Drug and Alcohol Detox
What is Medical Detox?
Medical detox, also known as medically supervised detox, is a process that helps individuals safely withdraw from substances such as alcohol, opioids, and other drugs. It is a crucial step in the recovery process, as it allows individuals to overcome physical dependence on substances and prepares them for further treatment. At South Shores Recovery, our medically supervised detox programs are designed to provide a safe and supportive environment where individuals can begin their journey to recovery.
Medical detox involves the use of medical interventions to manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure the safety and comfort of the individual. This process is essential for those experiencing severe alcohol withdrawal, alcohol withdrawal syndrome, or withdrawal from other substances, as it helps to mitigate the risks associated with sudden cessation. By providing comprehensive care and support, medical detox lays the foundation for successful addiction treatment and long-term recovery.
Our Approach to Medically Supervised Drug and Alcohol Detox
South Shores Detox & Treatment understands that addiction to drugs and alcohol is an illness that has its roots in altered brain functioning and structure. This is characterized by the individual who, having crossed over from recreational use into addiction, no longer has the ability to stop himself from the dangers of “using”. Such individuals sadly continue in their addiction even though “hospitals, institutions & death” are the eventual results for them. Drug detox is a crucial first step in this process, requiring medical supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms safely.
Addiction has been attributed to environmental, genetic and developmental factors making it an extremely difficult illness to treat, hence why so many people struggle through multiple relapses until they finally “get it”, if they get it at all. But at South Shores we do not despair, we have seen, as well have been the most hopeless cases recover from a seemingly hopeless state of mind.
We do this through a multi-prong attack that sees each guest receive a therapeutic, experiential & communal treatment that helps move the addict from a war zone to a place of healing. Treatment centers play a vital role in ensuring that detox and recovery processes are safe and effective, providing the necessary psychological support and long-term treatment plans.
What is a Detox?
Though there are several steps in finding full recovery from drug and alcohol addiction none is more important than the first step of treatment known as Detoxification or Detox. This is the beginning of the journey of the guest and a vital step in seeing the individual get the opportunity to accept his/her treatment. The goal of this phase is returning the guests body to its prior state of being before being physically addicted to drugs or alcohol. If this step is not taken fully and safely then the guest never gets the opportunity to be fully clean (or clear) to realize His/Her treatment. South Shores is committed to helping those under our care to detox completely so that they can be fully present for the recovery process to begin and endure.
The drug detox process is a personalized treatment approach tailored to individual needs, emphasizing its role as the initial stage in recovery from substance use disorders.
Detoxification is different for each type of substance. Below are some facts about various types of detoxification and how South Shores Recovery works with you to safely rid your body of these substances.
The Detox Process
The detox process typically involves three stages: evaluation, stabilization, and preparing entry into treatment. Each stage is carefully designed to address the unique needs of the individual and ensure a smooth transition into further treatment.
Evaluation
During the evaluation stage, medical professionals assess the individual’s physical and mental health to determine the best course of treatment. This comprehensive assessment includes:
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Conducting a thorough medical history and physical examination
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Assessing the individual’s substance use history and patterns
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Evaluating the individual’s mental health and potential co-occurring disorders
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Identifying any potential health risks or complications
This stage is crucial for developing a personalized detox plan that addresses the specific needs and challenges of the individual.
Stabilization
The stabilization stage involves using medications and other interventions to manage withdrawal symptoms and stabilize the individual’s physical and mental health. This may include:
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Administering medications to relieve symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and nausea
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Providing hydration and nutrition to prevent dehydration and malnutrition
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Monitoring the individual’s vital signs and adjusting treatment as needed
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Addressing any co-occurring medical or mental health conditions
Stabilization is a critical phase in the detox process, as it helps to ensure the individual’s safety and comfort while managing the physical and psychological effects of withdrawal.
Preparing Entry Into Treatment
The final stage of the detox process involves preparing the individual for entry into a treatment program. This may include:
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Educating the individual about the treatment process and what to expect
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Helping the individual set goals and develop a treatment plan
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Providing support and encouragement to help the individual stay motivated and engaged in the recovery process
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Facilitating the transition to a treatment program, such as inpatient or outpatient rehab
By preparing individuals for the next steps in their recovery journey, this stage helps to ensure a seamless transition into comprehensive addiction treatment.
