detox and treatment

The Importance of a Medical Detox Before Addiction Treatment

Medical detox before addiction treatment ensures comfort and safety through the withdrawal process. Accepting help for a drug or alcohol problem is a big first step in the recovery process. Detoxing is important because it removes all drugs and toxins from the body, so that you can focus on getting better. 

The benefit of medical detox is that it ensures comfort and safety during the withdrawal process. Even when medical detox is not required before treatment, it’s still a good idea. Otherwise, you may be dealing with strong cravings while trying to work on the emotional symptoms of your addiction.

What is Medical Detox? 

Medical detox is a process that involves removing drugs or alcohol from the body. Your medical team will likely prescribe medications to manage your withdrawal symptoms and decrease cravings. You will also receive 24-hour supervision. 

Many people hesitate to start addiction treatment in Agoura because of the painful withdrawal symptoms. If you’ve ever tried to quit drugs or alcohol on your own, you’re familiar with the intensity of these symptoms. But it’s important to know that you can significantly reduce these symptoms in a detox program. 

Additionally, some drugs create severe, potentially deadly withdrawal symptoms. For example, alcohol and benzodiazepines can lead to seizures and cardiac arrest, while opiate withdrawal can cause dehydration, heart failure, or respiratory problems. In medical detox, your team closely monitors your symptoms and prevents these complications. 

How Does the Detox Program Work? 

On average, medical detox lasts 3 to 10 days. Here is what you can expect from each phase of the detox process: 

  • Evaluation. Your medical team will determine the length of detox and the best medications to take. They will also test for potential complications, like liver dysfunction or communicable diseases. As you begin a detox, your regimen may change depending on how you respond. 
  • Stabilization. In this phase, your medical team will stabilize you with medical and psychological therapy. The right medications can also help ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce self-harm. 
  • Preparing for treatment. Detox only removes drugs and alcohol from the body – it does not address the behaviors that contribute to addiction. After detox, it’s strongly recommended to seek treatment at a residential or intensive outpatient rehab in Agoura Hills. The final stage of detox will prepare you for this transition. 

What are the Benefits of Seeking Medical Detox? 

Medical detox significantly increases the chances of successful recovery. It also ensures that clients are safe and comfortable, so they can get through the withdrawal process efficiently. Some benefits of seeking a medically supervised detox program are: 

  • Receive around-the-clock supervision 
  • Customized detox plans to meet your needs – these plans can be changed at any time 
  • Ensure safety, as some drugs have life-threatening withdrawal effects 
  • Manage withdrawal symptoms to keep you comfortable 
  • Increase your chances for a successful recovery 

Detox and Outpatient Treatment Services at Awakenings 

At Awakenings Treatment Center, we strongly recommend clients go through detox before starting therapy at our treatment center in Agoura Hills. Once you are clean, you can take advantage of our evidence-based treatment services, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and neurofeedback. We also have alternative therapies like acupuncture, yoga, EMDR, and massage therapy. 

Contact Awakenings Treatment Center today to learn more about our full continuum of care and how it can help you succeed in your recovery.