Whether you are looking for help for alcohol or drug addiction, there are various options available. You can choose an inpatient or outpatient drug detox center. Read on to learn about the duration of treatment, the symptoms of withdrawal, and the likelihood of completion. You can also choose an outpatient drug or alcohol detox center if you are worried about staying sober.
Outpatient detoxification
An outpatient drug and alcohol detox cycle involves daily visits to a treatment facility, typically for up to three hours. Initially, the patient is evaluated with a medical history, physical exam, and laboratory studies. A medical staff then initiates the detoxification process. Each subsequent session typically lasts 15 to 30 minutes. The entire program can last anywhere from three to 14 days, depending on the severity of the addiction and the length of time the patient needs treatment.
Once a person has successfully completed detoxification, the individual will usually move onto the stabilization stage, where he or she will stop using drugs and alcohol and become medically stable. During this time, medication is often prescribed to ease the painful symptoms of withdrawal. The patient will also be treated for any medical conditions that may be affecting their ability to function normally.
A residential detox is a good option for those who are experiencing serious withdrawal symptoms, or if there are medical complications associated with substance abuse. This type of detox is also ideal for individuals with a home environment that may trigger temptation. It also provides a safe place to recover from the stresses of everyday life.
Tapering
When you start your drug and alcohol detox cycle, you will want to take small steps to reduce your alcohol intake. The goal is to reduce your drinking to the point that you can’t feel the effects of alcohol withdrawal. To do this, you can start by lowering the amount of alcohol you consume each day. This plan can be a gradual process, and should take no longer than a few days. Be sure to keep fluids in your system throughout this time by drinking lots of water and Gatorade. Also, follow a healthy diet and take a multivitamin.
When tapering off alcohol, you should remember that your body will need time to adjust to the decreased amount of alcohol. A typical tapering schedule may involve having three beers per day for the first two days, two beers the second day, and one beer a day after that for six days. If you feel like you can’t handle the tapering process, consider seeking professional help. A medical alcohol detox facility can help you find the right approach.
Symptoms of withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms are uncomfortable and difficult to deal with, but there are ways to cope with them. Withdrawal management techniques and medical detoxification are available to help people manage withdrawal symptoms and stay on the path to recovery. Common withdrawal symptoms include increased sensitivity to light, sounds, and smells. Some people even experience insomnia.
Withdrawal symptoms begin about six to twelve hours after the last drink. Other symptoms can include sweating, nausea, and anxiety. Seizures and hallucinations may develop within twelve to twenty-four hours and may require medical attention. In extreme cases, delirium tremens may also occur.
When dealing with withdrawal from alcohol, staying close to family and friends is critical. It is also important to establish an accountability partner who will call for medical help if needed. It is also a good idea to have a list of important phone numbers on hand. While the best treatment is to quit drinking completely, if you can, make sure you have a supportive environment.
Chance of completion
The likelihood of maintaining sobriety is highest when a patient goes through a full cycle of inpatient and outpatient treatment. However, there are cases where a patient chooses to go through only one phase. In such a case, an outpatient program would be the best option.
