Deciding to get help for drug or alcohol addiction is terrifying for most. Of course, drug and alcohol withdrawal is something that many addicts avoid at all costs, and is one reason why so many delay getting sober. The best way to start the recovery process is by going to a drug and alcohol detox in Norway, Maine. Rather than staying in fear of withdrawal, medical professionals can support you while you detox and set you up with a plan for recovery. By taking advantage of detox medications, support from peers, and evidence-based treatment, you can attain long-term sobriety. More importantly, addiction counselors can create customized treatment plans that meet your unique needs. The first step is to locate a medical detox center in your area.

The Importance of Medically Supervised Detox

If you’re tempted to detox alone, know that doing so can be dangerous and even life-threatening. When you attend a professional detox center in Norway, 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. You can either choose an inpatient or outpatient setting for detox. When you go to medical detox, they can also refer you to treatment programs and sober housing where you can continue your recovery after detox.

What to Expect During Detox in Norway, Maine

The detox process can be broken down into three distinct steps: evaluation, stabilization, and treatment planning.

Step 1: Evaluation

The first step of detox in Norway, 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. Medical stabilization refers to the phase of detox where patients take medications and participate in therapy until their withdrawal symptoms have run their course. For example, two of the most common medications used during detox to alleviate withdrawal symptoms are Suboxone or benzodiazepines. This step of the detox process can last anywhere from three days to two weeks depending on your unique withdrawal symptoms and overall health.

Step 3: Aftercare Planning

Once a medical professional deems you clinically stable, the next step is to plan for further treatment. There are many different options for treating addiction after detox, including inpatient, outpatient, sober living, and support groups. An addiction counselor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that best meets your needs.

Typical Withdrawal Symptoms

There are numerous factors that determine which withdrawal symptoms you have, how severe they are, and how long they last. 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. Depending on which substance you are addicted to, you may experience different symptoms than the person next to you. Among the most common withdrawal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, sweating, chills, body aches, fever, headache, and depression. Fortunately, medical detox centers in Norway, Maine have the staff and resources necessary to make withdrawal as bearable as possible. On the bright side, drug and alcohol detox centers in Norway, Maine specialize in helping people get through withdrawal safely and comfortably.

Creating a Plan to Stay Sober After Detox

Detox doesn’t cure addiction - nothing does - which is why detox is only the first step in the treatment process. After detox, you may choose to go to an inpatient or outpatient rehab program. 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 Norway, 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. Pick up the phone and call today to locate a drug and alcohol detox center in Norway, Maine.