Asking for help for a substance abuse problem is a scary decision for most people. One of the biggest fears of people seeking treatment is the fear of withdrawal. Getting help from a drug and alcohol detox in Oxford, Maine can make the process easier. You don’t have to let the fear of withdrawal stop you because detox centers have doctors on-staff who can help reduce your symptoms and set you up with a treatment plan for lasting sobriety. 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. Most importantly, drug and alcohol treatment providers can set you up with a treatment plan that is unique to your individual needs, goals, and beliefs. The first step is to locate a medical detox center in your area.

The Importance of Medically Supervised Detox

Regardless of what substance you are addicted to, trying to detox at home is never a good idea. Attending a drug and alcohol detox in Oxford, 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. There are inpatient and outpatient detox options available. Detox programs can also refer you to treatment providers and community programs that can help you stay sober after finishing detox.

What to Expect During Detox in Oxford, Maine

Detox programs can be divided into three separate phases, including evaluation, stabilization, and treatment planning.

Step 1: Evaluation

The first thing that will happen when you get to a drug and alcohol detox in Oxford, Maine is a psychiatric and medical evaluation. This step is critical as the information gathered in your evaluation will help determine your treatment plan. 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

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. Medications such as Suboxone, Subutex, antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and others may be prescribed to help reduce withdrawal symptoms. The medical stabilization phase may last anywhere from a couple of days to two weeks or more depending on your unique situation and symptoms.

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. 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 primary contributing factors into how long and how severe withdrawal is include: how long the substance has been used, how often, in what amount, and the overall quality of the individual’s health. The exact symptoms you experience will also vary depending on which type of substance you are addicted to. 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 no matter what your symptoms are, medical detox centers in Oxford, 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. Most people attend inpatient or outpatient rehab after finishing detox. 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 Oxford, 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 contact one of our substance abuse counselors to get connected with a drug and alcohol detox in Oxford, Maine today.