What is Medically Assisted Detox? Does it work?

For people who struggle with a drug or alcohol addiction, choosing to seek professional care is the first step in the right direction. The next step for most is to enroll in a medically assisted detox program, which lays the foundation needed for continued healing from addiction.

What Is Medical Detox?

Medically assisted detoxification, or medical detox, is often the critical first step of any effective addiction treatment plan. Detox helps people cleanse their bodies of all traces of drugs and alcohol, giving them a fresh foundation on which to build their recovery.

Because detox is the most physically and mentally demanding level of addiction care, most rehab facilities in Washington state aim to ensure each patient is well supported and as comfortable as possible during this challenging treatment phase. Most medical detox programs include:

• 24-hour clinical care
• Individual counseling sessions
• Medication management, if necessary
• Nutritious meals
• Comfortable, quiet resting spaces

Withdrawal symptoms that occur during the detox process can make this phase of recovery uncomfortable. For this reason, at-home detoxes and cold-turkey approaches can be very unpleasant. Enrolling in a medically assisted detox program can help ensure a safer, more comfortable withdrawal process because patients receive ongoing support from clinical staff.

Who Needs Medical Detox Care?

Most people who struggle with a drug or alcohol use disorder and want to begin professional rehab should first complete medical detox. At most facilities, including The Recovery Village Ridgefield, detox programs come before all other treatment levels because they allow clients to start rehab treatment fresh, without traces of drugs or alcohol in their bodies.

Medical detox is especially important for people who have used drugs or alcohol for an extended period of time. Their bodies will likely be dependent on the effects of these substances, and depending on the severity of their addiction and the type of substance they use, their withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening. Medically assisted detox can be life-saving for people with long-term addictions involving:

• Alcohol: Alcohol withdrawal is one of the most dangerous types of withdrawal, so medical detox is normally recommended.
• Prescription and illicit opioids: Such as oxycodone, heroin, tramadol, Percocet or Vicodin
• Benzodiazepines: Klonopin, Xanax, Ativan, etc.)
• Stimulants: Such as ecstasy, meth or Adderall
• Sleeping aids: Such as Ambien, Lunesta or Halcion

Some of these substances are prescribed to manage chronic pain or treat mental health disorder symptoms. However, due to the habit-forming nature of these drugs, they may prove more harmful than helpful. Individuals who feel that they can’t stop using these types of drugs can greatly benefit from medical detox at an accredited facility like The Recovery Village Ridgefield.

What To Expect During Medical Detox

The Recovery Village Ridgefield understands that each client has a unique set of mental and physical needs. These are accounted for before treatment even begins, and care plans are carefully customized to fit every individual’s personal situation.

Treatment begins with a thorough physical and psychological assessment upon arrival at the rehab facility. Once in detox care, withdrawal symptoms are managed for as long as necessary — usually for five to seven days or longer, depending on the client’s needs. After people have spent sufficient time in detox, they will have cleansed their bodies of drugs or alcohol, be medically stable and show no signs of life-threatening withdrawal. They can then transition to a less intensive level of care, such as a residential or partial hospitalization program.

Initial Assessment

Upon arrival at the center, clients sit down with clinical staff for an initial evaluation. The results of this assessment inform each client’s course of treatment. This evaluation helps doctors, nurses and counselors understand the intensity of each client’s addiction so they can provide appropriate assistance. The intake assessment may include components like:

• Drug and alcohol screening
• Co-occurring mental disorder evaluation
• Medical assessment
• Psychological profile
• Risk assessment

Medical Detox Treatment Process

When the evaluation is complete, clients can begin treatment at The Recovery Village Ridgefield Detox Center — a facility devoted solely to state-of-the-art detox care. In medical detox, clients receive 24-hour clinical support from a team of doctors, addiction specialists and counselors. Clients can also benefit from individual counseling sessions during detox if they struggle with co-occurring mental disorders like depression or anxiety.

Almost immediately after the detox process begins, withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings can set in. Side effects of withdrawal can range from mild (headache, irritability, mood swings) to severe (vomiting, muscle tension, tremors), depending on the intensity of the addiction. Clinical staff closely monitor these symptoms to ensure each client’s safety, and they may administer specific medications to ease uncomfortable side effects.

Detox care ends after a client has completely cleansed their body of substances and is physically and mentally stable. After completing detox, clients can take advantage of the full continuum of care at The Recovery Village Ridgefield. Programs at our facility include residential treatment, partial hospitalization programming, intensive outpatient treatment, aftercare and more.

Finding Medical Detox Treatment Near Washington and Oregon

If you or someone you love is ready to address an addiction, medical detox is the critical first step toward lifelong healing. Many rehab facilities in Washington and Oregon offer this level of care, including accredited centers like The Recovery Village Ridgefield. However, it’s important to consider your needs carefully before choosing a program or clinic.

Before settling on a rehab center, seek medical advice about your substance use disorder. You can do this by talking with your primary care doctor or completing a confidential assessment with a representative from our facility. Your physician, doctor and rehab center representatives can answer your questions about detox and guide you toward an appropriate program in your area.

Nearby Detox Centers

Searching for detox care in Washington or Oregon? There are plenty of clinics and treatment facilities to choose from in the surrounding areas, but you’ll find the most comprehensive care options within accredited rehab centers. You can rest assured knowing that accredited facilities adhere to the highest standards of medical care and can provide a thorough treatment experience complete with effective physical and psychological care. One such facility is The Recovery Village Ridgefield Detox Center, a new addition to The Recovery Village network that is bringing quality detox care to the Pacific Northwest.

The Recovery Village Ridgefield Detox Center

Exclusively offering medical detox care, The Recovery Village Ridgefield Detox Center provides a comprehensive treatment experience with:

• 16 detox beds
• Quiet and comfortable rooms
• Personalized treatment plans
• 24-hour medical care
• Counseling for co-occurring mental health disorders
• Nutritious meals
• Options for continuing treatment at The Recovery Village Ridgefield

Begin Your Recovery With Washington and Oregon Detox Treatment

If you or someone you love is ready to begin the addiction recovery journey, help is available. Centrally located in Washington state, The Recovery Village Ridgefield Detox Center can help you kickstart your recovery in a safe and supportive manner. To learn more about detox care and program availability at this facility, contact The Recovery Village Ridgefield today.

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Insurance May Cover The Cost of Rehab

Your insurance may cover some or all of the cost of addiction treatment. Our online health insurance verification system will estimate your in-network and out-of-network deductibles, coinsurance percentages and out-of-pocket maximums. Within 5 minutes, you’ll receive an email with these details – free of charge. Fill out the form below to get started:

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