The detox stabilization process involves relapse prevention, managing withdrawal symptoms, and ensuring optimal safety for clients. This article will explain the stages, goals, and care methods involved.
Key Takeaways
- Detox stabilization involves managing withdrawal symptoms, ensuring safety, and preventing relapse to prepare for the next stages of recovery.
- Various techniques can be used. At BlueCrest, we specialize in natural care with comfort medications, nutrition, and holistic practices.
- After detox is complete, clients move on to therapy, addressing mental health challenges that may contribute to dependency issues.
Table of Contents
- What Happens to the Body During Drug and Alcohol Detox?
- What Is the Detox Process By Drug Type?
- What is the Stabilization Process and How Does It Work?
- What Comes After the Detox Process?
- Contact BlueCrest Detox to Start Your Recovery Journey
- FAQs
Introduction
According to FHE Health, of the approximate 22.5 million Americans with a substance abuse disorder, only about 18.5% get the care they need. Reasons can vary, but some may not enter a treatment program because they don’t know what to expect or fear the detox process.
We’re not gonna lie. With many staff members experiencing withdrawal firsthand, we know it’s not pleasant. But BlueCrest Detox in New Jersey can make it as comfortable as possible and provide support to help you achieve a higher quality of life.
If you notice signs that you need detox, we encourage you to come to us first, and don’t hesitate. The benefits of early detox are many, including reduced withdrawal symptoms and a simpler recovery process.
This article will explain more about what to expect.
What Happens to the Body During Drug and Alcohol Detox?
Different drugs have different effects, but most boost serotonin levels beyond the body’s natural levels. Over time, the body becomes accustomed to operating at these higher levels, making it more difficult to produce serotonin naturally. When the drug is taken away, the body experiences a deficit, resulting in withdrawal symptoms.
During withdrawal, a person may experience a range of physical and psychological symptoms, which vary by drug type but commonly include:
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Difficulty sleeping
- Flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, digestive issues, and headaches
Alcohol detox is especially dangerous due to severe withdrawal symptoms. When the body rebounds from a depressive state, it goes into a state of hyperexcitability, leading to a high risk of seizures and delirium tremens, both of which can be life-threatening. According to an NIH study, 5-30% of people who quit drinking experience seizures and DTs, with prior withdrawal severity being the biggest risk factor.
What Is the Detox Process By Drug Type?
The detox process varies by drug type, influencing the type of symptoms, their onset, and the timeline. The following sections explain what to expect:
Alcohol:
- Onset: 6-24 hours after last use: tremors, sweating, nausea, anxiety, and elevated heart rate and blood pressure
- 24-48 hours: Acute symptoms onset with a risk of seizures
- 48-72 hours: high risk of delirium tremens
- Withdrawal typically resolves after 5-7 days, but can persist in heavy users
Opioids:
- Onset: 8-24 hours after last use: muscle aches, insomnia, sweating, chills, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety, and intense cravings
- 36-72 hours: Symptoms peak
- With longer-acting opioids, symptoms may not appear until the 36-48 hour mark and can persist 2-3 weeks, although timelines can be longer with PAWS
Stimulants:
- Onset: 6-24 hours after last use: profound exhaustion, hypersomnia, increased appetite, and emotional flatness
- 24 hours to up to two weeks: Symptoms become acute
- 2+ weeks: Prolonged subacute phase of anhedonia, cognitive fog, low motivation, and depression that can last weeks to months while dopamine systems slowly normalize
What is the Stabilization Process and How Does It Work?
When a person enters substance abuse treatment, the first stage is the stabilization process. BlueCrest Detox specialists do all they can to keep clients safe and manage symptoms with inpatient detoxification or outpatient treatment. Here are some techniques that may apply:
- Medical Monitoring: Clinical staff tracks vital signs—such as heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature—24/7 to detect and treat complications during detox and stabilization. The provider will monitor the client’s vital signs and hydration and perform neurological checks to ensure the client is mentally and medically stable, reducing the risk of complications.
- Comfort-Focused Symptom Management: BueCrest’s medical intervention is focused on comfort. We may administer OTC painkillers and anti-nausea meds to ensure comfort. Holistic therapies can also help with substance withdrawal.
- Nutritional Support: Most people are nutritionally deficient before withdrawal even starts. The goal is to provide them with foods that will compensate for the depletion without upsetting the clients’ delicate digestive state. Bland, easy-to-digest foods are recommended, with high thiamine levels, as B vitamins support the nervous system.
- Rehydration: Hydration is a priority, especially for clients overcoming opioid and alcohol addictions, as diarrhea and vomiting are common during withdrawal. Liquids can also reduce headaches, fatigue, and cognitive symptoms. In addition to water, electrolytes are recommended.
- Psychological Support for Alcohol Detox and Emotional Stability: While real mental health support is not implemented until after the patient stabilizes, there is a risk of suicidal ideation due to intense mood swings that occur during withdrawal. Patients receive emotional support from counselors during detox to help them stay committed to the process.
- Relapse Risk Prevention: Relapse is common during the detox stage, as clients realize that going back to drug use can make withdrawal symptoms go away. Supervision reduces the risk of relapse, ensuring clients complete the process and achieve a higher quality of life.
What Comes After the Detox Process?
The detox process focuses on physical health and the body-drug bond. After stabilization is achieved, clients move on to therapy rehab, focusing on mental health issues that may be the underlying cause of substance dependence.
Transitioning from detox to ongoing treatment is essential for addressing the psychological and social aspects of substance use disorders. Continued care after detox significantly increases the chances of a healthy, sustained recovery from substance use disorders.
Many people use drugs and alcohol to self-medicate their mental health needs. While substances can provide relief, they often lead people on a downward spiral, worsening emotional regulation for mental disorders, and causing issues with relationships, jobs, finances, and legal matters. The next step in the recovery journey focuses on treating co-occurring mental health issues and restoring mental wellness.
Popular Behavioral Therapies
Various behavioral therapies are used to treat co-occurring disorders and drug abuse, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifies negative thought patterns and teaches clients coping strategies to address them in a healthy manner.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Takes a more mindful approach to emotion regulation, emphasizing distress tolerance.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI): Addresses ambiguity, encourages individuals to assess their values, and motivates them to overcome substance use issues.
At BlueCrest, we ensure addiction treatment is suited to our clients’ needs. Our clinical team conducts a comprehensive assessment, comparing symptoms against the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, and develops a personalized approach to support long-term recovery.
Contact BlueCrest Detox to Start Your Recovery Journey
The decision to begin the detoxification process is a big one, but BlueCrest Detox will support you throughout your journey. We offer comprehensive detox programs that guide you through the withdrawal process, ensuring a smooth transition and optimal comfort. After detox is complete, clients can get more comprehensive care through our outpatient treatment in a supportive environment.
Contact us to learn more about our services.
FAQs
What is the difference between detox and addiction treatment?
The terms detox and addiction treatment often get lumped together, but they are not the same. Detox is a part of addiction treatment, focusing on physical dependence and stabilization. Once achieved, clients move on to other stages of rehab, including therapy and aftercare.
How long does detox take?
Most people overcome withdrawal symptoms within a week. However, post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) can occur in heavy users and can last months or years.
Is it safe to detox at home?
Detoxing at home can be dangerous, especially with opioid and alcohol detox, which can produce severe withdrawal symptoms. It is best to seek professional help for these addiction issues.
