Home Detox from Alcohol and DrugsMaking the decision to break free from the grip of addiction is a courageous one. Those who have struggled with a substance use disorder are familiar with highly unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, something they will have to contend with during the detox process that marks the beginning of their recovery journey. Since there is no way around detox, the next decision to make is where to complete this important step.
There are two options for obtaining medically monitored detox services, the dedicated detox facility that is either a standalone program or is available on-site at the residential rehab, or completing the detox and withdrawal at home. LifeSync Malibu offers both of these detox options.
The home detox option is growing in popularity, as at home drug or alcohol detox services become more widely known. A home detox offers one-on-one support provided by expert medical detox specialists that will ensure a safe and closely monitored detox experience.
There are notable advantages to a home detox, including:
It is important to point out the difference between a do-it-yourself home drug detox and a medically supervised home detox. In nearly all cases, attempting to endure withdrawal symptoms at home without professional or medical support is never recommended. Some substances have particularly dangerous withdrawal symptoms, including alcohol, stimulants, and benzodiazepines. Attempting to detox at home from these substances without medical supervision can actually be life threatening, and will most likely be halted as withdrawal symptoms become intolerable.
A medically supervised detox at home, in contrast, involves the detox and withdrawal process being closely monitored by a physician, who is a board certified addiction specialist, and managed by a trained detox nurse. Withdrawal symptoms will be observed and medication provided as needed over the entire detox period.
In addition to the medical support, a home detox team is trained to provide the emotional support needed. Psychological withdrawal symptoms can be as difficult to endure as the physical symptoms, so it helps to have someone available trained to offer emotional support. With these interventions, the at home drug detox team can stabilize the individual, both physically and emotionally, and prepare him or her for transitioning into active treatment immediately following detox.
Professional detox services make a home detox a safe option. A medical home detox offers a high standard of care and specialized training that ensures timely medical interventions. The detox team will supervise all phases of the detox, with ongoing communication with the supervising physician as the detox proceeds.
A home detox is essentially the same process you would experience within a clinical setting. The main objective of a medical detox is to assist the individual as the presence of drugs or alcohol clears from the body safely and with minimal discomfort.
The doctor overseeing the home detox will create a detox plan based upon a thorough medical and psychological evaluation. This assessment provides key information about the length of history of the substance abuse and the usual level of daily consumption. A physical exam allows the doctor to take into consideration any health conditions that may pose risks during the detox process. The severity of withdrawal symptoms can be somewhat predicted and planned for with this important information.
In general, although each substance has unique withdrawal characteristics, the detox process involves three stages: 1) Emerging symptoms, 2) Peak symptoms, and 3) Subsiding symptoms. Detox can last anywhere from 5 days to 2 weeks and symptoms can range from mild to severe. The trained detox professionals will oversee the detox at home and withdrawal, offering ongoing medical support throughout the process as the individual stabilizes.
Consider these tips for a successful detox at home:
When transitioning from the completed detox at home to the active treatment phase of recovery there are rehab options to consider.
Outpatient treatment: An outpatient treatment program allows the individual to reside in their own home and to participate in therapy, group therapy, meetings, and classes at an outpatient facility for a specified number of hours per week. The intensity of the outpatient program is determined by the severity of the substance use disorder, ranging from about 9 hours per week up to 30 hours per week. On average, outpatient treatment programs are about 3 months in duration.
Residential treatment: A residential treatment program provides the individual with housing at the rehab facility for a specific period of time, usually 1-6 months. During this time the individual participates in individual and group therapy sessions, 12-step or similar recovery meetings, addiction education classes, discussions and presentations, family-focused therapy, and various complementary therapies like art and music therapy, yoga, recreational activities and exercise, and meditation.
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