Asking for help for a substance abuse problem is a scary decision for most people. Many addicts and alcoholics fear going into withdrawal and will do anything they can to avoid feeling sick. Getting help from a drug and alcohol detox in Houlton, Maine can make the process easier. Rather than staying in fear of withdrawal, medical professionals can support you while you detox and set you up with a plan for recovery. Despite how hopeless you may feel, it’s completely possible to get sober and stay sober with the help of a comprehensive detox and rehabilitation program. More importantly, addiction counselors can create customized treatment plans that meet your unique needs. Take the first step towards recovery today by finding a professional detox center near you.

The Importance of Medically Supervised Detox

Regardless of what substance you are addicted to, trying to detox at home is never a good idea. When you attend a professional detox center in Houlton, Maine, you have access to doctors and addiction specialists who can monitor your symptoms and support you throughout the process. Throughout the process, doctors are on-staff to prescribed medications, provide support, and intervene in the event of a medical emergency. There are both inpatient and outpatient detox options available. Detox centers are also knowledgeable about local rehab providers and recovery resources to help support you after detox.

What to Expect During Detox in Houlton, Maine

Detox typically involves three steps: an initial evaluation, medical stabilization, and planning for ongoing care.

Step 1: Evaluation

The first step of detox in Houlton, Maine is the evaluation where a professional gathers medical and psychiatric information. Evaluations are one of the most important steps because this is what helps doctors identify your treatment needs and create a detox plan that works best for you. If necessary, doctors may order blood work, but they usually just ask you questions about your medical history, drug and alcohol use, withdrawal symptoms, and any other relevant health information.

Step 2: Medical Stabilization

The actual process of detoxing begins after completing the initial evaluation. This is when patients take their prescribed medications, eat a healthy diet, and are monitored until their withdrawal symptoms subside. For example, two of the most common medications used during detox to alleviate withdrawal symptoms are Suboxone or benzodiazepines. Depending on your situation, this phase may last anywhere from a couple days to two weeks.

Step 3: Aftercare Planning

Once a medical professional deems you clinically stable, the next step is to plan for further treatment. Between inpatient, outpatient, and sober living, there are a variety of different treatment options available to you after detox. At the end of detox, an addictions counselor will help you choose the right aftercare plan for you.

Typical Withdrawal Symptoms

The types of symptoms experienced, how intense the symptoms are, and how long they last depend on a number of factors that are unique to each individual. How long a person has used a substance, how often they use it and in what amount, and their overall health are all factors that determine the severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms. Different symptoms will occur for different drugs, for example, opioid withdrawal looks different than alcohol withdrawal. In general, some common symptoms you can expect during detox include headache, depression, irritability, body aches, nausea, vomiting, chills, and sweating. Fortunately, medical detox centers in Houlton, Maine have the staff and resources necessary to make withdrawal as bearable as possible. On the bright side, drug and alcohol detox centers in Houlton, Maine specialize in helping people get through withdrawal safely and comfortably.

Creating a Plan to Stay Sober After Detox

Addiction is a disease characterized by compulsive behaviors and relapse, so detox alone is rarely sufficient if people want to stay sober. Two options you have after detox are inpatient and outpatient treatment. Even treatment can’t cure addiction, which is why treatment doesn’t stop there. After rehab, be prepared to go to sober living or join a sober support group.

Find a Drug and Alcohol Detox in Houlton, Maine Today

Detoxification is an important and serious first step towards recovery and it should always take place in a medical detox environment. Medical detox programs can provide you with medical care, emotional support, and treatment planning throughout the detox process. If you or a loved one are suffering from addiction, there is no better time to ask for help than right now. Contact one of our dedicated treatment providers today to find a drug and alcohol detox center in Houlton, Maine.