No matter the type of substance use disorder, the treatment process usually begins with a detox period. The detox period typically lasts several days and is the natural process of ridding the body of the substances that were put into it. This is the period when the withdrawal symptoms are likely to be the most uncomfortable, painful, and sometimes even dangerous. But how does someone start the detox process, and is same day admission to a residential detox treatment center possible? Let us find out.
Introduction: Whether you have made the decision to start treating your addiction or a situation has caused you to seek help, same day admissions to a drug detox program are absolutely possible. There are many reasons someone may seek same day admission in a detox program, and most of the time, it is due to an emergency situation. The following is discussed below:
- Same day detox programs
- Why do I need same day admission in a detox program?
- What is the detox process?
- The intensity of detox care
- How long the detox process is
- Walk-in for same day admission to residential treatment centers
What is a Same Day Detox Program? Same day detox programs offer treatment-seeking individuals a safe and comfortable environment to detox from drugs and begin their addiction recovery journey. This is frequently due to emergency situations, such as when the individual detoxifying is suffering serious withdrawal symptoms, which are most commonly associated with alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Regardless of the reasoning, same day detox is the opportunity for an individual to enter a supportive program and seek the help they need to recover from their addiction.
Why Do I Need Same Day Admission in Detox? Oftentimes, when someone with a severe substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder attempts to quit “cold turkey,” it causes dangerous withdrawal effects. In these cases, same day admission in a detox program is the only way to ensure safety throughout the process. Drug cravings are an indication of drug detox and withdrawal, and if someone tries to quit on their own, their tolerance will naturally be reduced. When their tolerance is decreased, and the drug cravings worsen, the likelihood of a relapse and possible overdose is greatly increased. To avoid these possible fatal situations, same day admission in a detox program may be the only option to consider.
What is the Detox Process? While each person’s experience with drug detox may differ, the approach is usually the same. The detox process is the first step in addiction recovery but is not a treatment. This process works by naturally eliminating the drugs from the body by using different sets of interventions. Sometimes therapy and medication are involved to help manage the withdrawal symptoms. The detox process can be described within three steps:
- Evaluation: The medical or mental health professional gathers information about the individual’s history with substance use, mental health disorders, and any other social circumstances to determine the severity of the detox and withdrawal phase.
- Stabilization: The medical and mental health professionals offer help and support while the individual experiences the withdrawal symptoms until they are fully stabilized. Typically, psychosocial interventions are used to help ensure stability.
- Fostering the individual into further addiction treatment: The process of getting the individual prepared to enter an addiction treatment facility, usually an inpatient or outpatient treatment center.
The detox process takes time and can be unpleasant, but it is necessary to continue on the path to addiction recovery.
Measuring Intensity of Detox Care: Not all same day admissions into a detox center are for emergency situations. When determining the intensity level of care for an individual wishing to or currently detoxing, there are a few factors to consider. For instance, does an individual need 24/7 medical supervision? This is usually the case with alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder. Another factor to consider is whether or not there are other medical or mental health conditions present within the individual. In some cases, the individual may need full-time medical support, and in other cases, they might need both medical and psychiatric support. When in doubt, contact 911 or seek help from a hospital, and the qualified staff will help guide you in the right direction.
How Long Does Detox Treatment Take? The amount of time a drug detox treatment takes may vary for each individual and the severity of the substance use or alcohol use disorder. Drug detox usually takes anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. But the detox phase is only the first step in treatment. After the detox period, the individual is likely to enter an addiction treatment program such as an inpatient or outpatient program. Here they will learn new, healthy ways of living a drug-free life.
Can I Walk-in for Same Day Treatment in a Residential Treatment Center? Many residential treatment centers will allow for same day admissions, but this is not always the case. This will depend on the facility’s availability, the individual’s specific recovery needs, and the finances to pay for the program. While it can be effective to attempt to walk in for a same day admission into a residential treatment center, it might help to first call the center to ask about availability.
If you or someone you know is wishing to seek help for addiction, Freedom Drug and Alcohol Recovery is here for you. Contact us today at (818) 967-5444 to learn more about our detox and treatment options and start your journey to a new life, drug-free.
