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Understanding the Alcohol Detox Process

Making the decision to go to an alcohol detox in West Palm Beach is life-changing. It’s the first step towards taking back your independence and healing from the effects of alcoholism. However, enrolling in a drug and alcohol detox program and actually showing up for detox are two completely different things.

Going to detox can be scary and overwhelming. Not only are you leaving behind a life of alcohol abuse, but you are entering an unfamiliar facility, with unfamiliar people, and are anticipating painful withdrawal symptoms. Familiarizing yourself with the alcohol detox process can help calm some of your nerves and prepare you for detox.

The Importance of Medical Detox for Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcohol withdrawal is a painful and sometimes life-threatening process. How long you drank and how much your body is used to drinking will dictate how severe your symptoms get. Common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include:[1]

Common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal

  • Anxiety
  • Sweating
  • Nausea
  • Insomnia
  • Headaches
  • Seizures
  • Tremors
  • Hallucinations
  • Disorientation
  • Delirium tremens (DTs)
  • High blood pressure

Some of these symptoms can be debilitating and even potentially deadly if left untreated. Fortunately, medical detox centers have medications, expert staff, and doctors on-site to help patients through the withdrawal process.

Detoxing at home or by yourself is never a good idea. The best way to ensure your comfort and safety is to find an alcohol detox center near you.

What to Expect at a West Palm Beach Alcohol Detox Center

Going to a detox center for alcohol can be scary, especially if you don’t know what to expect. Alcohol detox can typically be broken down into three stages: an initial evaluation to create an individualized treatment plan, medical stabilization where you detox, and treatment planning to make a plan for rehab.

At Mandala Healing Center, we combine these three phases of detox with holistic therapy to help complete the detox process. Here’s what you can expect while in detox.

Individualized Care

Individualized care is at the heart of any successful addiction treatment program. When you first arrive at an alcohol detox center in West Palm Beach, you will meet with a doctor and psychiatrist for a comprehensive evaluation of your physical and mental health.

The doctors may run a series of tests, ask you a lot of questions, and learn about your situation. The information they gather is then used to develop a custom-made treatment plan that meets your unique needs.

Medical Stabilization and Supervision

After the clinical team has developed a tailored treatment plan for you, you will begin the actual process of detoxification. During this time, you will be supervised around-the-clock by doctors, nurses, and other staff members to ensure your safety and comfort.

You may be administered medications depending on your symptoms. Medications that are often used to treat alcohol withdrawal include:[2]

  • Benzodiazepines can help reduce the risk for seizures, treat anxiety and insomnia, and reduce other withdrawal symptoms. Many people who are detoxing from alcohol will do a benzodiazepine taper.
  • Anticonvulsants can help prevent or treat seizures and tremors
  • Clonidine or other beta-blockers can help manage high blood pressure or high body temperature
  • Antipsychotics can be administered if patients present with hallucinations or delirium

In addition to detox medications, you will also have access to clinical support from trained therapists and addiction specialists. You may be able to participate in group or individual counseling sessions, as well.

Holistic Healing

Even though medications are crucial to keeping you safe during alcohol withdrawal, medication can’t help everything. You may still feel uncomfortable and have cravings for alcohol.

Fortunately, our West Palm Beach alcohol detox program goes beyond the conventional detox approach by integrating holistic therapies into the detox process. In addition to medications and clinical support, you will be able to participate in yoga and meditation to help calm your mind, cope with cravings, and connect with your higher self to begin the healing process.

A Plan for Ongoing Sobriety

Detox is only the first step towards recovery from alcoholism. After all, it only addresses the physical symptoms of withdrawal – not the mental, emotional, or spiritual manifestations of alcoholism. As a result, it’s important to seek treatment, either inpatient or outpatient, after finishing detox.

Before you leave the alcohol detox center, you will meet with a substance abuse counselor who will help you develop a plan for ongoing sobriety. They will tell you about your different treatment options, help you determine what level of care you need, and even help you figure out how to pay for rehab.

Start Your Recovery With Alcohol Detox in West Palm Beach Today

Going beyond the conventional approach of detoxification, patients at the Mandala Healing Center are inspired to fully heal in an environment designed to nourish their entire being. Through a program of care designed to encourage change, you will develop a foundation that allows you to find your higher purpose and reclaim your life.

Get started by giving us a call today. We can’t wait to help you heal.

References:

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4085800/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4606320/