For those who are in the grips of alcohol abuse, finding the appropriate professional help is absolutely essential in order to fully address and overcome addiction. Long-term recovery from alcohol addiction consists of several essential steps, and the first and perhaps most important step is undergoing a quality medical detoxification program. Detoxification allows clients who gradually rid the body of the toxins that have accumulated after long periods of chronic abuse and allows them to regain their health and vitality. Once the detox process has been completed, people are fully ready to tackle the underlying causes of their alcohol addiction through intensive drug treatment and aftercare programming.
Why Do I Need Alcohol Detox? Can’t I Just Quit Cold Turkey?
When you are ready to enter an alcohol treatment program, you may fear the detoxification process because of the discomfort and pain you will endure. As a result, you may feel that you can detox on your own by quitting alcohol together or by utilizing some method of self-detoxification. While these self-administered methods may seem appealing, they are very risky and can pose significant health risks.
Depending on the severity of your addiction, you can experience the following symptoms:
- anxiety
- fatigue
- irritability
- rapid heart rate
- headache
- nausea and vomiting
While the majority of alcohol withdrawal symptoms peak within 24 to 72 hours, withdrawal symptoms can be felt for weeks after you have taken your last drink. If your alcoholism in chronic and severe, you can also run the risk of developing a condition called delirium tremens. This is a serious condition in which you can experience high fever, hallucinations and seizures and even death.
For those reasons, an alcohol detox program is a necessity. Under the strict supervision of experienced treatment staff. You will receive the expert medical care and support in a safe and inviting environment that you need in order to make the alcohol detox process more tolerable.
What Are the Essential Parts of a Quality Alcohol Detox Program?
When you are looking for an alcohol detoxification program to begin the recovery process, there are several essential components must be present. The following are important considerations that you must keep in mind in your search:
Where is the Detox Program Located?
When you are looking for a quality alcohol detox program, you ideally want to find a program that is located in your hometown or in a location in a neighboring town if possible. An advantage of finding an alcohol detox program nearby is the fact that you would be familiar with your surroundings and that you can have immediate support from family and friends.
However, you may want to consider an alcohol detox program that is located in a city that is farther away or even in another state or part of the country. This would be the most ideal option if you don’t have strong support from family and friends and if your home environment provides too many distractions that can cause you to relapse. Receiving detox treatment in a new and neutral location will allow you get the fresh start that you need.
Is the Detox Facility Secure and Safe?
Another important component in a quality alcohol detox facility is looking at the facility itself. The alcohol detox center you go to has to be clean, safe, and features strict supervision around the clock by experienced and licensed treatment staff. The health and safety of both the addict and the staff should be top priority. The staff that is employed at the alcohol detox center you are visiting needs to have many years of experience in dealing with the attitudes and behaviors associated with alcohol addiction and be able to handle any situation calmly and with a high degree of professionalism as well as compassion.
Are the Detox Programs Offered Effective and Proven to Work?
When you make the commitment to enter an alcohol detox program, you are making a considerable commitment of both your time and money. First and foremost, you need to make sure that the alcohol detox program employs methods that are proven to work and backed by solid research. Additionally, the alcohol detox program that you are considering needs to feature staff who can create an individualized program that fits your specific needs. These individualized treatment plans should be drawn from a wide range of interventions including medication therapy, nutritional therapy, physical exercise programs, holistic therapy and other interventions.
Does the Alcohol Detox Facility Have Dual Diagnosis Evaluation?
More often than not, alcohol abuse it of itself is a symptom of a deeper psychological issue. These underlying causes of addiction must be fully addressed and dealt with in order for you to fully overcome your addiction to alcohol. The staff at the best alcohol detox facilities perform a comprehensive evaluation that focus on diagnosing any co-occurring disorders that you may have. In the event that you are diagnosed with a co-occurring mental disorder, treatment staff will be able to address those issues when you complete detox and enter more intensive and formal drug treatment.
Will the Alcohol Detox Facility Accept Multiple Forms Of Payment?
Perhaps the most important component of a quality alcohol detox program is its’ cost and offering multiple ways to pay for their services. Many of the best alcohol detox facilities offer their services to anyone who seeks them regardless of their ability to pay. In the event that you are underinsured or uninsured, alcohol detox facilities should over alternative forms of payment including sliding fee scales, alternative payment arrangements, and some may even feature financial assistance.
Start Your Road to Recovery the Right Way With Help from SoCal Detox
There can be considerable stress and worry in your search for a quality alcohol detox facility. As one of the premier detox centers in Southern California, SoCal Detox offers alcohol detox programs that are proven to work and will give you a strong foundation to build a meaningful long-term recovery. Call SoCal Detox toll-free today and start creating a new and healthier you.