Medical detox is an essential step in the recovery process, as it allows individuals to safely withdraw from substances and prepares them for further treatment. By providing a safe and supportive environment, medical detox can help individuals overcome physical dependence on substances and achieve long-term recovery.
Alcohol Detoxification
Alcohol: Many people think that alcohol detox is as simple as going “cold turkey,” but this is not the case. Most people are unaware that alcohol withdrawal is potentially lethal. An integrative detoxification period is advised for those who have become addicted to alcohol. Severe complications, such as delirium tremens (DTs), can occur during withdrawal in individuals with a long history of alcohol use, highlighting the risks associated with alcohol dependence and the need for proper management options.
Alcohol withdrawal can manifest itself in several ways, including:
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Nausea and vomiting
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Anxiety and sweaty palms
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Headaches and dizziness
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Fever
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Fatigue or exhaustion
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Rapid heartbeat and tremors
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D.T.’s or delirium tremens, the medical term for a condition in which clients may hallucinate
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Confusion
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Seizures
The range of alcohol withdrawal symptoms can vary significantly among individuals, and medical supervision is crucial to manage these symptoms effectively.
Cocaine Detoxification
Cocaine: Cocaine addiction is one of the most powerfully addictive drugs. Cocaine offers a powerful and intense “high,” causing serious depression and exhaustion when the effects of the drug wear off.
Cocaine withdrawal includes both psychological and physical symptoms, including:
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Insomnia
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Irritability and anxiety
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Fatigue and depression
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Chills and body aches
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Tremors
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Muscular pain
Methamphetamine Detoxification
Chronic use of methamphetamines may result in serious symptoms during withdrawal, such as:
- Paranoia and anxiety
- Violent mood swings and aggression
- Insomnia
- Hallucinations
- Heart arrhythmia
Benzodiazepine Detoxification
Detoxing from benzodiazepines should only be done with proper clinical supervision. Benzodiazepine withdrawal comprises extreme and often dangerous symptoms, including:
- Anxiety and irritability
- Body tremors, particularly of the hands
- Low energy levels
- Disturbed sleep patterns
- Cognitive difficulty and confusion
- Nausea
- Seizures
Opiate and Opioid Detoxification
Opiates and opioids are a group of drugs derived from the opium plant. They include codeine, fentanyl, morphine, Vicodin, oxycontin, oxycodone and heroin. Opiates are used as painkillers and are extremely addictive depending on how long the person has been taking the drug and how much he or she uses.
Opiate withdrawal without proper detoxification is extremely difficult and dangerous. Common symptoms of opiate withdrawal include:
- Anxiety and agitation
- Muscle aches and pains
- Insomnia
- Abdominal cramps and diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures
Heroin Detoxification
Heroin withdrawal symptoms can begin as soon as six hours after the last dose and may last up to seven days. Symptoms include:
- Aches and pains
- Diarrhea and upset stomach
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Restlessness and insomnia
- Seizures
Methadone Detoxification
Detoxing from methadone can be difficult. Clients may experience physical symptoms with onset approximately one day after the drug is stopped, including:
- Lightheadedness
- Tearing of the eyes
- Sweating
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Body aches and uncontrollable shaking
- Strong cravings
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
Suboxone Detoxification
Detoxing from Suboxone dependency generally spans 14 days of supervised withdrawal. Post-acute symptoms can include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Headache
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Flu-like symptoms
- Mood swings
- Respiratory distress or depression
We accept most Major Insurance Providers.
Call us at 1-877-919-8833 or click here to verify insurance.
Insurance Coverage and Getting Support at South Shores
Considering the pivotal role of insurance coverage and affordability in addiction treatment, South Shores Recovery accommodates most major health insurance plans, broadening access to necessary addiction treatment for those struggling. Our rehab program is in-network with TRICARE and Aetna, among others. Additionally, we offer various treatment programs designed to address substance abuse disorders, ensuring that patients receive the appropriate care tailored to their needs.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration outlines clinical practices and protocols for addiction treatment, emphasizing the importance of professional treatment and effective pharmacotherapies in managing alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
To verify your insurance coverage at South Shores Recovery and gain a comprehensive understanding of the extent and scope of coverage for addiction treatment, it is recommended to reach out to the admissions team for guidance through the verification process. Our team will also help you understand the specific treatment components available, which are tailored to meet the individual needs of patients for enhanced effectiveness.