Detox is a natural process that involves the body working to remove the built-up toxins from drugs and alcohol. Like any other symptoms, it moves through the body based on metabolism rates and other factors. For those with addiction, a detox program that offers medications to ease withdrawal symptoms makes this process a bit easier to manage. At Blueprint Recovery, recognize that the detox process does not happen alone. Rather, it is the start of therapy.
What Happens in the Detox Process?
The detox process begins when a person stops using drugs and alcohol. At that time, the drugs in the system are processed and, over the coming days, are removed from the body. There are elements of those drugs tucked into cells and found in organ tissue. It takes some time for all of those substances to leave. That does not mean the detox process is over.
The initial stage of the detox process is called acute withdrawal. During this process, a person feels physical changes happening and often experiences withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Muscle and bone pain
- Difficult with sleep
- Headaches
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Nausea and vomiting
This process can last from a few days to up to two weeks. It tends to get better over time. The second phase is called post-acute withdrawal symptoms. It begins at some time between two weeks after a person stops using or as long as several months after. During this process, the brain is healing. It is learning to readjust to the lack of drugs and alcohol present. That means changes in function that often results in withdrawal symptoms as well. This time, the symptoms tend to be related to mental health and emotional well-being, such as anxiety, depression, paranoia, and stress.
How Does a Detox Program Help?
The detox process takes time as the body changes, but medications can help to improve the process. For example, some medications minimize the physical and emotional symptoms a person has so much that they don’t feel bad. They are able to work through treatment, engage with others through counseling and group sessions, and start to heal. Because these medications are in place, it’s possible to begin psychotherapy sooner. This may even help make a person more likely to engage in treatment.
A detox program does not wait weeks for the withdrawal symptoms to pass to start this type of treatment. Rather, it begins right away. Individual and group therapy sessions, holistic care, cognitive behavioral therapy, and many other treatments are available sooner. This helps ensure a person is getting help as soon as possible to reverse the damage caused by addiction.
How Does Blueprint Recovery Aid the Detox Process?
With a combination of treatment programs and therapies, our team works closely with individuals to help them through the process. We use medication-assisted treatment, which uses medications to help ease symptoms while also limiting cravings. This may minimize the onset of relapse.
The key to embracing the treatment options here is to call for help. That means reaching out to learn which type of therapy may provide the best level of care. With a range of treatment programs, like the following, most people can see improvement sooner:
- Men’s rehab center
- Women’s rehab center
- Partial hospitalization program
- Intensive outpatient program
- Outpatient treatment program
Take the First Step: Contact Blueprint Recovery Today
There is no way to rush the detox process. Within a detox program, the process can take some time, but it can prove to be well worth the investment because it aids in limiting withdrawal symptoms. At Blueprint Recovery, we provide medication-assisted treatment to encourage this process. To learn more, call us at 833.654.1004 or connect with us online.
