Many people are nervous and scared to seek help for a substance abuse problem. One of the biggest fears of people seeking treatment is the fear of withdrawal. Rather than going at it alone, asking for help from a drug and alcohol detox in Orono, Maine is the best idea. 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. Most importantly, detox and treatment providers can design individualized treatment plans, allowing you to get the best possible care. 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. Going to a drug and alcohol detox in Orono, Maine will provide you with support from addiction specialists and 24/7 monitoring from medical professionals. Throughout the process, doctors are on-staff to prescribed medications, provide support, and intervene in the event of a medical emergency. There are inpatient and outpatient detox options available. These programs will also refer you to treatment programs, specialty rehabs, and community groups that will help support your lasting recovery.

What to Expect During Detox in Orono, Maine

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

Step 1: Evaluation

Evaluation is the first step of detox in Orono, Maine where you will answer questions about your mental and physical health. 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. During your evaluation, you may have to submit blood tests and provide information about your drug and alcohol use, medical history, any prescriptions you are taking, and more.

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. Depending on your withdrawal symptoms and overall health, medical stabilization may last anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks.

Step 3: Aftercare Planning

Once your withdrawal symptoms fade away and you begin feeling better, it’s time to make a plan for your next steps. Between inpatient, outpatient, and sober living, there are a variety of different treatment options available to you after detox. An addiction counselor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that best meets your needs.

Typical Withdrawal Symptoms

Each individual experiences withdrawal differently and a variety of factors go into the nature of one’s symptoms, how intense their symptoms are, and how long their symptoms persist. 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. 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. The good news is that medical detox centers in Orono, Maine are prepared to help you cope with these symptoms.

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. Recovery is an ongoing process, so even after treatment, you may need to join a local support group or go to a halfway house.

Find a Drug and Alcohol Detox in Orono, 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 centers are able to administer medications, provide support, and make treatment referrals for people struggling with addiction. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Pick up the phone and call today to locate a drug and alcohol detox center in Orono, Maine.