What is inpatient detox like?

Are you wondering what is inpatient detox like? Stop wondering and get the help you need.

Depending on the type of drug you are addicted to and the severity to which you are using (length of time using and how much of the substance you have been ingesting), that will dictate the amount of time needed for detoxification.  Customarily, the detoxification period takes place in a hospital or inpatient drug treatment center.

What is inpatient detox like? If you are wondering about inpatient drug detox, contact White Sands today for more information and assistance. With inpatient drug detox, you will receive professional, medical supervision to guide you through this arduous (and sometimes dangerous) process.  Addicts will receive guidance on how to break their dependence (both physical and mental) to the substance.

What happens during detox?

Drug addicts will be screened to determine if inpatient detox is necessary. Not all addicts are in need of this level of care. Notwithstanding, withdrawal from certain substances can be life-threatening. In these cases, inpatient care is vital. Some people have an unstable home life or are surrounded by people who are using – they are also good candidates for inpatient treatment. If you are curious as to what happens in drug detox programs, contact White Sands for more information. Below are timelines for certain substances that may require inpatient attention.

• Alcohol: Eight hours after the last drink, an alcoholic may begin exhibiting signs of withdrawal such as abdominal pain, anxiety, and nausea. Twenty-four to seventy-two hours after the final drink, they may experience a myriad of symptoms including confusion, high blood pressure, unusual heart rate, and increased body temperature. Seventy-two hours and beyond the last sip, alcoholics might struggle with agitation, fever, and hallucinations. Within a week symptoms typically decrease.
• Heroin: Although withdrawal symptoms may only last about a week – the symptoms may be severe. The symptoms include muscle spasms, depression, agitation, sweating, nausea, abdominal pain, nervousness, cravings, and relapse. In some cases, the medical professionals at an inpatient drug detox will administer medications to soothe the symptoms and avoid relapse.
• Cocaine: Since cocaine produces a sense of euphoria (because the brain releases copious amounts of dopamine) addicts experience a crash after they stop using. Symptoms of cocaine withdrawal include severe restlessness, general feelings of malaise, strong feelings of depression and suicide, paranoia, anxiety, agitation, and irritability.

What is inpatient detox like? There are different types of programs for detox and rehabilitation, however, most follow a classic framework. Most importantly, addicts receive around-the-clock medical supervision and access to professionally trained counselors who can provide support. This is important if a medical emergency arises. Additionally, inpatient programs remove the addicted individual from their environments and allow them to focus solely on their rehabilitation.

A Day in The Life

What happens in drug detox programs? In drug detox programs, addicts will benefit from a structured schedule and activities. If you like to sleep in – you will need to adjust to your new life. Generally speaking, inpatient programs start the day early and with a healthy breakfast. These programs are built to help addicts live a healthier and more stable lifestyle. Some programs may begin the day with meditation and/or yoga. The basic idea is to instill healthy habits that you can take with you post-rehab and use in your daily life.

After breakfast, you may be taken to a group therapy session lead by a trained counselor or therapist. An important feature of the inpatient process is learning why you became addicted in the first place. Prepare yourself for a journey of self-discovery and be open to it. During these sessions, you will (hopefully) begin to learn your patterns and triggers so that you will be able to maintain sobriety after the program is competed.

Many may still be curious and wondering, “What is inpatient detox like?”

After consuming a healthy lunch, you begin the most intense part of the day. Usually this portion of the day will revolve around therapy. This may include, group therapy, one-on-one sessions, and perhaps family sessions. Aside from these more common forms of therapy, guest speakers may come to the facility and share their stories. Depending on which amenities are offered, you may be able to participate in other forms of therapy such as dance therapy, equine therapy, or art therapy. Some programs offer a bit of free time, and after dinner, there are twelve-step meetings available.

If you or a loved one are wondering, “What is inpatient detox like?” Please contact White Sands for information about amenities, insurance plans accepted, and anything else you are curious about.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.