If you’re considering seeking help for alcohol abuse, you have likely come across treatment centers that mention medical detoxification as the first step in your recovery. Depending on your alcohol consumption, you may be wondering if this step is really necessary, and what detox entails. Without the assessment of an addiction expert it is hard to know for sure what is right for you, but there are some signs to look for when deciding if a medically assisted detox is necessary when treating your alcohol addiction. Addiction to alcohol can look very different for different people. Deciding whether you need medical detox depends on many factors such as how long you have been drinking and how often you drink. If you are a heavy daily drinker, for example, you are more likely to experience symptoms of withdrawal within the first 24 hours without alcohol. Withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety, shakiness, nausea, rapid heartrate, and depression. These symptoms can range from mild to potentially life-threatening, so it is crucial to pay close attention to your body and seek medical help if you believe you may be on the more extreme end of this spectrum. It is also important to remember that whether or not you need medical detox, you should still always seek some form of treatment for your addiction. If you believe medical detox may be right for you, you may be wondering what the experience of medical detoxification is like. Depending on the severity of your addiction, you may be recommended to an inpatient or an outpatient detoxification program. While detoxing in an inpatient program, you will be removed from your environment and monitored for any signs of dangerous withdrawal symptoms. You may also be prescribed medications that will ease the symptoms of withdrawal, allowing detoxification to be a little less painful. Similarly, medical detoxification while at home may involve prescription medications as well as frequent check-ins with your treatment center.
At Arbor Behavioral Healthcare, you will meet knowledgeable, compassionate professionals that understand addiction in all its forms. The Arbor uses an integrative and holistic approach to treat addiction and mental health issues. No treatment is one-size-fits-all, and at The Arbor you will have a team of experts prepared to create your customized treatment plan. We offer care for your mind, body, and spirit, so that you can heal from the inside out and look forward to a lifetime of sobriety and wellness. If you are ready to take the first step in your recovery, please call us at 844-413-2690.