Why Drug and Alcohol Detox Should Be Led by Professionals

When someone who is struggling with addiction makes the decision to stop drinking or engaging in drug use, they have taken the big first step towards bettering their lives. The next step is the detox process, which is when the harmful substances they have become dependent upon are removed from the body. Many people may consider attempting to go through drug and alcohol detox from the comfort of their own homes. However, because of potential side effects that can be experienced, this is not the safest option. 

While going through drug or alcohol detox, a person will experience symptoms of withdrawal. What exactly these symptoms are and how powerful they may be depends upon the substance they are detoxing from. Some withdrawal symptoms may be severe and even life-threatening. Because of this, it is considered safer to go through detox while under medical supervision. 

Safety, while important, is not the only issue to consider when determining whether to go through detox at a medical facility or at home. Other factors, such as support for the mental and emotional aspects of the withdrawal process and overall comfort, are also crucial. The detox process can be unpredictable and sometimes intimidating. However, going through this process with professional support can make it much easier. 

At Profound Treatment, we recognize that taking the first step toward seeking help with addiction can be overwhelming. Our team aims to make the next step go as smoothly as possible for you. We want to guide you each step of the way, ensuring you know exactly what to expect. At our facility, you will be met with all the support you need every step of the way. 

What Is Drug and Alcohol Detox?

So, what exactly is drug and alcohol detox? Detox is the process in which the body rids itself of certain toxins, particularly drugs or alcohol. When a person is physically dependent upon a certain substance and suddenly quits using it completely, their body will then go into withdrawal. Withdrawal can be experienced hours or even days after the individual’s last dose or last drink. 

For some people, withdrawal symptoms can cause some discomfort but be tolerable. However, for others, they can be extremely debilitating and distressing, especially if they are attempting to go through detox on their own. In many cases, withdrawal will be associated with extreme urges or cravings for the particular substance the person is dependent upon. It is also common to experience a range of other physical, mental, and emotional symptoms. 

Withdrawal symptoms can be properly managed while detox is undergone in a medically supervised environment. Individuals can get the support they need and can be properly monitored in case they experience a medical emergency. In the meantime, they can be given proper hydration and nutrition support while also being kept as comfortable as possible. 

The discomfort of detox doesn’t last forever. Symptoms will eventually lessen, and most will go away completely. At that point, the individual can work with a counselor to focus on continued treatment as they move forward. 

Who Should Go Through Drug and Alcohol Detox?

Anyone who has developed a physical dependence on a certain substance, whether it be alcohol or a certain kind of drug, will need to go through detox in order to begin their recovery journey. It’s what that detox may look like that could look different dependent upon the individual’s unique circumstances. For example, consider someone who has been drinking heavily on a regular basis for many years. Their detox process will look different than someone who has only been struggling with alcohol addiction for a brief period of time. 

The type of substance the person is detoxing from is also going to have an effect on what they can expect from this process. For example, some substances, such as opioids, tend to be associated with a more intense withdrawal process. In those situations, it is especially critical that the individual goes through detox while under medical supervision. This is to ensure not only their safety but also the successful completion of the detox. 

In some situations, it may be possible to detox successfully from certain substances at home. However, doing so with medical supervision and guidance is always going to be considered the safest and most effective method for anyone willing to begin their recovery journey. 

The Dangers of Drug and Alcohol Detox at Home

One of the biggest dangers that can be associated with detoxing from drugs or alcohol at home is the unpredictability of withdrawal symptoms. Everyone’s experience can look different. When someone has been dependent on a substance for a long period of time, it is hard to know how exactly their body will respond when they suddenly stop using it. Withdrawal symptoms can range from being mildly uncomfortable to severely life-threatening. 

When a person is attempting to go through drug and alcohol detox at home, there isn’t someone standing by prepared to step in if necessary. Thus, if a medical emergency does arise, symptoms may be treated too late or not treated at all. If someone hasn’t been through this process before, they likely won’t know whether what they are experiencing is normal or potentially dangerous. This can lead them to avoid calling 911 even if it might be truly necessary. 

