The decision to work on sobriety can be a hard one, as it is a challenging process, but it can be incredibly rewarding. When it’s time to work on sobriety, the first step is often to go through detox. This is a process that helps with the withdrawal symptoms as alcohol and drugs are removed from the body and the person takes their first steps toward sobriety. It is a good idea to understand what happens during the detox and how it can help on the path to wellness.
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Why Detox Programs are Important
Going through detox is a necessary part of working toward sobriety as it helps the person stop taking drugs or alcohol and get everything out of their system safely. Today, detox programs are available to help those who are ready to work on their sobriety so they can do so in a safe place with the support they need. This makes it much safer to go through withdrawals and provides assistance to help with managing any symptoms.
The Initial Assessment
The detox process starts with an initial assessment to determine what the person is using, how often, the impact it has had on them, and more. This is a vital part of the process as it allows the facility to determine the right steps to take to help the person through the withdrawals. The assessment may involve a medical exam, a psychological exam, discussion of the person’s substance abuse history, and their personal history.
Creating a Plan
The facility will work with the person to create a plan for the detox to make sure it meets all of their needs. An individualized approach to detox can make it easier to meet the person’s needs and make sure they have the right support as they go through the process. This can also involve planning for the withdrawal symptoms to help relieve them as they occur, and creating a plan to monitor and track the person’s progress.
Withdrawal Management
The withdrawal symptoms a person experiences will vary based on the substances they used. For alcohol, withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety, nausea, tremors, and seizures. For opioids, they can include muscle aches, insomnia, vomiting, and more. There are medications that can be used to help minimize the symptoms and keep the person safe as they go through the detox process.
Stabalization
Once the person has completed the withdrawal, the next step is to work on stabilization to prepare them for the transition to ongoing treatment for the addiction. During the stabilization process, they will continue to receive medical and mental health support to help them as they start their path to recovery. The focus of their care will shift to addressing the underlying issues of addiction and working on preventing relapse to help them stay sober going forward.
If you’re ready to take the first step toward sobriety, it can be intimidating as you may not know what to expect. However, by going through a detox program, you can get the help you need to do it safely and make sure you have the resources to work on your path to wellness. Find a facility today to start the detox process and to make sure you have all of the support you need as you take the first step.
