Did you know over 100 thousand people overdosed on drugs in the United States in 2021? With potent drugs like fentanyl making their way into the drug supply, finding a rehab program and a way out of addiction is more important than ever.
If you live in California, have you considered getting help with your alcohol or drug detox? Have you ever wondered what happens during the detox process?
Read on to learn more about how to get help at a drug detox center in California.
Intake Exam
Whether you go to rehab of your own volition or you have a court order, you will immediately have an intake exam. A team of doctors and specialists will conduct a thorough process before you begin your program.
You will likely have an interview, either by yourself or with family and friends. Then, your medical team will take you through a psychological and physical evaluation to determine your level of addiction.
The intake exam is very important because it can create a baseline and establish what type of care you may need. You will also meet some of the professionals you will work with for the duration of your program.
The Detox Process
If you need to go through detox, you will begin after the initial intake interview. The detox process can vary depending on your level of dependence, and what substances you are addicted to.
Supervised detox is a good way to get the drugs and alcohol out of your system, while still being in a safe environment. Some drugs or alcohol can cause death during the detox process, so support may be necessary.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Once you haven’t had access to your substance of choice, you will begin to experience withdrawals. The symptoms and severity of your withdrawals depend on your level of tolerance and your preferred substance.
Some of the most common symptoms of withdrawal include:
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures
- Irritability
Stay in communication with your doctors if you experience any of these symptoms, so they can make you more comfortable during the process.
Medically Assisted Detox
When you detox at home, you will likely feel very uncomfortable or even experience pain. It can be difficult to detox on your own, and you are more likely to turn to drugs and alcohol to stop the detox symptoms.
However, in a rehab program, you will have medical professionals to support you through the detox. This is called medically assisted detox.
You may not be allowed to contact your loved ones during the detox period. Your doctors may also prescribe you drugs to take during the detox so you don’t suffer serious side effects.
Some of these drugs include anti-seizure medicine, medicine to reduce anxiety, or methadone for those addicted to opioids. Under proper supervision, you can still use prescription medication and manage your withdrawal effectively.
The Detox Timeline
Your doctors may give you an estimated timeline of how long it will take the drugs or alcohol to completely leave your system. However, this completely depends on your drug tolerance, your weight, and many other factors.
For instance, if alcohol is your substance of choice, you will likely stop experiencing withdrawal symptoms around five to seven days after you quit drinking.
For opioids, like prescription painkillers or heroin, it usually takes a week or more to completely withdraw from the drugs.
Even after the initial withdrawal symptoms subside, it’s important to remember that this is only the beginning of the recovery process if you want to maintain long-term sobriety.
Types of Rehab Programs
The two main types of rehab programs are inpatient rehab and outpatient rehab. The one you choose depends on how much help you need, financial coverage, and many other factors.
Inpatient rehab is the most popular choice because it gives patients access to help and resources at all hours of the day. It also limits their contact with the outside world and lessens the chances of relapse while they are in the program.
Inpatient rehab is commonly referred to as a residential program. This is because the patients become residents of the facility for a designated period of time.
Outpatient rehab is a better option for people who may not be able to afford inpatient. They can go to several sessions per week and work with their medical team to manage their addiction at home.
Mental Health Services
Mental healthcare is another key component of your rehab program. Many people with addiction suffer from mental health problems like depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, or even schizophrenia.
A therapist will be able to help you find healthy coping mechanisms when you begin to experience uncomfortable feelings. Rather than turning to drugs or alcohol, you can find a different method of dealing with problems.
If you have a serious mental health disorder, you may also need to meet with a psychiatrist. Sometimes, going on medication will keep your symptoms at bay and allow you to live a normal life.
Ongoing Support
After the detox process and completion of your rehab program, you will still need support to avoid falling back into addiction.
You may need regular therapy appointments to ensure you are on the right track. Sometimes, group or family therapy can be a good solution for dealing with generational trauma or family substance abuse issues.
For extra support, consider joining a recovery group in your area. Alcoholics Anonymous is a popular one, and you can find meetings regularly, especially if you live in a populous area.
Find a Drug Detox Center in California
If you have a problem with drug or alcohol addiction, you should not have to worry any longer. With this guide, you can find a drug detox center in California and begin your road to recovery.
Oasis Detox is the perfect place to begin the detox process. With our dedicated team of specialists, you’ll be in the right hands for your alcohol or drug detox. Contact us today if you are in the Los Angeles area and want to get help.
