The importance of drug & alcohol detoxification
Drug and alcohol detox is often the first step in the addiction recovery process. For many individuals experiencing addiction, years or even decades of heavy drinking or drug dependence can lead to physical, mental and emotional withdrawals as the body works to cleanse the system and regulate itself back to normal.
Waypoint Recovery Center’s drug and alcohol detox services provide a safe, on-site, medically supervised environment for clients to withdraw and stabilize from dangerous substances and start their residential or outpatient treatment process on a strong footing.
Drug & Alcohol Detoxification
Medical detox, often referred to as detoxification or simply “detox,” is the largely physical process of allowing the body to rid itself of harmful substances.
When the body is exposed to consistent and increasing amounts of drugs and alcohol during active addiction, it develops a tolerance to those substances over time, becoming used to their presence in the system. Eventually, the body becomes physically dependent upon these substances to function.
When someone with a drug or alcohol dependence makes the decision to stop using substances, the removal of that substance’s exposure to and from the body causes what are known as drug or alcohol withdrawals. These withdrawals can lead to anywhere from mild to moderate discomfort to serious or even fatal reactions.
While fatalities associated with the detox process are rare, they can occur and are elevated for specific substances–especially where detoxes are not closely monitored. That is why supervised detox in a specialized detox facility must be considered.
Did You Know?
| Focus | Primary Goal | |
|---|---|---|
|
Detox |
Physical withdrawal from substances |
Safely clears substances from the body under medical supervision while managing physical withdrawal symptoms. |
|
Rehab |
Psychological & behavioral recovery |
Provides therapy, addresses root causes of addiction, and equips clients with coping strategies for long-term recovery. |
Why it Matters
Receiving proper care and supervision while detoxing from drugs and alcohol is important from a medical standpoint since it also provides a mental and emotional benefit for those seeking long-term recovery through Waypoint’s residential or outpatient programs. Working a recovery program requires commitment, focus, and determination.
Those who enter Waypoint’s recovery program or any sobriety program must navigate through the many highs and lows that come with pursuing a sober lifestyle–oftentimes after years or even decades of dependence. These hurdles are difficult enough without physical withdrawal symptoms interfering with that recovery process.
The importance of detoxing and medically stabilizing before entering Waypoint’s residential or outpatient program cannot be emphasized enough.
A determination made with your clinical team
While detox itself is a natural and unavoidable process of recovery from substance dependence, the decision to receive a medically supervised or monitored detox process can be challenging. In most cases, it is often best to consult with a medical professional to make the determination.
During Waypoint Recovery Center’s initial assessment process, we integrate the process into a wider assessment that will inform all treatment decisions. During the initial assessment, each client is evaluated individually to determine their specific needs based on the biological, psychological, and social factors leading to admission. Our clinical team works with each client to review these critical data points to make a determination.
For specific, low-risk substances, supervised detox may not be recommended or even required, while in other cases, admission to the detox facility is a necessity. Enhanced supervision and monitoring for those not admitted to Waypoint’s medical detox program ensures that all clients remain safe and stabilized during their first few weeks in the program.
