After years of struggling with the effects of substance abuse–with its impact on family and friends, finances, work, mental health–you or a loved one may finally be ready to take the first step on a journey to health and sobriety. This step is never one taken lightly, and every decision surrounding it holds much importance. As you explore your options, it is vital to begin with an effective substance abuse detox program that will set you or your loved one up for future success in recovery. Sana at Stowe in Vermont offers a tranquil and serene environment to facilitate detox safely for each patient.
What Is a Successful Detox?
A successful substance abuse detox rids the body of an addictive substance so that recovery can begin. Detox teaches the body that it does not need the substance to survive.
Though vitally important to the recovery process, substance abuse detox is not easy. Depending on the kind of substance used and length of time abused, withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Muscle tremors
- Insomnia
- Hallucinations or seizures (in severe cases of detox from certain drugs and from alcohol detoxification)
For these reasons, it is important to detox from substance abuse under medical supervision. Different facilities offer different options for medically supervised detox, from inpatient (a stay in a hospital or residential facility under professional care) to outpatient (spending several hours daily in medically supervised detox but still sleeping at home). With a doctor recommendation, you may be prescribed medication to help manage the symptoms of substance abuse detox.
A successful detox fully rids the body of the harmful substance and prepares you for the next step: rehabilitation and recovery.
Elements of Substance Abuse Detox
Safe and successful substance abuse detox begins with reaching out, whether that be searching for a detox program in your area or speaking honestly with a trusted friend or family member about your desire for sobriety. Once the decision has been made to begin recovery, you may begin to wonder what to expect from a drug detox. Though every program is different, there are certain elements that are consistent:
- Identification/evaluation: Your provider will identify your substance abuse history and assess your health and psychological state to better inform detox and withdrawal management
- Cessation: Under the care of a trained professional, you will slowly reduce or stop abusing the substance
- Stabilization: Here is where withdrawal symptoms may begin as you and your provider work to monitor and even moderate the effects of substance abuse detox. Moderation can include over-the-counter medicine, counseling, and sleep in addiction recovery.
- Transition: This final step of substance abuse detox, once the toxins are out of your system, prepares you for long-term recovery treatment
Many substance abuse detox programs also include education for loved ones who have been impacted by the abuse, from how to help your loved one through detox to what to expect from withdrawal symptoms.
Tips for a Successful Detox at Home or in a Substance Abuse Detox Near You
At Sana at Stowe, we fully recommend a guided detox in a residential treatment. Here are some tips for a successful substance abuse detox:
- Realize that going “cold turkey” can be dangerous. Depending on the kind of substance used and length of time of abuse, quitting a substance suddenly may cause life-threatening withdrawal. Under the care of a medical professional, make a plan for cessation of the substance abused.
- Whether from friends and family or in a social detoxification program, get support. It is vital you not feel alone when going through detox. Support from loved ones combined with professional care makes success much more likely.
- Realize that substance abuse detox is the beginning of the recovery process, not the end. Some people think that once they have detoxed from a substance, they are “cured” of their addiction. The truth is that recovery is a process that takes time. You may be wondering how long is rehab? The answer depends on many factors, including the severity of the addiction and your progress in treatment. Short-term programs may last 30 – 60 days, while long-term programs can be up to a year or more.
- Be prepared to manage, but not avoid, withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms of withdrawal can be difficult, and unfortunately there is no way to make them go away completely. However, under the care of a medical professional, the symptoms can be safely managed until they disappear altogether.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you or a loved one are ready to take that first step into addiction recovery with substance abuse detox, we can help. Whether you are searching for a substance abuse detox center in New England or considering the luxurious options in Stowe, Vermont, the key is to find a facility that offers comprehensive, evidence-based care tailored to your needs.
With the right support and a structured environment, recovery is not just possible but within reach. Take the first step towards a healthier future by calling Sana at Stowe at (802) 566-5906.
