Top-Rated Alcohol Detox Program in Boston for Union Members
Those with alcohol use disorder struggle to stop drinking initially because of withdrawal symptoms. Not only are they extremely uncomfortable, but they can also be dangerous and life-threatening at times. Alcohol detox programs can provide the type of medical supervision and medications necessary to ensure your safety and comfort while you go through the withdrawal process. Even without a high risk of developing dangerous withdrawal symptoms, medical detox can be beneficial for anyone wanting to stop or reduce their alcohol consumption. Often those who are attempting to cut back or stop drinking on their own will quickly relapse due to cravings and withdrawals. Alcohol detox programs can provide a controlled environment free of alcohol, medications that ease withdrawals and cravings, and emotional support that will ensure your success to stop drinking.
Union First is an employee assistance program for union workers, public service employees, and their families looking for mental health and substance abuse treatment. Our team will match you with top rated alcohol detox programs in Boston based on our evaluation of your unique case. Every person’s struggle with alcohol addiction is unique and success is based on treatment programs that fit your needs. We work with a network of effective, licensed detox centers in Boston and throughout Massachusetts. You can skip hours of online searching and the risk of ending up in the wrong treatment center through our placement services. Our services include insurance verification and we will place you with treatment centers that take your insurance. We are ready to answer any questions you may have and resolve any barriers to addiction treatment you may.
What is Alcohol Detox Like?
For many people struggling to stop drinking, alcohol detox is the best first step in addiction recovery. Once we have placed you with the right treatment program, you will begin the admissions process. Union First works with a wide variety of treatment centers which will meet your needs, insurance plan, and budget if there are any out-of-pocket costs. Treatment facilities can range from clinical settings to non-hospital environments which may even resemble a five-star resort. Most rehab centers are quite comfortable and will offer private or semi-private residences. A team of clinicians will monitor your vitals around the clock and administer medications as withdrawal symptoms come up.
Alcohol detox can be rough but know that medications can greatly ease discomforts of withdrawal and you will begin to feel better soon. Alcohol addiction can cause severe nutritional deficiencies and detox programs may begin to include nutritional supplements and meals that will begin to correct these imbalances. Once you begin to feel well enough, alcohol rehab centers with detox programs may begin to incorporate individual therapy sessions, group counseling, 12 step meetings, recreational activities and holistic therapies.
What to Expect During Detox?
Upon admission, a team of clinicians will conduct a thorough physical and psychological evaluation to have a better idea of what you may expect during the withdrawal process and prepare a personalized treatment plan. Once you are checked into your room, a team of doctors and nurses will monitor your vitals around the clock and provide you with IV fluids to ensure detox is going as planned. The medical team will administer medications as withdrawals come up. Medications you can expect include benzodiazepines to ease anxiety and reduce the risk of seizures, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, Clonidine and beta-blockers to reduce high blood pressure and rapid heartbeat, and Naltrexone to ease cravings. They may also use over the counter medications like antidiarrheal and anti nausea medications.
As your symptoms begin to get better, you may begin individual therapy and group therapy sessions to treat the underlying causes of addiction. It is important to note that alcohol detox will help you stop drinking in the short run, but rarely is it sufficient for long-term recovery. You should continue with a comprehensive alcohol rehab after detox to treat the psychological and behavioral aspects of alcohol addiction.
How Long is Detox?
Alcohol detox will vary in length depending on several factors, such as patterns of alcohol abuse, physical health, mental health, concurrent use of other substances, and past addiction or detox history. In general, you can expect alcohol detox to last between 7 to 10 days, but it can be longer. Some people may experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) which involves mild, lingering withdrawals for weeks or months after, such as anxiety, depression, and fatigue.
It is difficult to predict the detox timeline in everyone, however a general idea of what to expect may look like the following:
First six to twelve hours after stopping drinking: mild symptoms such as small tremors, anxiety, headaches, insomnia and digestive issues may start.
Within 24 hours after stopping drinking: visual, auditory, and tactile hallucinations may start.
24 to 72 hours after stopping drinking: acute symptoms will peak and you will start to feel better soon. Delirium tremens and seizure risk is at its highest during this time.
Symptoms of Alcohol Detox
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are due to the body becoming physically dependent on alcohol and not knowing how to regulate itself when alcohol is not present. This hyper-aroused state can increase anxiety, blood pressure, and heart rate. Detox symptoms can include:
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Disorientation
- Extreme hallucinations
In rare cases Delirium Tremens (the most dangerous and serious effects of alcohol withdrawal which requires immediate medical care).
Acute Detox
When alcohol withdrawals are at risk for life-threatening or critical conditions it is referred to as acute detox. Those with severe alcohol addictions are at highest risk for developing dangerous withdrawal symptoms which may need emergency medical care. Acute detox should be done in a medical detox facility or hospital to ensure safety through medications and medical personnel available around the clock. Fatal side effects of alcohol withdrawal include seizures, respiratory failure, delirium tremens, and cardiac arrest. A medical team will not only provide medications to prevent these high risk situations they can also quickly act in the case of a medical emergency.
Sub Acute Detox
Those who are not at high risk for severe alcohol withdrawal usually have been dealing with milder addictions. They will not require around the clock medical care but would still benefit from a medical detox program who can provide medications and emotional support to make the withdrawal much easier. Some detox centers also offer outpatient alcohol detox which involves the ability to meet with your doctor and pick up medications every few days as you go through alcohol withdrawal at home. You should be in good health, have access to a sober environment, and a good support network for outpatient detox.
Union First Helps Our Clients Keep Their Job While Undergoing Behavioral Health Treatment
Part of our services at Union First is ensuring your job is protected while you receive addiction and mental health treatment. Most union workers are unaware of their rights under federal and state laws that protect their employment status, salary, and benefits when struggling with substance use disorders. Our experts know the ins and outs of these laws and how to use them. We will make sure you can take the adequate amount of time off without fear of losing your job or benefits as well as you do not face any repercussions solely on the fact that you have alcohol use disorder. Our wish is that no union member ever struggles with wanting to get treatment for their alcohol addiction solely because of the fear of losing their job. We want you to always put yourself and your health above your job.
Why Choose Union First for Alcohol Detox
When you choose Union First for alcohol detox programs, you will have access to the best detox centers in Boston. We can eliminate hours of online searching attempting to find reputable detox centers that fit your needs and take your insurance. The quicker you get into treatment, the better your chances are of recovery. Our case management services will look at your case individually and ensure that we find you the best treatment center for your specific needs possible. We are also there for you every step of the way. As mentioned, medical detox is rarely sufficient to stop alcohol addiction in the long run. Our experts can also find you effective, licensed alcohol rehab programs and aftercare programs in Boston and throughout Massachusetts.
Going through Union First for all alcohol addiction needs also gives you access to several of our other services including job protection and telehealth services. We will ensure your job is protected while you get addiction treatment and give you access to telehealth services quickly. Our telehealth services include a private network of over 40 treatment providers and we can get you an appointment within 24 to 48 hours. We also offer training modules to provide union leaders and their members education and tools on how to manage mental health disorders and substance abuse.
If you or your family members are struggling with alcohol addiction, please give us a call today so we can get you the right treatment fast. We are available to answer your calls 24/7.
