Alcohol and drug addiction affect people in different communities across the country. Unfortunately, there are many stigmas around addiction and recovery that prevent people from seeking help. Many people try to detox from drugs or alcohol at home. This “cold turkey” approach often leads to relapse, other drug use, and overdose. Medical detox is the safest, fastest, and most effective way to begin drug or alcohol addiction recovery. A medical detox center helps clients safely manage cravings, monitor their health, and provide comprehensive psychiatric care for holistic health.
If you or someone in your life might benefit from treatment in a high-quality medical detox center, contact Atlanta Detox Center today by calling 470.450.2355 or connecting with us online. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is standing by to answer any questions you may have, such as “How long does medical detox take?” and “What are withdrawal symptoms like?” We believe that knowing what to expect in detox helps prepare people for the medical detox process.
What Is the Medical Detox Process?
No matter how someone goes about quitting alcohol or drug use, the first step is always detox. During detox, the brain and body go through intense withdrawal as a substance leaves the body.
These withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Confusion
- Delusions
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Flu-like symptoms
- Drug cravings
- Excessive sweating
- Panic attacks
- Insomnia
- Suicidal ideation
These symptoms can be physically, emotionally, and psychologically overwhelming. For those who detox at home, friends and family may not know how to help. A professional detox center and medically assisted detox program can provide the proper care and support. During medically assisted detox, doctors and nurses administer medication to ease withdrawal effects and ween clients off of drugs and alcohol. This approach is gentler on the body and mind.
How Long Does Medical Detox Take?
So, how long does medical detox take? The duration of medical detox depends on a person’s health, drug history, and detox program. For most people, initial medical detox lasts seven days. This first week of rehab is often the most intense. Clients adjust to inpatient treatment as their body goes through withdrawal. Doctors and nurses administer medication, monitor vital signs, and replenish electrolytes. This week is the best time for clients to have medical support and individualized care.
After the first week of detox, the duration of recovery depends on the client. If someone is recovering from opioids, they may choose long-term Suboxone or methadone use. Both prescriptions help clients gradually ween themselves off opioids. They are a safe and effective way to stop cravings and prevent relapse. Both require different levels of commitment from the client. Methadone is taken daily at a clinic, which Suboxone is a less frequent prescription.
Most people who choose to detox medically go through a 30, 60, or 90-day program. Most of these are residential programs without access to drugs, alcohol, or triggering relationships. Because medically assisted detox can be tailored to an individual’s needs, it can be one of the fastest ways to prevent relapse or health complications during withdrawal.
Atlanta Detox Center’s Medical Detox Program
At Atlanta Detox Center, our clinic provides compassionate residential detox for drugs and alcohol. Our clients receive 24/7 care and monitoring during initial detox. With a special emphasis on stress management and trauma recovery, our clients are more equipped to handle life after rehab. With both dialectical behavior therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy, we pair medical detoxing with the psychiatric support clients need for long-term health and happiness.
Begin Medical Detox at Atlanta Detox Center Today
If you’re ready to learn more about our medical detox center in Atlanta, call us now at 470.450.2355 or reach out to us online to learn how Atlanta Detox Center can help you today.
