No matter which substance use disorder you struggle with, the first step towards recovery is likely detox. The same is true when suffering from alcohol addiction. Anyone struggling with alcohol use disorder and wanting to move past addiction and heal first needs to identify an appropriate alcohol detox provider. Alcohol can do as much (or even more) cumulative harm as many illegal drugs. It is essential to be under medical supervision to cleanse the body and begin to heal without alcohol in the system. This process is called detoxification or detox.
Santé Center for Healing offers medical detox services to residents of Argyle, Texas, and the surrounding area. We are ready to help you start the journey towards healing and recovery or answer any questions. Call 866.238.3154 to learn about our programs and services today.
What is Alcohol Detox?
Alcohol detox is the process of safely removing alcohol from the body in a controlled environment. It is often the first step in addiction treatment and involves medical supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure a safe and comfortable experience. This process typically takes place at an alcohol detox center, where individuals can receive round-the-clock care and support.
Medication-Assisted Treatment for Alcohol Detox
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of FDA-approved medications, in combination with evidence-based therapies and holistic approaches, to provide a “whole-patient” approach to the treatment of substance use disorders. Though MAT is primarily referenced for addiction to opioids (heroin and prescription pain relievers that contain opiates), some address addiction to alcohol.
The primary reason for MAT is to help mitigate uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. In many cases, these can be severe or even life-threatening. Going ‘cold turkey’ can do serious and significant damage; alcohol can do as much (or even more) overall harm as many illegal drugs. Self-detoxing rarely addresses what an individual’s body needs while going through withdrawal symptoms. Frequently, individuals who attempt self-detox end up relapsing.
That is why it is critical to undergo alcohol detox at a professional alcohol detox center in Texas, like Santé Center for Healing.
What to Expect in Alcohol Detox
Detox requires medical intervention, as individuals detoxing from alcohol and other drugs will likely experience harsh withdrawal symptoms. Without experienced professional and medical guidance, it’s easy to fall victim to relapse before successfully detoxing. Sometimes, the symptoms are so harsh that they cause physical harm. In these cases, seeking detox services is a matter of safety.
Withdrawal symptoms will vary from person to person for many reasons, such as genetics, duration of use, type of substance, number of substances, age, etc. However, individuals who have been drinking heavily for a long time will likely experience the most severe symptoms. Heavy drinkers who have been doing so for a long time will also see withdrawal symptoms arise sooner than others. For most individuals, withdrawal symptoms will last for up to two weeks. Symptoms are generally put into two classes: minor and major.
Minor withdrawal symptoms experienced during addiction detox programs can include:
- Anxiety
- Aches and pains
- Extreme cold
- Cravings
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Restlessness
However, there can be more severe withdrawal symptoms requiring medical supervision to ensure the individual’s health and safety. For instance, major alcohol detox withdrawal symptoms include:
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Disorientation
- Delusions
- Delirium tremens
This last symptom is perhaps the most serious, occurring when the individual’s body physically reacts to the lack of alcohol in the bloodstream in an extremely negative manner. For example, delirium tremens (DTs) can involve seizures, irregular heartbeat, high fever, and uncontrollable shaking. Thus, it’s clear that medically supervised professional alcohol detox, like that provided by Santé Center for Healing, is the best way to begin overcoming alcohol addiction.
The Benefits of Alcohol Detox
Undergoing alcohol detox at a professional treatment center has numerous benefits, including:
Safety and medical supervision – As mentioned before, detoxing from alcohol can cause severe withdrawal symptoms that require medical intervention. A professional detox center provides around-the-clock monitoring to ensure the individual’s safety.
Comfort – The withdrawal process can be very uncomfortable, but with medical assistance and appropriate medication, individuals can experience a more comfortable detox experience.
Support – Detox facilities offer support and guidance during this challenging time. The medical staff, as well as therapists and counselors, are there to help individuals through the process and provide emotional support.
Preparation for further treatment – Alcohol detox is just the first step toward recovery. A professional detox center can help prepare individuals for continued treatment and provide resources for ongoing support after detox.
Santé Center for Healing in Argyle, Texas, delivers comprehensive alcohol detox treatment on a beautiful and secure 16-acre campus. With a proper medical staff monitoring an individual’s progress through detox, the chances of a serious medical issue arising are lower, and should it occur, they are there to address it immediately.
Contact Santé Center for Healing for Alcohol Detox Today
At Santé Center for Healing, we offer individuals and their families a long-term, clinical recovery continuum of care spanning more acute medical and clinical needs to less acute therapeutic transitions. Providing alcohol and other addiction treatment programs that encompass:
- Medical detox
- Residential treatment
- Intensive outpatient treatment
- Transitional living
- Family programming
- Individual therapy
- Medication management
- Life-long alumni support
Don’t live another day with alcohol addiction threatening you or your loved one. Call Santé Center for Healing today at 866.238.3154 or reach out online for more information.
