By the time an addicted person decides to seek treatment, the addictive substance has already taken hold of the body, and that requires medical expertise to undo. They may already be experiencing withdrawal symptoms and are physically ill as a result.
Before recovery can truly begin, the body needs to be cleansed of all traces of toxic substances. A medically-supervised detoxification process that prioritizes comfort and, most importantly, safety during this important first step is essential. It’s important to understand that detox is not a DIY process. It can be downright dangerous–even deadly–to attempt detox at home.
What is Detox?
When an addicted person stops using drugs or alcohol, they will experience withdrawal symptoms. The longer an addicted person has used a substance, the more of that substance they will need to feel its effects, and the more severe the withdrawal symptoms will be. The body needs to detoxify to become truly drug-free.
What to Expect in Detox
Just like treatment, the detoxification process is different for everyone. Detoxification can last anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks. During detox, withdrawal symptoms are inevitable, and they range from physical to emotional, as addiction affects the body and the mind. Guardian Recovery eases clients through the process by offering a range of detox services, including:
• Alcohol detox: Clients stop drinking safely, without the fear of encountering withdrawal symptoms.
• Opiate detox: Opiates like heroin, morphine and Vicodin are highly addictive substances, so professional detox supervision is critical.
• Benzodiazepine detox: Prescription drugs such as Xanax and Valium are extremely addictive and pose life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Professionally-supervised detox is essential for safety.
Post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) can occur for weeks after detox and are associated with emotional symptoms, including:
• Low energy
• Anxiety
• Hostility
• Difficulty sleeping
• Mood swings
• Depression
Additionally, the severity of symptoms depends on a few things:
• The length of time a person has been using drugs or alcohol
• The amount of drugs or alcohol consumed
• The type of drugs taken
• Whether a person has a co-occurring disorder or other health condition
Detox Safely and Comfortably
At Guardian Recovery, our goal is to provide a safe, comfortable detox process that is tailored to each client and medically-supervised by clinically-trained staff. We administer appropriate medication so the process is as pain-free as possible and offer 24-hour, round-the-clock care, so clients are safe, healthy and able to relax and be comfortable as they begin the healing process.
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p data-ctm-watch-id=”5″ data-ctm-tracked=”1″ data-ctm-remark=”1″>Although clients often feel better after overcoming the withdrawal period, physical health takes a bit longer to achieve. Detox is an important step, but it’s the first step. That’s why Guardian Recovery recommends continuing treatment at our residential facility. To learn more about how our detoxification process can help you or your loved one, call us at (888) 693-1872 or connect with us online.