Another danger of attempting drug and alcohol detox at home is the increased likelihood of relapse. Many people can be fully determined to follow through with detox, only for them to change their minds when the withdrawal symptoms begin to arise. They may begin to experience certain physical discomforts, psychological stress, and intense cravings. At that point, they may decide not to complete the process. 

The primary reason why someone experiences relapse is rarely because they weren’t motivated or determined. In most cases, it is because they didn’t have access to proper support or resources. Support is crucial in order to avoid relapse, especially in the beginning. Not being able to have this support while detoxing at home can make it all the more difficult. 

Understanding Withdrawal During Drug and Alcohol Detox

The withdrawal process can look different depending upon the type or types of drugs a person may be detoxing from. At Profound Treatment, we can work with you to ensure you understand what to expect. We will also continuously monitor your condition and treat any symptoms that may arise. 

Alcohol Detox

With alcohol detox, the withdrawal symptoms very much depend on how heavily the person drank and for how long they drank. Many people will experience mild withdrawal within 12 hours of their last drink. Peak withdrawal will typically be experienced within 24 to 72 hours of the last drink. 

Some common mild to moderate symptoms may include: 

• Anxiety or nervousness
• Tremors/shakiness in hands
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sweating
• Increased heart rate/palpitations
• Chills
• Irritability 

In severe cases, someone going through alcohol detox may experience hallucinations or seizures. Another rare but potentially life-threatening condition that is also sometimes experienced during alcohol detox is called delirium tremens. This occurs only in about five percent of people undergoing alcohol detox. It typically occurs between 48-72 hours after they have had their last drink. 

Some symptoms of delirium tremens may include: 

• Confusion 
• Disorientation
• Extremely rapid heart rate
• Visual and auditory hallucinations
• High fever
• Uncontrollable shaking
• Risk of heart attack, stroke, or respiratory failure 

This is a very dangerous condition and requires medical intervention right away. 

Opioid Detox

An individual’s substance use history and overall health will play a role in opioid detox. The timeline of withdrawal can vary, with many people experiencing their first mild symptoms between six to 12 hours after their last dose. Peak withdrawal symptoms may occur between 24 to 72 hours after the last dose. The symptoms can be both physical and psychological and can vary in severity. 

Some physical symptoms may include: 

• Nausea 
• Dilated pupils
• Abdominal cramping
• Tremors or shaking
• Loss of appetite 
• Fatigue 
• Goosebumps
• Increased heart rate or blood pressure 

Some psychological symptoms may include:

• Anxiety 
• Depression
• Panic attacks
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Irritability 
• Strong cravings 

Stimulant Detox

Some common addictive stimulants include substances like cocaine and methamphetamine. They also include prescription medications such as Ritalin, Adderall, or other amphetamines. What to expect from the stimulant detox process will largely depend upon the stimulant itself. However, it is common for this type of detox to be associated with more severe psychological symptoms than physical ones. 

Some common symptoms associated with this type of detox may include: 

• Fatigue 
• Intense anxiety or depression 
• Mental fog 
• Trouble concentrating 
• Irritability 
• Restlessness
• Agitation 
• Insomnia or other kids of disturbed sleep 
• A sudden increase in appetite 

What Is Medical-Assisted Detox?

Medical-assisted detox is a structured and supervised detoxification process. It can be used for detoxification from alcohol or virtually any other addictive substance. With this process, medical professionals will use things like medications, therapy, and other treatments to manage the symptoms that occur during detox. This process typically occurs in a few different stages. 

