Asking for help for a substance abuse problem is a scary decision for most people. 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 Thomaston, Maine. Instead of living a life ravaged by addiction, detox centers can treat your withdrawal symptoms and connect you with rehab providers who will show you how to stay sober. 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. The first step is to locate a medical detox center in your area.

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 Thomaston, Maine gives you access to doctors and clinicians who can provide support, monitor your symptoms, and ensure your safety during detox. Both medications and support groups may be used to help patients cope with their withdrawal symptoms and cravings during detox. Some people detox on an inpatient basis, while others can manage their symptoms through outpatient. When you go to medical detox, they can also refer you to treatment programs and sober housing where you can continue your recovery after detox.

What to Expect During Detox in Thomaston, Maine

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

Step 1: Evaluation

When you first arrive at a drug and alcohol detox in Thomaston, Maine, you will undergo a comprehensive medical and psychiatric evaluation. Comprehensive evaluations help professionals make clinical decisions regarding how they will treat a patient based on their individual needs. During your evaluation, you may have to submit blood tests and provide information about your drug and alcohol use, medical history, any prescriptions you are taking, and more.

Step 2: Medical Stabilization

The next step after a comprehensive evaluation is medical stabilization. This is when patients take their prescribed medications, eat a healthy diet, and are monitored until their withdrawal symptoms subside. For example, two of the most common medications used during detox to alleviate withdrawal symptoms are Suboxone or benzodiazepines. This step of the detox process can last anywhere from three days to two weeks depending on your unique withdrawal symptoms and overall health.

Step 3: Aftercare Planning

After you finish your detox treatment plan, the next step involves aftercare planning. Between inpatient, outpatient, and sober living, there are a variety of different treatment options available to you after detox. A substance abuse counselor will help you figure out which type of addiction treatment is best for you.

Typical Withdrawal Symptoms

The types of symptoms experienced, how intense the symptoms are, and how long they last depend on a number of factors that are unique to each individual. 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. Also, people who abuse alcohol will experience different symptoms than people who are addicted to cocaine. Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms are headache, depression, body aches, chills, sweating, and nausea. Fortunately, medical detox centers in Thomaston, Maine have the staff and resources necessary to make withdrawal as bearable as possible. On the bright side, drug and alcohol detox centers in Thomaston, 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. It’s also important to remember that recovery is an ongoing process, so even after you go to rehab, you’ll need to go to sober living or join a support group.

Find a Drug and Alcohol Detox in Thomaston, Maine Today

Detox is a critical yet potentially dangerous first step towards sobriety which is why it should always occur in a professional treatment setting. During detox, medical professionals can prescribe medications, monitor patients, and make treatment center referrals to help people start off on the right track. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Pick up the phone and contact one of our substance abuse counselors to get connected with a drug and alcohol detox in Thomaston, Maine today.