Ohio Medical Detox Center – Drug & Alcohol Detox Programs
There are a variety of reasons that cause people to take drugs and alcohol. Some people take these substances to relieve stress. Others take different kinds of drugs and alcohol because it is prevalent in their culture, while others use them because of peer pressure. About 20% of adults in Ohio have admitted to binge drinking. In addition, the use of drugs like heroin, cocaine, and marijuana is very common in Ohio. This explains why most people in Ohio have drug and alcohol dependency. But what do you do when you get to a point where you become overdependent on these substances and cannot control the rate at which you consume them? Let us enlighten you about crucial information about substance use disorder and how to solve the problem.
Why Are Drugs Addictive?
Have you ever wondered why you cannot stop using certain drugs like alcohol? Drugs have different effects on the brain. They produce dopamine from a part of the brain called the basal ganglia. The brain’s normal functioning is affected when you consume large amounts of alcohol or other drugs. Your body ends up becoming tolerant to the effects of drugs and alcohol. This is because of the increased level of these substances in your blood. As a result, this causes your body to become dependent on drugs so as to feel normal and active.
Results of Excessive Drug and Alcohol Intake
Apart from affecting your brain, drugs and alcohol also affect your body. According to a study conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, it has been proven that death is a common result of drug and alcohol dependency. The following are additional effects of drug and alcohol abuse:
- Disorientation
- Feelings of paranoia or anxiety
- Impaired judgment due to interruption of normal brain functioning
- Heart problems
- Gastritis and stomach ulcers
- Salivary gland damage
- Weak immune system
- Weight loss
- Complications in the digestive system
Various short-term risks are also associated with drug and alcohol abuse. These include unintentional injuries from burning yourself or falling. Vehicle accidents can also occur if you drive under the influence of drugs. Some people may also engage in violence when they are intoxicated.
How Do You Know It Is the Right Time to Detox?
If you realize that you manifest signs of drug and alcohol dependence, it’s probably time to detox and reduce the rate at which you consume these substances. But what are the signs that you have become dependent on these drugs?
You Will Start Neglecting Your Responsibilities
This is the most devastating sign of drug and alcohol dependence. If you are a parent, you might start neglecting your children or start physically abusing them. Some become violent toward their spouses, leading to constant conflicts or divorce. Taking care of yourself may also stop being a priority as you could start eating unhealthy food or stop eating entirely due to losing your appetite.
Constant Lies to Your Loved Ones
You will also realize that you usually constantly lie about your whereabouts and struggles with drug dependence to evade other people’s reactions, especially your family members. This is because you do not want them to worry about you or try and talk you out of your dependence issue. You may also start lying to get money for more alcohol and drugs if you are broke or to avoid arguments with your family members.
Frequent Blackouts
Blackouts usually become a norm when you take drugs or alcohol in large quantities. You may also find it hard to remember the day’s events because drugs block the transfer of memories from short-term to long-term storage.
Loss of Control
You will hardly be able to control how often you consume drugs. With time, the amount of alcohol and drugs you consume increases, and you won’t be able to help it. This is because it becomes hard for your body to function normally without intoxication. You will also start losing control of your emotions and actions.
Your Life Revolves Around Drugs
You won’t stop thinking about your next drug and alcohol intake. You might even end up sneaking alcoholic drinks or other drugs into your workplace so that you can accomplish your work duties and get through the day. In addition, you will no longer be interested in things that used to excite you, such as hobbies. This is because you would prefer spending most of your time drinking alcohol.
Why Is Detoxing Necessary?
Detoxification is a process that helps your body get rid of harmful chemicals it is reliant on. This is usually the first step before the rehabilitation process begins. It is mainly done to prepare the body to handle the difficult steps during rehabilitation treatment. If you undergo your rehabilitation process before undergoing detoxification, there is a good chance of relapsing.
Detoxing is essential because it helps reduce the pain associated with drug withdrawal. Additionally, it allows you to regain control of your behavior, body, and emotions. It is also vital in strengthening your immune system, which gets affected by toxins from drugs and alcohol. Detoxification is also essential because it helps lower the intensity of drug cravings. Your brain starts to regain its ability to function optimally. However, this is just the beginning of the entire recovery process.
Why Is It Important to Detox in a Professional Setting
Detoxifying is a challenging process. Most clients develop withdrawal signs and symptoms that cause major health problems and unsettling pain if left unnoticed or untreated. Medical facilities assign qualified professionals to give you all the necessary tests and treatments during detoxification.
Detoxing facilities provide all their clients with emotional support. This is because underlying emotional issues and psychological trauma are the most common factors that cause clients to develop drug and alcohol dependency.
Detoxing in a professional setting is highly recommended because detoxing facilities provide an environment that is safe and free from other people’s judgment. The people you interact with in detoxing facilities also go through a similar situation and want to recover.
White Light Behavioral Health is a suitable detoxing facility that checks all the right boxes for clients who want to recover from drug dependence. We have the best rehabilitation programs, and our professionals are qualified and experienced to guide you in the right direction during recovery.
Stages in the Detoxification Process
We have incorporated several steps into detoxification to make it more effective. Different detoxification stages are usually incorporated into your detoxification process depending on the type of drug you use. There are three critical stages in the detoxification process. These include:
1. Slight Symptoms
This is usually the first stage in the detoxification process. You will start experiencing some withdrawal symptoms two hours after your last drink. You will start experiencing various symptoms, including anxiety, irritability, shivering, and nausea. These symptoms are always similar to a hangover. Most people, however, hardly experience any significant symptoms at this stage.
