WHAT IS DETOX

While Baystate Recovery Center does not offer detox, they are able to refer to treatment centers that offer this process to help people struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. The detox process can be intimidating for many people, especially because there are different misconceptions surrounding the process. At Baystate Recovery Center, we have professionals that can assist in finding a detox center for those that are on their road to recovery. From getting enrolled in a medically-supervised chemical detox treatment program, where you can safely detoxify from alcohol or drugs to starting and graduating from a high-level addiction treatment program that will prepare you with the skills for a life of sobriety!

What is Addiction Detox?

Detox refers to the detoxification of an addict’s body from the substance or substances they’re addicted to. Medically supervised detox helps ease the physical symptoms of withdrawal and can help prevent life-threatening complications from detox. Although many people believe that quitting “cold turkey” is the best way to quit alcohol or drugs, the fact is that some drugs may be deadly to quit cold turkey, and others may make the individual feel like they’re dying.

Addiction detox involves medical professionals supervising clients as their body removes the toxins and chemicals from their system. Benzodiazepine and alcohol detox may cause deadly seizures or heart attacks, which is why medical supervision is necessary. Opiates, heroin, painkillers, and methamphetamine all have serious physical side effects from cold turkey cessation.

Common withdrawal symptoms from surges and alcohol include:

  • Chills, shaking, and sweating, especially at night
  • Racing heartbeat and elevated heart rate
  • Auditory and visual hallucinations
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Trouble sleeping, vivid nightmares, and insomnia
  • Heightened anxiety or worsening of mental illness symptoms

The physical pain and mental anguish of detox often cause people to seek out their drug of choice to stop the painful detox reactions.

THE MEDICALLY SUPERVISED DETOX PROCESS

Medically supervised detox involves administering medications that reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Detox centers are staffed around the clock with nurses trained in treating addiction withdrawals to help with any emergency situation.
Often, people entering detox are malnourished and dehydrated – many drugs and alcohol may cause dehydration. And, it’s very common for addicts to neglect their physical health, like eating healthy foods and having a balanced diet or getting enough water to drink. Detox clients are given intravenous fluids for hydration. This IV port may also be used for intravenous medication that prevents seizures or dangerously elevated heart rate.
The first few days after an addict decides to seek treatment and get sober are the most critical. Detox is a painful process physically, emotionally, and mentally, and people who try to detox on their own may be so uncomfortable that they go back to using or drinking so that the withdrawal symptoms go away. So, detox centers strive to make their clients as comfortable as possible, with compassionate nurses and caregivers who ensure that clients have nutritious meals, plenty of water, and medication as necessary while they detox.

THE MEDICALLY SUPERVISED DETOX PROCESS

Medically supervised detox involves administering medications that reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Detox centers are staffed around the clock with nurses trained in treating addiction withdrawals to help with any emergency situation.
Often, people entering detox are malnourished and dehydrated – many drugs and alcohol may cause dehydration. And, it’s very common for addicts to neglect their physical health, like eating healthy foods and having a balanced diet or getting enough water to drink. Detox clients are given intravenous fluids for hydration. This IV port may also be used for intravenous medication that prevents seizures or dangerously elevated heart rate.
The first few days after an addict decides to seek treatment and get sober are the most critical. Detox is a painful process physically, emotionally, and mentally, and people who try to detox on their own may be so uncomfortable that they go back to using or drinking so that the withdrawal symptoms go away. So, detox centers strive to make their clients as comfortable as possible, with compassionate nurses and caregivers who ensure that clients have nutritious meals, plenty of water, and medication as necessary while they detox.

What Comes After Detox?

After detox comes addiction therapy, at Baystate Recovery Center, we often move patients newly discharged from detox treatment into Intensive Outpatient Therapy. When the drugs and alcohol are out of your body, you’re in a better state of mind for therapy and treatment to be effective. In fact, continued sobriety, monitored through regular testing, is a condition of continuing the IOP treatment program at Baystate Recovery Center.
The progression of treatment differs for each client. Some people may have up to three or four months of IOP and then level down to less-frequent therapy, while others may have more success with a less structured therapy program one day per week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baystate Recovery Center and Detox

A: Yes, our medical professionals will evaluate your specific needs and provide a plan of action for every step you need to take to achieve and maintain sobriety. From medical detox to addiction treatment and therapy.

A: Detox isn’t a requirement to enroll in our therapy options, but continued abstinence from drugs and alcohol is. We find that our clients may underestimate how difficult and dangerous quitting on their own can be.

A: While medical detox can reduce the dangers of physical withdrawal, addiction is more complicated than just physical dependence on a substance. Think of detox as preparing your mind to be clear and handy so that you are more open to treatment.

A: People with a severe addiction to alcohol or benzos shouldn’t try to detox on their own because withdrawal can be deadly. However, a detox period can stabilize clients and make them more ready for effective sobriety treatment.

A: The most common are benzodiazepines and antidepressants – although benzos can be addictive, in a detox setting, the medication is given in small amounts and closely supervised. Clients detoxing from narcotics may also receive opioid agonists and antagonists.

Start Your Recovery Today

Are you struggling with drug or alcohol addiction? We can help get you or your loved one detoxed and treated for addiction. Contact Baystate Recovery Center today for a free, compassionate assessment of your needs.