Drug and alcohol abuse literally changes your brain, so before you can begin to process any beneficial information you take in during treatment, you need to detox. Medical detoxification safely manages the acute physical symptoms of withdrawal associated with stopping drug or alcohol use.
Addiction is not a behavior or bad habit, it is a disease. That’s why most people need clinical and medical intervention to succeed in long-term recovery. Some people attempt to quit on their own, often going “cold turkey,” but this can be dangerous. Even if you successfully detox, the process will be more painful without the benefit of medical supervision and intervention.
Arguably, one of the most dangerous periods is the initial detox from drugs or alcohol. Patients can experience a host of symptoms from nausea and body aches to irritability, depression, and lack of concentration. There is also a second, lesser-known phase of withdrawal that begins when the detox/acute withdrawal phase ends. This post-acute withdrawal period can last for weeks or even months — the duration can depend on the intensity and frequency of a person’s addiction as well as the substance used. Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) is a constellation of uncomfortable symptoms that persist even after all physical traces of drugs or alcohol have left the body and brain. Fortunately, most of these symptoms can be managed or alleviated in a medical detox setting.
At Serenity View, we offer a full medical detox and sub-acute detox, using non-addictive medications and other natural methods to manage withdrawal symptoms. While patients may experience some discomfort, our goal is to make them as comfortable as possible while helping them safely get off drugs or alcohol.
Patients on detox status have a limited schedule, allowing them to mainly rest for the first few days while being carefully monitored. Our detox program includes 24-hour nursing, with vitals checked at regular intervals around the clock. Our trained medical team, which includes an MD, RNs, nurse practitioners and other professionals, has the experience to know what to watch for as they help patients through this critical period.
Our medical team has a wide range of experience, which benefits our patients. If someone is going through PAWS, they can coach them through both the physical and emotional symptoms. Withdrawal brings with it a lot of volatility to moods and emotions. Our experts can help patients differentiate between physical and emotional, not just treating them but educating them about the addiction process along the way.
If you or a loved one would like to know more about treatment at Serenity View Recovery Center, please give us a call to speak to one of our trained intake coordinators for assistance.
Call 833-757-5697