At Pathways Recovery Center, we offer a safe detoxification process to break free from addiction. Detox is the crucial first step in recovery, where the body cleanses itself from substances. With approximately one-third of adults in the United States experiencing alcohol use disorder and 10 percent encountering drug use disorder according to the National Institutes of Health, the importance of detox becomes evident in addressing these prevalent issues.
Our experienced team closely monitors your health and provides the necessary medications for a comfortable transition. Whether it’s alcohol, opioids, heroin, meth, or other narcotics, we guide you through the detox journey toward a new life of freedom from addiction.
Medical detoxification, often simply referred to as detox, is the critical process of safely managing the physical symptoms associated with withdrawal from drugs or alcohol. This process is typically the initial step in a comprehensive addiction treatment program. It’s about more than merely ridding your body of harmful substances—it’s about stabilizing the individual and preparing both the body and mind for the upcoming recovery process.
Detox is integral to the recovery process because it alleviates the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms, minimizes the risk of complications, and helps to prevent relapse. It can give individuals the best possible start to their recovery journey, setting the stage for long-term sobriety.
During the evaluation phase, a thorough assessment is conducted to determine the type and level of substances in the patient’s bloodstream. This helps our professionals create a personalized detox plan tailored to the individual’s specific needs.
The stabilization phase involves managing the physical process of withdrawal. Our on-site LVN and nursing staff may administer medications to alleviate uncomfortable or dangerous withdrawal symptoms and monitor the patient’s health status to ensure safety during detox.
Lastly, preparation for further treatment involves readying the patient for subsequent steps in the recovery process, such as residential inpatient treatment. This often includes psychological support and encouragement to continue with long-term treatment.
Withdrawal symptoms can range from mildly uncomfortable to severe, depending on various factors such as the type of substance, duration of use, and the individual’s overall health. Symptoms may include anxiety, restlessness, nausea, and in severe cases, seizures or hallucinations.
When individuals grappling with opioid addiction stop using these medications, they often encounter severe withdrawal symptoms that can surface within hours of their last intake. These symptoms can include discomfort in muscles and bones, issues with sleep, an inability to control leg movements and more.
Undergoing detox in a medically supervised environment ensures these withdrawal symptoms are effectively managed. Medical professionals can provide medications and supportive care to make the withdrawal process as comfortable and safe as possible.
Dr. Moses Nasser, a double board-certified physician in Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine, with expertise in holistic healing, addiction medicine, and psychiatric care, holds an X-waiver to prescribe buprenorphine and has extensive experience in mindfulness-based customer service and medication-assisted treatment.
