What to Expect During Medical Detox

Detoxing from drugs or alcohol can be a difficult physical and emotional process. Therefore, knowing what to expect during medical detox is essential to prepare you for the challenges ahead. In this blog post, we will discuss the different phases of medical detoxification (detox) and what you can expect during each one. We will also talk about the importance of seeking professional help during detox to keep you or your loved one safe and comfortable.

What is Detox?

Medical detox is the first step in treating a substance use disorder. This process usually occurs in hospitals, detox facilities, or residential treatment facilities. At Restored Path Detox, we provide the option of detoxing in a standalone, state-of-the-art facility to maximize the comfort of our patients.

Drug detox is a process that helps your body rid itself of the toxins associated with drug use. When you stop using drugs, your body is suddenly bombarded with various chemicals that it has to eliminate. This can lead to uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Detoxification that is medically supervised can help ease these symptoms and make the process of quitting drugs less difficult and painful.

The detox process can result in a range of physical and psychological symptoms. Because of this, we monitor patients 24/7 so that we can make in-the-moment adjustments to a patient’s detox plan.

Physical Withdrawal Symptoms may include:

• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Sweating
• Physical weakness
• Shaking or tremors

Psychological Withdrawal Symptoms may include:

• Nervousness
• Anxiety
• Tension or worry
• Dysphoria
• Serious Withdrawal Symptoms

Potentially Life-Threatening Withdrawal Symptoms may include:

• Dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea
• Rapid breathing
• Delirium tremens, or DTs (a cluster of intense withdrawal symptoms, including seizures)
• Severe depression or anxiety leading to suicidal ideation
• Increased heart rate or irregular heartbeat
• Severe trembling

What are the Phases of Detox?

The first phase of detoxing from alcohol or drugs is the withdrawal phase. This is when your body begins to adjust to the absence of drugs or alcohol. During this phase, you will likely experience a variety of symptoms as your body adjusts to being without drugs or alcohol. These symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, shaking, and anxiety. The severity of your symptoms will depend on the substance you are detoxing from and how long you have been using it. It is important to remember that withdrawal symptoms are temporary and will eventually subside.

The second phase of detox is the stabilization phase. During this phase, your body will begin to adjust to being without drugs or alcohol, and your symptoms will start to improve. You may still experience some physical and emotional discomfort during this time, but it should be less severe than during the withdrawal phase. You may also start to see some improvement in your physical health during this phase. This is a good time to start thinking about your next steps in treatment, such as entering a rehabilitation program. During this phase, we encourage you to begin attending our supportive counseling, both individually and in groups.

The third and final phase of detox is the recovery phase. During this phase, your body has fully adjusted to being without drugs or alcohol, and you will begin to feel better physically and emotionally. This is when you will start to feel like yourself again. You will have more energy, and your mood will improve. You may also start to see some changes in your physical appearance, such as weight loss or an increase in muscle mass.

This is a necessary time to focus on your recovery and begin making plans for your future. If you have not already done so, this is a good time to seek professional help from a treatment center or therapist. Recovery is a lifelong process, but it starts with taking the first step of seeking help.

How Long Does Detox Last?

Detox typically takes between 4 and 10 days on average. Different people experience this differently, and it depends on a variety of factors, including:

• Amount of alcohol/drugs consumed
• Length of time alcohol/drugs have been used
• The state of their physical and mental well-being

At Restored Path Detox, we do a complete assessment of our patients at admission so that we can customize their detox experience and make sure to provide the exact care each patient requires.

Why is Medical Detox Important?

Medical detox is an important step for those struggling with drug addiction. We provide a safe and comfortable detoxification environment, which helps reduce the risk of relapse. When someone detoxes from drugs or alcohol on their own, they experience uncomfortable and dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Having medical professionals on hand 24/7 ensures that these symptoms are monitored and managed safely and comfortably. This can make all the difference in a successful detox.

Detox is just the first step in treating a substance use disorder. After you have detoxed from the drugs, you will need to address the underlying causes of alcohol or other drug use. This may mean a combination of therapy, medication, and support groups. You may also begin or continue working with a therapist during this time. We provide all of our patients with a continuing care plan to make an easy transition to their next phase of recovery. Referring professionals are a critical component of this process.

The Solution at Restored Path Detox

Recovery is possible with the right help and support from an alcohol and drug detox in Dallas. If you or someone you know is struggling with a substance use disorder, please seek help. Our compassionate medical team and therapists want you to get well and are committed to removing any existing barriers to your care. There are resources available to you, and there is hope for a better future.

 

Restored Path Detox is DFW’s premier location for medically supervised drug and alcohol detox. Conveniently located in Frisco, we provide a safe sanctuary for healing that is also a state-of-the-art detoxification facility for a wide range of substances. Our compassionate physicians and therapists want you to get well and are committed to removing any existing barriers to your care. Restored Path’s team of board-certified physicians and highly qualified RNs have extensive critical care experience and are available to monitor your detox program 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you or a loved one are struggling with drug or alcohol use, call us today and take your first step towards recovery: 469-827-0000.