Many people are nervous and scared to seek help for a substance abuse problem. Many addicts and alcoholics fear going into withdrawal and will do anything they can to avoid feeling sick. The best way to start the recovery process is by going to a drug and alcohol detox in Oakland, Maine. You don’t have to recover alone and you don’t have to fear going into withdrawal because addiction professionals are equipped to treat your symptoms and support you in 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. Fortunately, detox and treatment providers are able to create individualized treatment plans, so you can recieve care that is customized to meet your individual needs. Finding a detox center in your area is the first step towards a happier, healthier life.

The Importance of Medically Supervised Detox

If you’re tempted to detox alone, know that doing so can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Attending a drug and alcohol detox in Oakland, Maine gives you access to doctors and clinicians who can provide support, monitor your symptoms, and ensure your safety during detox. Throughout the process, doctors are on-staff to prescribed medications, provide support, and intervene in the event of a medical emergency. Some people detox on an inpatient basis, while others can manage their symptoms through outpatient. Detox centers are also knowledgeable about local rehab providers and recovery resources to help support you after detox.

What to Expect During Detox in Oakland, Maine

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

Step 1: Evaluation

The first thing that will happen when you get to a drug and alcohol detox in Oakland, Maine is a psychiatric and medical evaluation. Comprehensive evaluations help professionals make clinical decisions regarding how they will treat a patient based on their individual needs. 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

After your evaluation, your individual treatment plan will begin. During this stage, patients will receive medications and supportive counseling until their withdrawal symptoms fade away and they are ready to move onto the next phase of treatment. For example, two of the most common medications used during detox to alleviate withdrawal symptoms are Suboxone or benzodiazepines. Depending on your withdrawal symptoms and overall health, medical stabilization may last anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks.

Step 3: Aftercare Planning

After you are completed the medical stabilization phase of detox, the last step is to make a plan for ongoing care. There are many options for treatment after detox, ranging from inpatient and outpatient to sober living or support groups. A drug and alcohol counselor will help you determine which type of rehab program is best 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. Some different factors that determine the duration and severity of withdrawal include how often you use a substance, how long you have been addicted, and whether or not you suffer from any co-occurring disorders. Also, people who abuse alcohol will experience different symptoms than people who are addicted to cocaine. Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms are headache, depression, body aches, chills, sweating, and nausea. The good news is that no matter what your symptoms are, medical detox centers in Oakland, Maine can help you endure them as safely and comfortably as possible.

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. After detox, you may choose to go to an inpatient or outpatient rehab program. Treatment doesn’t cure addiction, either, which is why you may need to go to a sober home or join a recovery support group to stay sober after rehab.

Find a Drug and Alcohol Detox in Oakland, Maine Today

Detox is a serious and important step in the recovery process which is why it should always take place in a medical setting. Throughout the detox process, medical detox centers are able to administer medications, offer emotional support, and refer people to treatment programs. 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 contact one of our substance abuse counselors to get connected with a drug and alcohol detox in Oakland, Maine today.