What to Expect During Detox Treatment

If you’re considering getting help with your substance abuse problem, know that you’re already taking an amazing, courageous step just to think about it. Detoxing isn’t easy, but with the right help, you can get through it successfully and return to the life you love and deserve.

Understanding the Process

What is the goal of a detox process? At the Stillwater Centre, you should expect intense, caring support to help you break your addiction to the substance that is holding captive. This happens in a protected environment where you get the emotional and physical help you need.

Once the substance is fully out of your system, you are ready to go into a full recovery treatment program. The goal is ultimately to put you back in the driver’s seat and help you tap into the emotional resources you already have to beat your disease.

The First Step

When you make the decision to get treatment, the first step is meeting with a team of professionals who will be with you to support you all the way. You can expect to meet with doctors who will help keep you safe and manage whatever physical symptoms you have.

You will also meet with licensed mental health professionals who help you understand what’s happening, understand more about yourself, and learn healthy ways of dealing with stress and other difficulties. There will also be various technicians and nurses to help you as you detox.

Entering Treatment

When you first enter the detox program, you should expect to spend a few days in the initial stage, which is when your body will get rid of all the drugs or alcohol in them. This is the most difficult step for a lot of people, and there is no denying it will be difficult.

During this period, you will experience withdrawal symptoms that can range from depression and fatigue to restlessness and an increased appetite. You may feel shaky, anxious, or experience muscle aches. It’s important to remember that this part will be over and you are safe in the treatment center.

The Next Step

Getting through the initial detox stage is only the first step. It is crucially important to get all addictive substances out of your system, but that doesn’t cure you. Once this step is over, it is important to enter a long-term counseling and therapy program to help you fully recover.

Depending on your condition, the next step can be done as an outpatient or in residence, and most professionals recommend that patients remain in residence if you have a serious problem or don’t have a good support group at home.

Going Through Rehab

While the worst will be over in the first couple of days, you need and should expect special support for the first 30 days after you stop taking the drugs, as this month is the most difficult. Most people experience their most intense desire to relapse about seven to 10 days after quitting.

In rehab, the goal is to help you learn ways of coping with the situations that pushed you to abuse alcohol or drugs in the first place. These could be social situations where you were put under pressure or stressful situations. You may also get anti-addiction medication and access to other aftercare programs.

Final Thoughts

Your family and those closest to you are obviously going to be deeply interested in your wellbeing. You can expect counseling sessions for them, too, to help them understand what it’s like for you and how to help you keep away from the substance you were using.

If you commit to a full rehabilitation program, statistics show that you are much more likely to get and stay clean than if you don’t. In fact, if you don’t go through rehab, your chances of relapsing are almost as high as someone who never even went through detox.

Detox can be very hard, but once you’re through it, you’re entering a whole new period of life—one where you can take charge and move on to an exciting and fulfilling life.