DETOX PROGRAMS IN RHODE ISLAND

WHAT IS DETOX?

Detox is a medically supervised process designed to assist a patient with drug and alcohol withdrawal. In order to successfully detox from a substance, the drug needs to be physically out of the body and the changes it made to one’s brain chemistry must be allowed to normalize. For drugs such as benzodiazepines or alcohol, withdrawal can be deadly, and a medical detox is necessary to prevent the symptoms from becoming fatal. Additionally, while drugs like opiates or stimulants usually don’t have deadly withdrawals, the symptoms can be extremely painful and uncomfortable. Being under the constant supervision of medical professionals in a detox facility is the safest option. At an inpatient detox, patients are prescribed comfort medications to aid the symptoms of withdrawal.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS

Withdrawal can cause many physical and mental symptoms that effect one’s health. These potential symptoms include:

Mood swings
Sleep problems/insomnia
Intense sweating
Tremors
Shaking
Nausea
Headache
Vomiting
Cravings
Depression
Anxiety
Chills
Muscle aches

Other problems that may as a result of withdrawal:

Psychosis
Hallucinations
Illness
Self-harm
Mental health issues
Immune deficiency

WHEN SHOULD I SEEK A DETOX PROGRAM?

If you are dependent on drugs and alcohol or are in active withdrawal, admitting into a medically supervised detox facility is the best option to come off of the substance in the safest manner possible. Deciding to begin the recovery process by admitting you have a problem and entering a detox program can be very difficult though it is the necessary step to begin the recovery process.

HOW WILL DETOX HELP?

Medically assisted detox will address your physical dependence on a substance. Programs are equipped to provide medications and a comfortable setting that will allow you to detox as comfortably as possible. For example, an opioid addict may be given Suboxone or Methadone to mitigate their withdrawal symptoms. After initial stabilization, a slow taper of the medications allows the patient to come off over a few days or up to a week.

TYPES OF DETOX

Inpatient detox – Is a controlled hospital setting where a patient will stay overnight to be monitored safely. As aforementioned, the constant supervision of inpatient programs helps to prevent relapse and provides care in the case of emergency. Many detox programs will help their patients smoothly transfer into substance abuse treatment centers once detox is completed.

Outpatient detox – This option is rarely recommended for detox, as an essential part of the detox process is the constant medical supervision. However, in the case of less severe addictions this may be a helpful option. These cases may include people who are unable to leave their responsibilities at home or work. Yet, in most cases it’s probably best for a patient to enroll in an inpatient program where they’re always being monitored

DETOX TIPS

Seek medical help
Verify Insurance coverage
Ask for family support
Stay positive

FINDING A DETOX PROGRAM NEAR YOU

If you or a loved one are in need of detox services please do not hesitate to reach out to us at Ocean State Recovery Center. We will provide you with a free consultation aimed at helping you find the best detox option in Rhode Island that best fits your needs!