“I need a detox!” Maybe you’ve said these words after the holidays when you’ve indulged in too many sweets, or after watching too much TV. However, detox for many individuals entails the important work of combating addiction and looking toward recovery. What does “detox” mean in the very serious context of substance abuse? What is its connection to rehab? If you or a loved one is considering addiction recovery, you may be wondering what role drug detox and rehab facilities can play.
Why Detox?
An important first step in addiction recovery is detox. It clears the body of toxic substances–either present from acute intoxication or from long-term addiction–so real healing can begin. You may be wondering what to expect from a drug detox. The experience varies from person to person, but some common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Insomnia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anxiety
- Diarrhea
- Irritability
- Poor concentration and memory
- Depression
- Muscle aches or spasms
These symptoms vary in severity depending on many factors, including type of addiction. Thankfully, medications are available to help ease many symptoms. Alcohol detoxification can include even more severe withdrawal symptoms, including:
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- High blood pressure
- Fever
- Heavy sweating
It is important to note that alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous if not undertaken under the care of a professional. Sana at Stowe in Vermont provides a comprehensive detox center for patients looking to recover in a safe environment.
Withdrawal, however, is not the only part of detox. The goal of detox is to get you to a place of stabilization and foster your entry into treatment so that long-term recovery can begin.
Why Detox in a Treatment Facility?
As you can see from the list of withdrawal symptoms, detox can be a difficult experience. This is where detox and rehab centers come in. Not only is it highly recommended to undergo detox under medical supervision, but also a detox rehab facility can help ease the transition from detox to rehab and long-term recovery. Professionals trained in detox and withdrawal management provide palliative care to patients as they go through detox, and treat them with compassion and understanding as they pursue their goal of sobriety.
The quality of the facility itself also plays a role. When going through detox, patients benefit greatly from a peaceful, calming environment, whether this includes luxurious accommodations, access to nature, or carefully planned programming to foster holistic well-being. When searching for “rehab detox near me,” you should keep in mind what kind of an environment will help you most on the road to recovery. Sana at Stowe in Vermont offers a calm and inviting space for individuals looking to walk the road to recovery.
The Difference between Detox and Rehab
Because these terms are often used together or even interchangeably, patients may think that completing detox is the same as completing rehab. To quote the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, “It is important to know that detoxification is not treatment; it is a first step that can prepare a person for treatment.”
That treatment often includes a stay in a detox rehab facility. Rehab is short for rehabilitation, and can apply to many conditions or illnesses. Some people go to rehab after an injury to regain use of a limb or joint. Others attend rehab to re-learn how to live their lives free from a debilitating addiction.
Drug and alcohol rehab is best understood as a process–its length depends on many factors, including your specific goals and condition. Where rehab happens is also an important variable. Programs range from clinical outpatient ones to residential rehab detox facilities. Many people working to overcome addiction find that the around-the-clock care and support of a residential facility gets them off to the best start on their road to recovery.
What to expect during drug and alcohol rehab
Though every program is different, most detox rehab programs include similar elements:
- Supervised detoxification: not every person seeking to overcome addiction will need to detox, but for those who do, it is a vital first step
- Medical care: this can be provided by on-site medical professionals or through partnerships with nearby hospitals or clinics
- Treatment plan: this can be adjusted over time, but this important element of rehab keeps you accountable and focused on your recovery goals
- Counseling: in recovery, this can take place in either group or individual settings (often both) and helps you reorient yourself towards a life of sobriety
- Family education and counseling: no addiction occurs in a vacuum. People who struggle with drug or alcohol abuse cannot avoid affecting those they love with their addiction. Most rehab programs include education and counseling programs for your families, to help them better know everything from how to help your loved one through detox to the true causes of an addiction.
Residential rehab programs can include more holistic therapies, ranging from diet to education about the role of sleep in addiction recovery.
Start your Rehab Detox Journey at Sana at Stowe
If you are looking for a peaceful, picturesque place to enter a detox rehab program, consider Sana at Stowe. We offer a state-of-the-art facility in Vermont for our residential treatment program that allows patients to rest and relax in the utmost comfort. Our professional staff will treat you with compassion and care as they guide you through detox and rehab.
To learn more about how our facility and addiction recovery services can support you on your healing journey, give us a call at 802-566-5906 today.
