Deciding to get help for drug or alcohol addiction is terrifying for most. 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 Waterville, 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. 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 considering detoxing on your own, you may want to think again. Detoxing outside of a medical environment can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Rather than detoxing alone, medical professionals and addiction specialists at local detox centers can help ensure your safety and comfort while you detox. Doctors are able to prescribe medications to minimize your withdrawal symptoms and help you cope with cravings. 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 Waterville, Maine

The drug and alcohol detox process consists of three phases: evaluation, medical stabilization, and aftercare planning.

Step 1: Evaluation

The first thing that will happen when you get to a drug and alcohol detox in Waterville, Maine is a psychiatric and medical evaluation. 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. You may undergo certain tab tests as well as be asked information about your medical history, drug and alcohol use, and current withdrawal symptoms.

Step 2: Medical Stabilization

Once a thorough evaluation is completed, the next step is medical stabilization. Medical stabilization refers to the phase of detox where patients take medications and participate in therapy until their withdrawal symptoms have run their course. Some of the most popular detox medications include Suboxone, benzodiazepines, and more. These are used to help reduce the severity of withdrawal. 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. At the end of detox, an addictions counselor will help you choose the right aftercare plan for you.

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. 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. Also, people who abuse alcohol will experience different symptoms than people who are addicted to cocaine. Among the most common withdrawal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, sweating, chills, body aches, fever, headache, and depression. Fortunately, medical detox centers in Waterville, Maine have the staff and resources necessary to make withdrawal as bearable as possible. On the bright side, drug and alcohol detox centers in Waterville, Maine specialize in helping people get through withdrawal safely and comfortably.

Creating a Plan to Stay Sober After Detox

Addiction is a disease and detox is only the first step of treatment. 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 Waterville, Maine Today

Detox is a critical yet potentially dangerous first step towards sobriety which is why it should always occur in a professional treatment setting. During detox, medical professionals can prescribe medications, monitor patients, and make treatment center referrals to help people start off on the right track. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Contact one of our dedicated treatment providers today to find a drug and alcohol detox center in Waterville, Maine.