2. Moderate Symptoms
This happens within six to 12 hours after your last drink. The symptoms experienced at this stage are usually mild. They include an irregular heartbeat, confusion, shivering, sweating, and fever. However, the symptoms might vary depending on a person’s level of addiction.
3. Intense Symptoms
This state occurs between 12 hours and the first two days after your last drink. This is usually the most challenging period in the detoxification process. You are likely to experience seizures, panic attacks, and severe hallucinations. Delirium tremens is also a common symptom at this stage. Constant medical supervision by trained medical professionals is vital due to the complex complications and severity of the signs at this stage. In most cases, the symptoms are usually so severe that the client has to get admitted to emergency care.
After the first week, some people may start experiencing fewer symptoms. Others may struggle with withdrawal symptoms for over a year. However, most of the symptoms experienced by clients after one week are minor and can get cured using certain medications.
Factors Affecting Medications Used in the Detoxification Process
There are several legal medications that clients can use in the detoxification process. They are mainly designed to subside the effects of withdrawal symptoms. These medications usually act as substitutes for drugs and alcohol. The goal is to make you feel a sense of well-being and cheat your body into slowly killing its dependence on the chemicals found in different drugs. Some of the factors that affect the medications used in the detoxification process include:
- The duration of your drug dependency
- Underlying medical conditions
- Type of drug you are dependent on
- The amount of the substance taken
After Detox: Rehabilitation
While detoxification focuses mainly on your body, rehabilitation focuses on your mind. It is usually the last stage of your recovery process. During the rehabilitation process, you are impacted with new ways and habits to help you develop a sober lifestyle. Relapse prevention skills are among the vital lessons taught in this stage. Rehabilitation is usually longer than the detoxification process, lasting up to 90 days or more. The following are essential steps during this stage.
A Recovery Plan
A medical professional gets assigned to the client at this stage. Several treatment options are analyzed to ensure the client receives the most effective treatment plan. The main goal of this step is to create a personalized treatment plan per the client’s emotional and social functioning. The activities involved in this process include medical examinations and psychological and psychosocial assessments. These assessments help the medical professional to know more about the client’s history of drug use.
Additionally, the medical professional will determine if a dual diagnosis is relevant. Clients who receive dual-diagnosis treatment have mental illness and drug dependence. This is important to ensure that you receive the medical care required to help you make a full recovery by the end of the rehabilitation program.
Long-Term Treatment Efforts
You can choose either an outpatient treatment program or an inpatient rehabilitation program. Outpatient rehabilitation programs are recommended for clients with critical responsibilities, such as caring for their elderly or children. They are also recommended for clients who have short-lived or mild addictions. However, an inpatient treatment program would be suitable for clients who do not have sensitive responsibilities that they need to take care of outside the detox facility.
Therapy is a standard method used in this step. There are several forms of therapy treatments clients can sign up for. One of the main ones is group therapy. This allows different people to share their experiences on the journey to sobriety. Other forms of therapy include family therapy and individual therapy.
In individual therapy, clients are solely involved in analyzing the cause of their drug dependence. Clients are also taught how to manage their time productively, avoid drug and alcohol triggers at any point, and deal with them.
In family therapy, the client’s family members are usually called on to get involved in the recovery sessions. These sessions help a client rebuild broken family relationships caused by or attributed to the client’s drug dependence. They help the client build a support team of people who love them. This helps prevent relapse because clients have people they trust and can rely on during difficult days when the urge to drink becomes heightened.
Maintenance and Aftercare
After you are done with detoxification and rehabilitation, that’s not the end of your recovery. You should understand that recovery takes a lifetime. However, an aftercare plan must be scheduled by your counselor before you leave the rehabilitation facility. This is because the world outside the facility has many factors and temptations that can affect your chances of full recovery. Different clients have various aftercare options. These include attending Alcoholics Anonymous and SMART Recovery meetings.
Important Skills for Relapse Prevention
Making up a list of the negative consequences of drug and alcohol use is an essential skill that can prevent you from relapsing. This will help you remember why you chose to become sober in the first place. Every time you feel the temptation to use the drug has become more intense than usual, you can go through the list of the negative experiences you had that were caused by the substance before you sobered up. You can also practice slow breathing. Slow breathing has a significant effect on the brain’s chemistry because it results in the production of neurotransmitters that help reduce your anxiety and help you relax.
You can also decide to call specific people each time you feel like you cannot handle the situation alone. You can choose to call your AA sponsor, family member, or close friend. They will help get your mind off drinking and encourage you to remain sober. Knowing your triggers is also crucial to maintaining a sober life. Most clients get the urge to drink when hungry, lonely, angry, or tired. Ensure that you avoid whatever triggers you, as this will help you in your journey toward successful sobriety.
White Light Behavioral Health can help you succeed in your journey to a life of sobriety. If you are debating whether or not you should seek help, you can contact us for advice and consultation. We can answer any questions you might have regarding drugs and recovery. Although recovering from drug dependence takes time, we will try to help you beat the odds and recover fully. We strive to help our clients overcome their reliance on drugs to live healthy and normal lives. Contact us today and get the help you need!
