What Happens at A Detox Center?

The first step for substance abuse recovery may be detoxing from drugs and alcohol. Withdrawal can be quite uncomfortable, painful, and in some cases deadly. A medical detox center is a great option for those wanting to quit substance abuse. Through medication-assisted treatment, you can go through withdrawals comfortably and safely. So what is drug detox like in Philadelphia Pennsylvania?

A good detox center in Philadelphia Pennsylvania will give you a thorough physical and psychological assessment upon admission, so their medical personnel can create a personalized medical detoxification treatment plan for you. There are several levels of drug and alcohol detox programs, but many choose an inpatient treatment program in Philadelphia. During medical detox inpatient treatment, you will be monitored 24/7 by medical staff so they can administer medication management once withdrawal symptoms start and also act in the case of a medical emergency. Withdrawal symptoms are different for each substance, but in general, you can expect:

  • Sweating
  • Shaking and shivering
  • Nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Muscle and bone aches and pains
  • Abdominal cramping
  • Headaches
  • Increased heart rate
  • Fatigue
  • Sleep issues
  • Anxiety, depression, and irritability
  • Paranoia
  • Extreme cravings
  • Hallucination, seizures, and deliriums are also possible with some substances

Outpatient treatment is also available, where you will come to the treatment center to pick up your medications every few days and detox at home. This is better suited for more mild addictions to drugs and alcohol.

Click here for job protection & behavioral health, call Union First today at (855) 215-2023.

How Long Does It Take to Detox?

The drug detox process is unique to each individual. Typically, it can last between 7 to 10 days, however certain factors will influence how long the process lasts and how severe symptoms will be, including how much drugs and alcohol you have been consuming, the length of addiction, any co-occurring disorders, and your overall health. This is just the first step in an addiction treatment program. Once medical detox is complete, you can transition into various levels of care in rehab programs which will give you the best chance for long-term addiction recovery.

Withdrawal Management During Detox

Management of withdrawal symptoms is primarily done through medication management. Some of these are just over-the-counter medications such as anti-nausea and anti-diarrhea medications. Others are only available through prescription. Medication Assisted Treatment in medical detox is used to stop withdrawal symptoms, and cravings, and sometimes they are used to have an adverse reaction if someone ingests drugs and alcohol. For example, during opioid detox, you may be prescribed Methadone to stop opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed as well to help with anxiety and as an anti-seizure medication.

During drug and alcohol detox, you may also start other addiction treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, and group therapy. Many emotions may come out during drug detox from drugs and alcohol and it is important to have a support system available during that time

Union First Can Help You Find Drug Detox in Philadelphia Pennsylvania

Union First helps union members find detox centers and drug rehab centers in Philadelphia. Our team of experts will look at your cases and connect you with a treatment facility that fits your needs. Finding the right drug addiction treatment program can be difficult and confusing, but we are here to help guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have about addiction recovery treatment. Union First also helps secure your job while you get behavioral health treatment and will help you fill out proper paperwork while keeping in communication with your employer. If you or someone you love is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, please give us a call today.

Click here for job protection & behavioral health, call Union First today at (855) 215-2023.