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. Enlisting the help of a drug and alcohol detox in Waterbury, Vermont is always recommended. Rather than staying in fear of withdrawal, medical professionals can support you while you detox and set you up with a plan for recovery. By taking advantage of detox medications, support from peers, and evidence-based treatment, you can attain long-term sobriety. More importantly, addiction counselors can create customized treatment plans that meet your unique needs. The first step is to locate a medical detox center in your area.

The Importance of Medically Supervised Detox

If you’re considering detoxing on your own, you may want to think again. Detoxing outside of a medical environment can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Attending a drug and alcohol detox in Waterbury, Vermont 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. There are inpatient and outpatient detox options available. 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 Waterbury, Vermont

The drug and alcohol detox process consists of three phases: evaluation, medical stabilization, and aftercare planning.

Step 1: Evaluation

The first thing that will happen when you get to a drug and alcohol detox in Waterbury, Vermont is a psychiatric and medical 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

After your evaluation, your individual treatment plan will begin. This is when patients take their prescribed medications, eat a healthy diet, and are monitored until their withdrawal symptoms subside. Medications such as Suboxone, Subutex, antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and others may be prescribed to help reduce withdrawal symptoms. 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 are completed the medical stabilization phase of detox, the last step is to make a plan for ongoing care. There are many different options for treating addiction after detox, including inpatient, outpatient, sober living, and support groups. At the end of detox, an addictions counselor will help you choose the right aftercare plan for you.

Typical Withdrawal Symptoms

Each individual experiences withdrawal differently and a variety of factors go into the nature of one’s symptoms, how intense their symptoms are, and how long their symptoms persist. 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 withdrawal symptoms that you can expect include depression, headache, body aches, fever, chills, sweating, nausea, and more. The good news is that medical detox centers in Waterbury, Vermont are prepared to help you cope with these symptoms.

Creating a Plan to Stay Sober After Detox

Addiction is a chronic and relapsing disease, so detox is only the first step towards recovery. After detox, you may choose to go to an inpatient or outpatient rehab program. 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 Waterbury, Vermont 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. 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 someone you know is addicted to drugs or alcohol, there is no reason to delay getting help. Pick up the phone and contact one of our substance abuse counselors to get connected with a drug and alcohol detox in Waterbury, Vermont today.