox

If you’re tempted to detox alone, know that doing so can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Attending a drug and alcohol detox in Hallowell, Maine gives you access to doctors and clinicians who can provide support, monitor your symptoms, and ensure your safety during detox. During detox, you may be given over-the-counter or prescription medications to help reduce your symptoms and prevent complications. There are inpatient and outpatient detox options available. Detox centers are also knowledgeable about local rehab providers and recovery resources to help support you after detox.

What to Expect During Detox in Hallowell, Maine

Detox typically involves three steps: an initial evaluation, medical stabilization, and planning for ongoing care.

Step 1: Evaluation

The first step of detox in Hallowell, Maine is the evaluation where a professional gathers medical and psychiatric information. This step is critical as the information gathered in your evaluation will help determine your treatment plan. If necessary, doctors may order blood work, but they usually just ask you questions about your medical history, drug and alcohol use, withdrawal symptoms, and any other relevant health information.

Step 2: Medical Stabilization

The actual process of detoxing begins after completing the initial evaluation. During this stage, patients will receive medications and supportive counseling until their withdrawal symptoms fade away and they are ready to move onto the next phase of treatment. Some of the most popular detox medications include Suboxone, benzodiazepines, and more. These are used to help reduce the severity of withdrawal. The medical stabilization phase may last anywhere from a couple of days to two weeks or more depending on your unique situation and symptoms.

Step 3: Aftercare Planning

Once a medical professional deems you clinically stable, the next step is to plan for further treatment. There are many different options for treating addiction after detox, including inpatient, outpatient, sober living, and support groups. An addiction counselor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that best meets your needs.

Typical Withdrawal Symptoms

Many factors come into play when determining the nature, severity, and duration of withdrawal symptoms. Some different factors that determine the duration and severity of withdrawal include how often you use a substance, how long you have been addicted, and whether or not you suffer from any co-occurring disorders. Different symptoms will occur for different drugs, for example, opioid withdrawal looks different than alcohol withdrawal. Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms are headache, depression, body aches, chills, sweating, and nausea. Fortunately, medical detox centers in Hallowell, Maine have the staff and resources necessary to make withdrawal as bearable as possible. On the bright side, drug and alcohol detox centers in Hallowell, Maine specialize in helping people get through withdrawal safely and comfortably.

Creating a Plan to Stay Sober After Detox

Addiction is a disease and detox is only the first step of treatment. Most people attend inpatient or outpatient rehab after finishing detox. Treatment doesn’t cure addiction, either, which is why you may need to go to a sober home or join a recovery support group to stay sober after rehab.

Find a Drug and Alcohol Detox in Hallowell, Maine Today

Detox is one of the most important yet most serious steps of the recovery process, which is why it should always occur in a professional treatment setting. Medical detox programs can provide you with medical care, emotional support, and treatment planning throughout the detox process. If you or someone you know is addicted to drugs or alcohol, there is no reason to delay getting help. Find a drug and alcohol detox center in Hallowell, Maine today by speaking with one of our addiction specialists.