Drug detoxification, commonly referred to as “detox,” is when all traces of substances are removed from the body. For most, detox is the first step toward recovery from substance use disorder and is followed by a comprehensive addiction treatment program. When you are ready to begin the journey to recovery, choosing the right drug and alcohol detox center to meet your needs is critical. It is easy to feel overwhelmed with so many options, especially when stressed over an urgent need for treatment, but you should take time to research your options.
At Northpoint Seattle, we know addiction impacts everyone differently. Suppose you are questioning the need for detox. In that case, we can help you feel prepared by explaining the detox process, continuum of care, stages of addiction recovery, and what to expect from your individualized treatment. Reach our team today at 888.483.6031 to learn more about drug and alcohol detox in Seattle.
Preparing for Drug Detox
Most people who suffer from addiction want help but face numerous obstacles. The fear of withdrawal is often the biggest hindrance to seeking treatment. The fear of coping with life without drugs or alcohol is also a powerful demotivator when it comes to seeking help. Paying for treatment and receiving treatment while managing work and family obligations are other significant obstacles.
A medically supervised detox is the recommended first step toward recovery because it involves removing all drugs and alcohol from your system. Withdrawal symptoms are different for everyone and depend on factors like the type of substance, length of use, and amount in your system upon arrival at detox. Withdrawal from certain substances, particularly alcohol and opioids, can be dangerous and life-threatening without a medically supervised detox.
When preparing for drug detox, avoid any treatment program that offers 100% success. Addiction is a treatable chronic disease but has no definitive cure. So what should you look for in a detox center? Essential features include:
- Proper licensing, certifications, and accreditations
- Comfortable and safe facilities
- Evidence-based interventions and treatments
- A multidisciplinary treatment team
- Low patient-to-staff ratios
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Aftercare treatment planning services
As you prepare for drug and alcohol detox and subsequent treatment, it is normal to feel stressed and worried about handling personal responsibilities and family obligations. The more thorough you are in dealing with these matters before you leave, the more you will be able to focus on treatment, and the better off you’ll be following treatment. Additionally, outpatient treatment options allow you to receive the help you need while still tending to the obligations of daily life.
Understanding the Drug Detox Process
Understanding the types of detox treatments available and knowing what to expect can help alleviate fears about detoxing. Withdrawal symptoms are not easy to manage alone. Detox is most successful when experienced, caring medical and clinical professionals monitor the process.
Detox begins with a complete medical assessment to gather information about the details of your addiction and your medical history. Honesty is a crucial factor in this process because this information forms the basis of your personalized detox plan. The team working with you throughout your detox needs to have the most accurate information to ensure the safety and success of your detox.
During detox, you will be cared for by a team of medical and clinical professionals. The average length of detox is from seven to ten days. However, several factors contribute to this, including:
- General physical and mental health
- Type of substance(s)
- Duration of addiction
- Severity of addiction
- Method of abuse (injecting, snorting, swallowing, etc.)
- The severity of withdrawal symptoms
Many people attempt to detox at home by going cold turkey or using over-the-counter detox kits. While this might work for some milder addictions, the overall success rate is low, and with more severe levels of addiction can be dangerous and even life-threatening. When you are ready to detox, it is best to speak with professionals about your options.
Contact Northpoint Seattle’s Drug Detox Center in Seattle
If you or a loved one is suffering from a substance use disorder, finding a safe and effective detox program is often the first step on the path to recovery. Drug and alcohol detox is not a cure for addiction. However, detox frees you from physical dependence, clearing the way to uncover and work through the roots of your substance abuse or addiction in our partial hospitalization program (PHP), intensive outpatient program (IOP), or traditional outpatient program (OP). Contact Northpoint Seattle today at 888.483.6031 to take the first step toward a lifetime of recovery.