The detoxification process will look a little different depending on which facility the individual seeks treatment at. At Profound Treatment in Woodland Hills, California, the process will typically follow this format: 

#1. Initial Assessment: Entry to the Program

During this stage, the individual will sit down with healthcare providers and undergo both a mental and physical health assessment. This will help to determine a personalized detox plan moving forward. Some factors that will be considered during this time may include: 

• What substance/substances the individual is struggling with
• Whether or not they may be struggling with an undiagnosed mental health disorder 
• If they have past trauma that could affect their needs during treatment 
• Their overall health status

#2. Medical-Assisted Detox

During this stage, the individual will undergo detox while under 24/7 medical supervision. Their health condition will be monitored, and medication may be prescribed to treat withdrawal symptoms. Mental health conditions can also be addressed during this time. 

#3. Continued Treatment Plan

After the individual has completed detox, they will then need a continued treatment plan to avoid relapse. For many people, this will include attending regular therapy sessions. It may also include regular support group meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). An individual will check in with their treatment provider regularly to ensure they are staying on top of their treatment plan. 

What Are the Benefits of Medical-Assisted Detox?

There are many benefits associated with choosing to undergo detox in a medical environment as opposed to at home. Some benefits include: 

• Increased safety in the case of a medical emergency 
• Psychological support 
• Withdrawal management through medication
• Reduced risk of relapse
• Increased comfort
• A smoother transition from detox to continued care 

What Are the Next Steps After Drug and Alcohol Detox?

After completing the detox process, what is the next step? The next step of recovery can look a little different depending on the individual’s unique situation. Some people will choose to go through an outpatient recovery program. With this option, the individual will continue living at home but will come to a recovery center on a regular basis for treatment. 

Another option is inpatient residential treatment. This is an option that we offer at our facility at Profound Treatment. We offer a calm, comfortable, and luxurious environment to promote healing. Some of the many benefits associated with this treatment option include:

• Freshly prepared healthy meals
• Guided meditation
• Educational groups
• Consistent peer support and community 
• Around-the-clock supervision and accountability 
• Individualized treatment plans
• Clinical assessments and case management
• Wellness activities
• Luxury amenities
• Aftercare planning sober living options

How Do I Get Started With Medical-Assisted Drug and Alcohol Detox Today?

If you are ready to take the first step towards living a happier and healthier life today, our team at Profound Treatment can help. All you have to do to get started is contact our facility. A member of our team can discuss our treatment options with you and help determine the best path forward. 

FAQs

How long does the detox process take? 

The detox process typically lasts anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. It is entirely dependent upon the individual’s unique situation, the intensity of their addiction, and what substance they are detoxing from. 

What side effects will I experience during medical-assisted detox?

The withdrawal symptoms to expect during medical-assisted detox vary greatly from person to person. They also depend upon the substance the person is detoxing from. Some common symptoms may include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Flu-like symptoms
• Muscle aches and pains
• Body tremors
• Digestive problems
• Irritability 

It is important to note that many of these symptoms can be properly managed through medication as the detox process progresses. 

How much does going through medical-assisted detox cost? 

At Profound Treatment, we can work with most insurance plans. The overall cost of a medical-assisted detox depends upon the individual’s unique needs and the specifics of their insurance program. At our facility, we don’t believe that anyone should have to miss out on the treatment they need due to cost. We can discuss expected treatment costs with you ahead of your entry into the program, as well as different payment options. 

How do I know if I need to attend inpatient treatment?

While considering the next steps to take following detox, you may be wondering if inpatient treatment could be the right fit for you. There are some things to consider when making this decision. For example, do you have a safe and stable living environment? Do you have a strong support system at home? 

If your answer is no, inpatient treatment may be a useful option. With inpatient treatment, you don’t have to worry about possible triggers or having to be around others engaging in substance use. In addition, you will have consistent support not only from the staff but from your peers as well. 

Going through detox is the big first step towards beginning the journey of recovery. To those who may not have been through it before, it can seem intimidating. However, at Profound Treatment, we aim to help ensure the process is kept as smooth and comfortable as possible. At our facility, you will have support every step of the way as you navigate this process. You’ll have access to a variety of different resources and amenities, as well as the ability to attend support group meetings. If you are ready to take the first step towards living the life that you deserve today, call (310) 340-2609. A member of our team can help to answer any questions you may have.