Detoxification, or detox for short, is the first and often most difficult part of the recovery process, both mentally and physically. Even after the detox process, withdrawal symptoms, triggers, and temptations can continue, and having to experience them without the support of medical professionals or peers can be extremely difficult and isolating. For this reason, it’s always recommended to continue with addiction treatment after detoxing.
Can I Start Outpatient Treatment After Detox?
Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) are more intensive than typical outpatient, but allow patients to remain in their own home or community while receiving a high degree of care and support throughout their recovery. If you have completed the medical detox process and require continued care but cannot commit to 24/7 residential treatment, IOP can be the perfect middle ground.
At Landmark Recovery, patients in IOP receive comprehensive addiction treatment with personalized treatment on par with inpatient, including therapy, medication-assisted treatment to reduce withdrawal symptoms and urges, relapse prevention, support groups and recovery coaching. IOP sessions are held at least three hours per day four days a week, either in the morning and evening.
What is Drug Detox?
Also known as withdrawal management, drug detox is the process of cleansing your body of harmful substances and readjusting to a drug and alcohol-free state. It serves as a transitional period between substance dependence and abstinence. Inpatient medical detox typically takes approximately 10 days and treatment includes administration of medication to reduce withdrawal side effects as well as psychosocial support. Throughout this period, you are given 24-hour monitoring and support.
Successfully overcoming the detox process is a huge accomplishment in itself, but recovery does not end there. After cleansing your body of toxins and stabilizing, the next step is to enroll in a longer-term treatment program.
Can I Skip Detox and Go Straight to IOP?
Detoxing can seem daunting and intimidating, so wanting to skip it is understandable. However, it’s often necessary for successful, long-term recovery. Most forms of medication used in addiction recovery require you to have completed detox before use in order for them to be safe and effective. This includes Vivitrol (naltrexone), and Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone), which are used to treat opioid cravings.
Supervised medical detox is always recommended, especially for those with a severe dependence on opioids or alcohol, as the side effects and withdrawal symptoms can be quite serious.
Drug & Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
While it can be extremely uncomfortable, opioid withdrawal is typically not dangerous and often resembles the flu. Symptoms can include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Increased body temperature
- Racing heart
- Muscle and bone pain
- Sweating
- Chills
- High blood pressure
Unlike opioids, alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be severe and even life-threatening; therefore, detox from alcohol should only be done under supervision of a medical professional. Symptoms include:
- nausea and vomiting
- diarrhea
- sweating
- intense worry, nervousness, anxiety
- shaking hands (tremors)
- trouble sleeping
- headaches
- loss of appetite
- increased heart rate
Severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:
- High blood pressure
- Seizures
- Nausea and vomiting
- Powerful tremors, also called delirium tremens
- Delusions
- High Fever
Where Can I Get Medical Detox and IOP Services?
Landmark Recovery offers support and care for every point of your recovery journey, from detox to alumni programs. Our recovery specialists are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have about detox and IOP. Call (888) 448-0302 or find a Landmark Recovery facility near you.
Choose Recovery Over Addiction
We're here 24/7 to help you get the care you need to live life on your terms, without drugs or alcohol. Talk to our recovery specialists today and learn about our integrated treatment programs.
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