The following factors are just some data points our team analyzes when considering whether medical detox is needed:
Personalized recommendations by substance
| Substance | Risk | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
|
Alcohol |
High / Severe
|
Medical Detox
|
|
Barbiturates |
High / Severe
|
Medical Detox
|
|
Benzodiazepines |
High
|
Medical Detox
|
|
Cocaine |
Medium |
Case by Case
|
|
MDMA / Ecstasy |
Low |
Monitored Care
|
|
Marijuana |
Low |
Monitored Care
|
|
Methamphetamine |
Low |
Monitored Care
|
|
Opioids |
Low |
Medical Detox
|
| Serious Side Effects | Common Side Effects |
|---|---|
|
|
Withdrawal symptoms begin within 6 to 24 hours of the last drink
Withdrawal symptoms peak, clients are at the highest risk during this time
Highest RiskPhysical withdrawal symptoms begin to subside
Mild to moderate physical symptoms may continue
Psychological symptoms may present for months following detox
| Serious Side Effects | Common Side Effects |
|---|---|
|
|
Withdrawal symptoms begin following the last dose
Withdrawal symptoms peak; clients are at the highest risk during this time
Highest RiskPhysical withdrawal symptoms begin to subside
Mild to moderate symptoms may continue. Supervision is recommended
Psychological symptoms may persist for months following detox
| Serious Side Effects | Common Side Effects |
|---|---|
|
|
Withdrawal symptoms begin 6 - 24 hours of the last use
Withdrawal symptoms peak; highest risk for discomfort and relapse
Highest RiskPhysical withdrawal symptoms begin to subside
Residual symptoms may continue but not as intensely
Psychological symptoms may persist for weeks or months
Your Detox Timeline at Waypoint
All clients who enter Waypoint Recovery Center undergo a comprehensive admissions process and initial assessment. These processes are critical for ensuring that proper care and treatment is provided based on the individual needs. Factors such as the substances used, current mental health conditions, pre-existing medical conditions, and other details are weighed. The outcome of these processes can follow one of the following paths:
Medical evaluations are conducted frequently upon admission and throughout a client’s time in medical detox. Our on-site detox center is equipped with the latest in medical technology patient care equipment–ensuring clients receive adequate medical care throughout their stay. Medical evaluations include mental and physical assessments such as:
These evaluations and more will be conducted throughout treatment to not only ensure that clients are medically and emotionally stable, but to inform future treatment planning and program individualization around individual recovery needs.
Following the acute phase of withdrawal, Waypoint Recovery Center’s clinical staff will ensure clients are medically stable before transitioning them from the detox center to residential treatment. As part of the stabilization process, the clinicians will coordinate with the client’s treatment team for any continuation of medications, medical considerations, or additional risk factors that may impact a client’s stability during extended treatment.
For many, even though the initial acute phase of detox will subside after the first five to ten days, continued monitoring of clients physical health will continue into their residential stay.
Continued support beyond the acute phase
After the acute physical symptoms of withdrawal recede within the first week or so, withdrawal symptoms for many substances can continue for many weeks or months. This is known as Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome, and it is common for those who are in recovery from an addiction to alcohol, opioids, or benzos.
Managing Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome can often seem like an uphill battle. While symptoms are not acute or life-threatening in nature, they often complicate the recovery process and are present most commonly within the first few months to up to a year or more. Those who have PAWS may experience the following symptoms:
Waypoint Recovery Center recognizes the challenges faced by those experiencing PAWS in early recovery. Our team will work closely with those experiencing signs or symptoms of PAWS with a holistic support plan centered around their specific symptoms.
Continuing your care at Waypoint
Coverage & Costs
During a client’s initial assessment, Waypoint’s admissions staff will go over the cost of treatment along with any insurance coverage.
In many cases, insurance covers the cost of medical detoxification, though there may be some out-of-pocket expenses depending on your specific plan.
Waypoint also accepts clients who are private-pay. Our team will work with you on payment plans and will detail all expected costs prior to admission.
We work with most insurance carriers.
At Waypoint Recovery Center, we are in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Behavioral Health, Beacon Health Options, Cigna, Aetna, Optum, and VA Community Care.
If your insurance isn’t listed, we may still be able to work with that policy.
Verify Your Benefits Online:
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Why supervised care matters
At-home detox is the process of withdrawing from drugs and alcohol at home or not under medical supervision. Those who choose to detox at home often believe they don’t need to undergo a medical detox process, are attempting to save money by not being admitted into a facility, or believe a spouse, family-member, or friend can help with symptom management.
Even under the supervision of a trusted friend or loved-one or someone with a medical background, at-home detox from substances is very risky, and often poses serious mental and physical impacts. The risks associated with at-home and cold turkey detox are significant:
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Frequently Asked Questions: Detox