Detox

Your body ridding itself of toxins from substance abuse

What is Detox?

Detox is a phase of treatment where your withdrawal symptoms are managed as your body rids itself of the toxins that developed from using substances. This process can be physically and emotionally uncomfortable, but it’s a necessary step in building your life in recovery. Detox is monitored by physicians to ensure your safety, and treatment professionals will help you begin the rehabilitation process.

More on Detox

After excessive or prolonged use of substances, toxins from those substances build up in your body. Your body adapts to these toxins and the different effects of substances over time. So in the absence of substances, your body must readjust and rebalance in order to continue to function properly. This results in withdrawal symptoms.

Detox, short for detoxification, is the treatment stage where you are monitored as your body rids itself of the toxins that formed from substance use. In some cases, physicians may provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to reduce the negative effects of withdrawal symptoms. While not all of your symptoms can be eliminated, physicians and treatment professionals will work to help you feel more comfortable as you transition away from substance use.

The Detox Process

Detox will begin shortly after you enter treatment. There are three phases:

1. Evaluation

Firstly, you’ll undergo tests and screening to determine the substances you’ve been using, their concentration in your system, and what other conditions you may be suffering from. From there, our support team will create a plan to determine your course of treatment and help you detox safely.

2. Stabilization

This is when we may provide medication-assisted treatment for your withdrawal symptoms and work to mitigate the discomfort you’ll be feeling as your body adjusts.

3. Fostering your entry into treatment

Our team will assess your readiness for entering into the next phase of treatment. We’ll walk you through what it will look like for you to continue your journey to recovery.

Stopping drug and alcohol use is merely the beginning of the rehabilitation process. During the rest of your treatment experience, our caring professionals will equip you with the tools and skills you need to live a fulfilling life without substances. You can learn how to manage any mental health conditions and the physical, mental, or emotional pain that often drives substance use.

What Does the Detox Process Look (and Feel) Like?

Your experience of detox will depend on the severity of your withdrawal, which can be alleviated at points with medication, support, and a comfortable setting.

In some cases, you may develop extreme symptoms that are more intense or last for longer than usual. This is why it’s critical for your withdrawal to be monitored and managed by physicians, as severe cases can be very painful and even life-threatening.

Once your detox is completed, you’ll be able to participate in the full treatment experience.

Your withdrawal symptoms will vary depending on the substances you’ve used and to what extent you’ve used them. But in general, withdrawal symptoms can include the following:

Fatigue (or alternatively, sleeplessness)
Clammy skin or sweating
Increased sensitivity to pain
Disorientation or mental fog
Irritability or agitation
Nausea
Shakiness
Extreme hunger (or loss of appetite)
Depression, anxiety, or paranoia

Detox and Treatment at The Meadows

Here at The Meadows, we provide monitored detox and medication-assisted treatment when necessary, offering comfort and support to those who are starting the process of transitioning away from substance use. Our programs are research-backed and evidence-based, informed by decades of clinical data and therapeutic experience. If you or a loved one is suffering from a substance use condition, contact us today to learn more about our programs and how we can help.

“What is treatment really about? It’s about getting equipped to really care for yourself, to reconnect with yourself and others. You can engage in purposeful activities, create new relationships, and rediscover who you are. You’ll be able to learn and grow as a person and rebuild your life. We love supporting you throughout this experience. Watching the process of life change is humbling, and it simply never gets old. You might believe you can’t change, you can’t grow, you can’t heal, but we’ve seen it happen time and time again. We’re here to encourage you, give you the tools you need, and prepare you for a fulfilling future.”

– The Meadows’ Clinical Director Breanna Mylius

Admissions

Our Admissions team is here to help 24 hours a day and is experienced in assisting others with compassion, dignity, and respect — hallmark values of The Meadows for more than 45 years. The Meadows’ Admissions Specialists are here to help you on your way to a healthier and more productive lifestyle. When you call, they will lead you through a series of questions to determine if The Meadows is a good fit, and how soon your treatment can begin. If you are interested in The Meadows for yourself or a loved one, call or fill out an admissions form today!