Deciding to get help for drug or alcohol addiction is terrifying for most. Of course, drug and alcohol withdrawal is something that many addicts avoid at all costs, and is one reason why so many delay getting sober. Rather than going at it alone, asking for help from a drug and alcohol detox in Westerly, Rhode Island is the best idea. 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. Despite how hopeless you may feel, it’s completely possible to get sober and stay sober with the help of a comprehensive detox and rehabilitation program. 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

You may be tempted to detox at home for a number of reasons, ranging from comfort to cost, however, doing so can be dangerous. Attending a drug and alcohol detox in Westerly, Rhode Island 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. You can either choose an inpatient or outpatient setting for detox. 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 Westerly, Rhode Island

Detox programs can be divided into three separate phases, including evaluation, stabilization, and treatment planning.

Step 1: Evaluation

The first step of detox in Westerly, Rhode Island is the evaluation where a professional gathers medical and psychiatric information. Comprehensive evaluations help professionals make clinical decisions regarding how they will treat a patient based on their individual needs. 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 next step after a comprehensive evaluation is medical stabilization. Medical stabilization involves the use of medications, therapy, and monitoring until a person has stopped experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Medications such as Suboxone, Subutex, antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and others may be prescribed to help reduce withdrawal symptoms. 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

After you finish your detox treatment plan, the next step involves aftercare planning. There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment method for addiction, so you may choose an inpatient, outpatient, or sober living program (or all three!). At the end of detox, an addictions counselor will help you choose the right aftercare plan for you.

Typical Withdrawal Symptoms

Many factors come into play when determining the nature, severity, and duration of withdrawal symptoms. Some primary contributing factors into how long and how severe withdrawal is include: how long the substance has been used, how often, in what amount, and the overall quality of the individual’s health. Different symptoms will occur for different drugs, for example, opioid withdrawal looks different than alcohol withdrawal. In general, some common symptoms you can expect during detox include headache, depression, irritability, body aches, nausea, vomiting, chills, and sweating. The good news is that medical detox centers in Westerly, Rhode Island are prepared to help you cope with these symptoms.

Creating a Plan to Stay Sober After Detox

Detox doesn’t cure addiction - nothing does - which is why detox is only the first step in the treatment process. Most people attend inpatient or outpatient rehab after finishing detox. Recovery is an ongoing process, so even after treatment, you may need to join a local support group or go to a halfway house.

Find a Drug and Alcohol Detox in Westerly, Rhode Island Today

Detox is a critical yet potentially dangerous first step towards sobriety 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 struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, it’s time to take the first step and ask for help. Pick up the phone and call today to locate a drug and alcohol detox center in Westerly, Rhode Island.