Drug Detox Center in Longview, TX
Drug detox is the process of allowing a drug, for example heroine or prescription medications, to clear from the body following a period of substance abuse. Experts consider it to be the first step in the overall drug addiction recovery process. In general, people go through this process at drug detox centers, which allows professionals to support the addict and keep them safe.
Every drug detox center in Longview, TX has slightly different protocols, but in most instances, rehab centers set detox up as a three-step process. The initial work is to assess the addict and get them to a point where they are stable. The professionals then help the addict actually stop the use of the drug. Lastly, professionals monitor the addict to see how they are responding and keep them as comfortable as possible. This is often done in a step-down procedure, where the addict gradually decreases the amount of the drug they're taking, but this depends on the drug and the individual's circumstances.
The drug detox process typically takes about a week, but again, this depends on the individual. Once the detox process is over, the addict moves on to the next stage of recovery, which involves receiving various types of therapies (e.g., group, individual cognitive behavioral, etc.). In some cases, the addict will receive these therapies at the same facility that oversees their detox. But quite often, the detox center is separate from the facilities that provide the continued care. In these cases, the addict has to move from the detox center to the associated facilities. If they are receiving outpatient care instead of inpatient, then they can go home instead of to those facilities, checking in for service at designated times.
As with any facility that provides mental or physical care, addicts and their loved ones need to thoroughly review drug detox centers they're considering. Even if the quality of care is excellent, a facility might not be the best fit, depending on the addict's tendencies, personality and preferences. They may not offer dual diagnosis in Longview if you suffer from co-occurring disorders. In general, pass on drug detox programs that offer "rapid" detox. These programs use anesthesia to reduce withdrawal symptoms. This can reduce pain and discomfort and shave time off the detox process, but is also risky because the individual can asphyxiate if they get sick and vomit while under the medication.
Withdrawal Symptoms Associated with Drug Detox
The withdrawal symptoms associated with the drug detox process can vary substantially, depending on factors such as the specific substance involved, the duration of use and how high of a dose the addict has been taking. Milder symptoms can include:
- Worry/anxiety
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Excessive yawning
- Muscle aches
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Insomnia
More severe symptoms can include
- Hallucinations (e.g., seeing things, feeling things on your body that aren't there)
- Extreme confusion or emotional distress
- Severe trembling
- Abdominal pain
- Strokes
- Seizures
- Heart attack
- Delirium tremens
The biggest concern when detox is that the more severe symptoms will result in fatality. However, addicts and their families shouldn't underestimate even mild symptoms. The discomfort an addict feels during withdrawal can cause them to go back to using to get relief, so professional care is essential regardless of symptom severity.
Why Should I Enter a Drug Detox Center?
By far the biggest reason to enter a drug detox center in Longview is safety. Professionals at rehab facilities can provide medications that greatly reduce the psychological and physical withdrawal an addict experiences. This reduces the odds of death, including through suicide. Furthermore, because drug rehab in Longview has medically trained staff who can coordinate with the addict's regular physician, they can take other conditions, such as bipolar, diabetes or high blood pressure, into consideration during treatment.
A drug detox center in Longview is also a pathway for the addict to connect with other professionals who can continue care. As the addict focuses on getting well, the staff can make sure they are set up with psychiatrists, psychologists, general counselors and even housing assistance or training specialists. When the addict is ready to use these resources, they can smoothly transition to the next phase of recovery with minimal friction.
Going into detox also surrounds the addict with compassionate, knowledgeable individuals. This matters because many addicts have very low self-esteem because of the addiction, trauma or other difficulties. The professionals can encourage the addict through the entire process and show the addict that there are people who care, and that the addict is worth recovery.
Another point to consider is that, when a person enters a drug detox center in Longview, they are temporarily cut off from environmental triggers that could make it harder to stop using. In this way, they can stay more motivated to continue the detox process. Call now for help (877) 804-1531.