Are you suffering from drug/alcohol addiction but scared to undergo the process of detoxification? You may have heard from your peers or on the internet that the detoxification journey is one of the toughest phases of an addict’s life. Hence, you may be discouraged from undergoing detoxification. 

If the idea of alcohol detoxification is stopping you from embracing a positive change in your life, we are here to help you. There is no denying that alcohol detoxification comes with a fear of the unknown. There may be numerous questions in a person’s mind, starting from how bad are the withdrawal symptoms and whether they can maintain lifelong sobriety. If you are one of the individuals who have these questions in your mind, don’t worry; help is right around the corner. For the residents of California, you will definitely find a reliable Orange County, California, detox program out of the many that will guide you through your journey. Let us find out how. 

Ensuring a Safe and Comfortable Detoxification Journey

Detoxification is primarily a process that helps the body get rid of toxins. But in the context of alcohol and drug addiction, detoxification means getting rid of the toxins accumulated due to the consumption of these substances and also simultaneously managing the withdrawal symptoms. A successful detoxification journey is the foundation of a lifestyle where the patient is free from drug and alcohol abuse. 

However, alcohol detoxification does come with some severe withdrawal symptoms. So, if you are planning to go through this journey all alone, the chances of success are very low. It is not impossible, but having professional help by your side does make the process safer and more comfortable. This is the reason why most people prefer opting for an inpatient or intensive outpatient program. In the following section, we will find out how these programs help individuals go through a smooth detoxification journey. 

How Does a Detoxification Program Help?

Alcohol detoxification programs are largely divided into inpatient programs and intensive outpatient programs. Here are some of the common approaches used in these programs that help individuals in their detoxification journey: 

1. Provides a Safe Environment for Detoxification:

Although self-effort plays a very important role in the detoxification process, it is not enough if the person is severely addicted to the substance. Attempting to detoxify from the substance all alone when you are heavily addicted is not a good idea. 

The withdrawal symptoms that accompany detoxification can be really uncomfortable and sometimes also become life-threatening. A detoxification program helps you manage these symptoms successfully with the help of medication and mental health assistance. 

1. Provides Medication-Assisted Treatment: 

As mentioned above, detoxification programs administer medicines to the patient undergoing detoxification. Here is a list of medicines that are commonly administered:

• Anticonvulsants: This drug prevents seizures that commonly occur during detoxification. In addition, it can also help in controlling the craving for alcohol. 

• Benzodiazepines: This is administered to control anxiety symptoms. Mental illness is a common accompaniment of alcohol addiction. Hence, Benzodiazepines are prescribed to help control anxiety and the severity of alcohol. 

• Methadone: It is prescribed to people who are suffering from opioid addiction. This is a medically approved treatment for opioids and can be used for a long duration of time. 

• Phenobarbital: This is used for alcohol and sedative addiction. But remember that Phenobarbital is highly addictive, and no medical professional must continue administering this drug to a patient for a long duration of time. 

• Buprenorphine: It is used to reduce the withdrawal symptoms that come with opioid addiction. The drugs block the euphoric feeling that comes with consuming opioids.

1. Assists in Avoiding Relapses: 

Before you enroll in any detoxification program, you must know that even if you successfully undergo detoxification, there are still chances of relapses. To tackle this, many rehabilitation facilities offer comprehensive plans that address the addiction and its underlying cause. The underlying causes of addiction may include a tough childhood, PTSD, lack of self-confidence, or a toxic environment. When detoxification programs are paired with approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes, one can rest assured that they won’t be a victim of relapses. 

Conclusion:

The fear of the unknown that comes with alcohol detoxification is one of the major reasons why most individuals don’t want to undergo this journey. However, you must know that once you have successfully completed this process, the chances of maintaining lifelong sobriety are very high. Moreover, with professional guidance, you can rest assured that the detoxification process will be comparatively safe and comfortable.