Understanding the Stages of Detox

Overcoming addiction often requires professional help, and that’s why rehab facilities are ready to provide you with their valuable services. While psychotherapy is typically the form of therapeutic care that helps clients identify their unwanted behaviors, emotions, and thought patterns — as well as change them and learn healthy coping mechanisms — medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can also be essential for the comfort and safety of some. Detoxification and withdrawal from addictive substances can be difficult and painful for some clients struggling with substance use disorders (SUDs). Fortunately, MAT can be the difference between them quitting the rehab process early and completing their customized addiction treatment program.

If you’re searching for Florida addiction treatment programs that are comprehensive, reach out to Coalition Recovery today. Call 888.707.2873 or contact our team online.

What Are the Benefits of Medical Detox?

Many rehab experts recommend medically assisted detox for clients struggling with SUDs, especially for long-term or severe cases of addiction. The benefits of detoxing in this way include the following:

• 24-hour medical supervision: A team comprised of certified, trained, and licensed medical professionals monitor the health and well-being of clients undergoing detox in an addiction treatment facility.
• Comfort: MAT’s primary goal is to reduce the pain and increase the comfort of clients during addiction treatment so they can focus on recovery.
• Higher chance of successful addiction recovery: Studies show that medically assisted detox leads to a higher chance of overcoming SUD and living in sobriety, compared to detoxing alone without the support of a rehab facility’s staff.
• Quick care adjustments: If a client’s health and well-being take a dip, the staff can intervene right away and either adjust prescription medication dosages or give a client over-the-counter (OTC) medications to counteract discomforting withdrawal symptoms.
• Safety and security: Medical supervision and support also improve the safety of clients, as well as their feeling of security. When cravings arise, the clients are also secure in the rehab facility and don’t have access to addictive substances they can use to relapse.

While some SUDs have U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications that can be used for drug replacement therapy — such as buprenorphine and methadone for treating opioid use disorder — some instances of MAT can simply support detoxification, such as disulfiram for treating alcohol use disorder. Some OTC and prescription medications can also help clients deal with withdrawal symptoms, such as loperamide for diarrhea. Intravenous (IV) treatments can also be used to rehydrate or restore nutrients in the body.

What Are the Stages of Medical Detox?

The stages of detoxification in most rehab facilities are as follows:

1. Assessment

Detoxification is a process that happens early in a comprehensive addiction treatment program, but often not before a client is assessed, evaluated, and diagnosed with a SUD. Assessment and evaluation can include interviews, medical tests, and even written exams. The details for these requirements help a rehab team make a diagnosis and recommend a customized addiction treatment program.

2. Stabilization

In most cases, clients take their last dose of the addiction substance of their choice before getting admitted into a rehab facility for medical detoxification. In a rehab facility, they’ll have access to 24-hour medical support and supervision. This will help stabilize their overall health despite the effects of withdrawal symptoms they may experience during this time. This may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

3. Transition into further rehab treatment

Detox is not a “cure” for addiction. In fact, further treatment is typically recommended for clients who already require detox because of their SUDs. Further rehab treatment can be inpatient or outpatient. It may also be age-specific, gender-specific, trauma-informed, and designed specifically for dual diagnosis cases.

When Should You Consider a Comprehensive Addiction Treatment Program?

Now that you know what the benefits of detox in a rehab facility are, you may be considering a comprehensive addiction treatment program for yourself or someone you care about. Professional help like this is often the ideal next step after observing signs of addiction in someone — even if that someone is you.

Remember that a SUD isn’t a sign of weakness. Even people who are highly successful and well-adjusted can develop an addiction. Seeking professional help is not just ideal but also essential in some cases. It’s not easy to overcome addiction without the help of professionals with training and experience to handle rehab issues.

Ready To Learn More About Coalition Recovery’s Addiction Treatment Programs in Florida?

If you’re looking for comprehensive addiction treatment programs in Florida, contact Coalition Recovery today. Reach out to our team online or call 888.707.2873.