Drug detox in AZ involves eliminating drugs, alcohol and other toxins from the body so that you can heal and start therapy. As you’ve likely heard many times, detox is the first step in the recovery journey.
On its own, drug detox is usually not enough to treat a substance use disorder. There are deeper reasons for why people use drugs or alcohol, such as unresolved trauma, abuse, neglect or mental illness. If these issues are not addressed, individuals are much more likely to return to substance use.
Each phase of the treatment process plays an important role in recovery. While detox is not enough to treat the psychological aspects of your addiction, it does restore your body physically. Below are seven common questions about the detox process. Knowing what the process entails can help you prepare for the journey ahead.
1. What is Medical Detox?
A medical detox program provides a safe and stable environment where you go through the withdrawal process. How long this process takes depends on many factors, such as the drug you are using, how severe your addiction is, your personal health and the presence of any co-occurring conditions.
The purpose of medical detox is to stabilize you, minimize withdrawal symptoms, prevent harmful withdrawal effects and help you transition into an addiction treatment program for continued care. Most physical withdrawal symptoms last about a week, though some mental and emotional symptoms can remain for weeks, months or even years.
2. Where Can I Find Drug Detox Near Me?
You can use the internet to search for drug detox centers near you, but the better option is to work with a treatment center. Wolf Creek Recovery has a detox referral program where we refer individuals to various detox centers based on their needs.
Since we work with various local detox centers, this allows for a seamless transition to our outpatient program. Once you are stabilized, you can start Phase One, which involves therapy and counseling. Phase Two puts your new skills into action, helping you make a successful transition to the real world.
3. What are the Side Effects of Detox?
The withdrawal symptoms you experience will depend on the drug you are detoxing from. Some drugs cause more physical symptoms like sweating, shaking and diarrhea, while others cause more psychological symptoms like anxiety or depression. These symptoms are the result of your brain and body trying to function without drugs or alcohol.
The most common symptoms associated with substance use withdrawal are:
- Mood changes like mood swings, anxiety, depression and irritability
- Body changes such as flu-like symptoms, shaking, nausea and headaches
- Drug cravings, especially for the drug you are trying to quit
The good news is that when you are in medical drug detox in AZ, you will be monitored around-the-clock. Many of these symptoms can be successfully managed with the right medications, making the process more tolerable and comfortable.
4. What Does the Detox Process Look Like?
There are several steps involved in the detox process. The three main components include:
- Evaluation. Before starting detox, you will be given a thorough evaluation to assess your current condition, your history of substance use and the level of care you need.
- Stabilization. Stabilization involves following a treatment plan that includes various medications and therapies. These treatments ensure a safe and manageable withdrawal process.
- Prepare for treatment. Remember, detox is only the first step in the journey. You’ll need to continue your treatment to address the psychological and social aspects of your addiction.
5. Can I Quit Drugs or Alcohol Cold Turkey?
While quitting drugs or alcohol cold turkey may seem like ‘pulling off the bandaid’ and getting things done, this can actually be a fatal decision. Alcohol, when stopped abruptly, can cause seizures, delirium and even death. Moderate to severe opioid withdrawal can also cause unmanageable withdrawal symptoms, causing you to relapse.
With the help of medical detox, there is no need to quit cold turkey and suffer intolerable withdrawal effects. Your medical team will likely follow a tapering approach that gradually reduces the amount of drugs or alcohol in your system. This way, your withdrawal symptoms will be far less intense, reducing the risk for relapse and fatal complications.
6. Can I Detox at Home?
Detoxing alone at home is also not safe. It can be risky and dangerous, as you have no one watching out for your needs or providing you with medications to ease withdrawal symptoms. You are also more likely to relapse, as you won’t have any way to ease the symptoms you are experiencing.
Since medically supervised detox is available, there is no reason to put yourself through a grueling withdrawal process. A medical detox center also puts you in touch with a number of treatment professionals, as well as a supportive community of peers who understand what you’re going through.
7. What Happens after Detox?
When detox is complete, you will move onto the next phase of treatment. Some people choose an inpatient or residential program while others choose an outpatient program.
Outpatient treatment is often preferred because it’s flexible and cost-effective – and it can be just as effective as inpatient treatment. Plus, you can return home to be with your family and gradually take on more responsibility as you heal from addiction and learn healthy coping skills.
Therapy, Counseling and Drug Detox in AZ
Wolf Creek Recovery provides all of the treatment services you need under one roof. We have a detox referral service where we can refer you to local detox centers that will meet your needs. Once you complete your time in detox, you can then move onto our outpatient program.
Phase One treatment is where the work begins, and you’ll learn a lot about yourself and what led to your addiction. Phase Two focuses on transitioning back home safely. We also provide Extended Care services for those who wish to remain in treatment for 90+ days.
To explore your options for detox and counseling, contact the admissions team at Wolf Creek Recovery today.
