The withdrawal phase, otherwise known as the detoxification phase, is the first stage of drug rehabilitation and often the hardest. Patients at this juncture need all the support they can get and the best one at that.
While some addicts opt to experience withdrawal from home, some choose to go to rehab for in-patient care.
Whichever choice one makes, you must seek professional assistance from a detox center near you. This will ensure a smooth transition after detoxification.
That said, you might be wondering, ‘Is a detox center near me worth it?‘ To help ease your concerns, here are a few ways detox centers help recovering addicts through the withdrawal stage.
Medical Supervision and Support
The withdrawal stage of recovery varies in intensity from person to person. Depending on the substance used and duration, withdrawal can scale from mild to fatal. Recovering addicts can experience such symptoms during withdrawal:
- Migraines
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Seizures
In extreme cases, patients can go into shock, which can prove to be fatal. There are also psychological symptoms such as paranoia and anxiety that patients face during withdrawals.
Having medical staff around will come in handy when experiencing these symptoms. They are trained to respond to such scenarios and handle the situation calmly and professionally.
Medicine-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medicine-assisted treatment involves using medication to ease the extreme nature of substance abuse withdrawal.
While some patients go through a natural detox, users of substances such as alcohol and opioid may need medication to assist them through the withdrawal stage of recovery. Detox centers often offer this alternative to patients whom they feel need it.
It is good to note that no medical cure for withdrawals. MAT only aims to mitigate the effect of withdrawals and reduce chances of relapse during the initial months of recovery. But this type of assistance cannot be administered when detoxing from home.
Therapy Sessions to Unpack Trauma
Withdrawals have telling physical symptoms, but patients also suffer terribly from psychological pains. The good news is detox centers have counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists who are well placed to assist patients in dealing with the mental aspect of their addiction.
Feelings of anxiety, helplessness, and even suicide are common during this period. These experts sit with patients trying to figure out the genesis of all these emotions and help them walk through the cloud of confusion that they often face during this period.
At this point, issues such as trauma and childhood abuse are often unlocked, and the counselors help patients deal with these pains as they battle physical ones as well.
Wellness and Life Skills Programmes
During withdrawal, it is vital that patients are distracted from the thoughts of detoxification. Engaging in activities that keep them busy will take their concentration from the intricacies of withdrawal while learning new skills.
Most detox centers usually offer self-improvement activities that all patients can take up. Activities such as yoga help patients practice channeling their calm nature and listening to their thoughts, especially in challenging situations.
Counselors also take them through skills such as anger management, family and relationships, and handling social situations that could trigger a relapse. These skills will mostly come into play once they are out of rehab.
Looking for a Detox Center Near Me?
There is no surefire way to recover from substance abuse addiction, but it is imperative that you have professional help by your side.
If you are helping someone detox from home, contact a detox center near you to alert them and have them on standby in case of emergencies. This support will give you and the patient confidence during the withdrawal period.
