Detoxing is the process of removing all traces of alcohol and drugs from the body. For those choosing the path to sobriety, attending a medical detox program before rehab is the best way to ensure your body is both physically and mentally primed for treatment.
Since you may have some questions about detox treatment as a first step in recovery, here’s what you should know about the importance of completing a medical detox program before attending rehab.
Substances for Which Detox is Often Needed
Pre-treatment detox is beneficial for virtually all addictive substances, but for certain substances, completing a co-ed medical detox beforehand is nearly essential. The substances for which detox is often needed include:
- Alcohol;
- Benzodiazepines (or sedatives);
- Opioids such as heroin, methadone, oxycodone, and hydrocodone;
- Stimulants such as amphetamines and cocaine;
- Ketamine, a drug used for anesthetic purposes.
Detoxing at a professional medical detox facility prior to rehab is often a prerequisite for recovery.
No matter the substance, choosing to detox at a professional medical detox facility prior to going to rehab is often a crucial prerequisite. Because at an inpatient co-ed detox program, patients are able to quit using alcohol or drugs safely due to the round-the-clock care and medical assistance provided.
What to Expect During Detox
Every person has unique body chemistry and characteristics, making it hard to predict which symptoms one may experience during withdrawal. In fact, withdrawal can comprise of a wide variety of physical and psychological symptoms, including:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shaking
- Elevated body temperature
- Intermittent hot flashes and chills
- Insomnia
- Depression and/or anxiety
- Restlessness
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Irritability and agitation
- Confusion and disorientation
- Cramps and muscle pain
- Seizures
- Sudden and inexplicable mood changes
- Heart palpitations
- Difficulty breathing
- Intense cravings
Most of the symptoms of withdrawal are not life-threatening; however, there is the potential for more severe and potentially deadly side effects. For this reason, a detox from alcohol or drugs should always be monitored. This is where our Los Angeles detox center can help as we are committed to your health and your journey to recovery.
The Benefits of Detoxing Before Rehab
Before checking into a rehab treatment center, you should prepare yourself mentally and physically for the changes you are about to undergo. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 53% of those with a substance use disorder also suffer from a comorbid mental health disorder; those that are most often co-occurring with addiction are anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder.
With this in mind, individuals seeking treatment should enter their rehabilitation programs in the best state possible. Going through detox can do just that by addressing any underlying conditions and medical issues before starting treatment.
Additionally, when you enroll in a medical detox program, you benefit from a dedicated team of medical professionals who are committed to aiding you in your recovery. They will be a vital resource through the entire process and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs and preferences. You’ll be entering a treatment facility with a plan in place and a “clear slate” in terms of your mind, body, and spirit.
Think of the detox process as the first step in your journey to a healthier you. Our professionals at DetoxLA are here to help you take those first steps and to help you break free from your addictions. No matter how you came to be addicted to alcohol or drugs, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your recovery goals and reach a state of long-lasting sobriety.
To learn more about how our detox center in Los Angeles or how our team can lead you down a path to wellness, contact DetoxLA today.