Learn More About Drug Detox and Alcohol Rehab Programs
If you or a loved one are suffering from an alcohol or drug use disorder, you may wonder how to start the journey towards recovery. A drug detox or alcohol rehab program offers many benefits to clients struggling with a substance use disorder. Before you contact Defining Wellness Centers, you can learn more about substance use disorders and treatment options.
Alcohol Use Disorders in Oxford
From a glass of champagne at a wedding to a beer after work, many people turn to alcohol to celebrate, socialize, or relax. Alcohol is an important part of our society. For some people, the occasional drink after work can turn into a pattern of excessive use, known as alcohol use disorder. These warning signs can help you determine if you or a loved one is experiencing alcohol use disorder.
Increased Tolerance for Alcohol
If you need to drink more alcohol to feel the same effect, you may have an increased tolerance. As your body adapts to the presence of alcohol in your system, you may notice that you need to drink more to feel intoxicated. Increased tolerance levels can lead to excessive or binge drinking. What starts as a glass of wine after work can progress to several glasses to achieve the same effect.
Inability to Control Alcohol Use
A common refrain among people with alcohol use disorder is “I can stop any time I want.” In reality, people with alcohol use disorder have trouble limiting or stopping their drinking. This can lead to binge drinking.
Binge Drinking
If you have frequent episodes of binge drinking, you may have an alcohol use disorder. The definition of binge drinking is different for men and women. Generally, binge drinking is an episode of drinking when the individual consumes a large quantity of alcohol in a short period of time. For men, five or more drinks consumed in a two-hour period qualifies as binge drinking. For women, four or more drinks in a span of two hours qualifies as binge drinking.
Distress, Anxiety, or Preoccupation with Alcohol
Another sign of alcohol use disorder is a preoccupation with alcohol. You may notice that you spend a lot of time thinking about when and where you will have your next drink. You may prioritize alcohol over work, relationships, or hobbies.
Ignoring Negative Consequences
Alcohol use disorder can lead to negative consequences. These negative consequences include lost relationships, financial problems, and health issues. You may experience poor performance at work or school. If you are unable to stop drinking despite the negative effects on your life, an alcohol rehab program at Defining Wellness Centers can help you take the first steps to recovery.
Unsucessful Attempts to Quit
Some people attempt to stop drinking on their own without a support group or rehab program. While some people are able to successfully quit on their own, other people can’t stop without additional help. Failed attempts to stop quitting can cause distress. An alcohol rehab program provides a structured, substance-free environment that can help clients quit.
Drug Use Disorders in Oxford
People with drug use disorder may use illegal drugs like marijuana, cocaine, heroin, or psychedelics. Misuse of prescription drugs can also lead to drug use disorder. Commonly misused prescription drugs include benzodiazepines, opioids, and stimulants. A drug use disorder has many of the same warning signs as alcohol use disorder.
If you or a loved one suffers from a drug use disorder, you may notice these warning signs. People with drug use disorder may seek drugs to deal with strong cravings to use. Often, drug use disorder will take over a person’s life. They may spend more time finding, using, and recovering from drug use than engaging in other activities. People with drug use disorder may neglect their relationships and work responsibilities. If you think you have symptoms of a drug use disorder, you are not alone. There are many treatment options available.
Treatment Options for Alcohol and Drug Use
People with substance use disorders may benefit from a drug detox or alcohol rehab program. These programs may include a combination of supervised medical detox, individual therapy sessions, addiction counseling, and group therapy. Before you decide whether a drug detox or alcohol rehab program is right for you, you can learn more about what happens at these programs.
What Happens in a Drug Detox or Alcohol Rehab Program
The Assessment
When you enter a drug detox or alcohol rehab at Defining Wellness Centers, we start with a thorough medical assessment. Our physicians give you a complete physical and mental health assessment. We ask about any medical conditions and co-occurring disorders. Our team will ask about your family history and your history of alcohol and drug use. During this assessment, we also calculate your risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
The Withdrawal Process
After the assessment, the client will undergo withdrawal. We may recommend a medical detox program. During a drug or alcohol detox program, a medical team supervises the client to ensure their safety. As the substances leave their system, they may experience withdrawal symptoms.
Common Withdrawal Symptoms
Over time, using drugs or alcohol changes your body and brain chemistry. Your body becomes physically dependent on the substance. When you reduce or stop using substances, your body begins to experience withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms may start within a few hours or days of stopping your substance use. The type, amount, and frequency of substance use can determine the withdrawal symptoms you experience. Your overall health and metabolism also can impact withdrawal.
Your withdrawal symptoms can include physical symptoms like muscle aches, fever, sweating, and chills. You may feel like you have the flu. Some people may experience gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Withdrawal can also affect your appetite and sleep. Some clients report insomnia or drowsiness. Other common symptoms include headaches, shaking, or tremors. In the most severe withdrawal cases, you may have trouble breathing.
Withdrawal can include unpleasant psychological symptoms like agitation or anxiety. You may feel irritable or have mood swings. Depression and confusion are also common. You may experience obsessive thoughts and cravings for drugs or alcohol. Clients with severe withdrawal symptoms may suffer from paranoia or hallucinations.
Length of Withdrawal Symptoms
The timeline for withdrawal varies based on the type, amount, and frequency of substances used. If you stop using alcohol, you can expect that withdrawal symptoms will begin within a few hours or a few days. People who use cocaine, heroin, or other short-acting drugs can expect withdrawal symptoms to begin within a few hours of quitting. Withdrawal symptoms can last for days or weeks. A drug or alcohol detox program can help you manage the withdrawal symptoms until the substances completely leave your body. In some cases, we may prescribe medication to help you manage the symptoms.
Support Groups and Other Help
When you enter a drug detox or alcohol rehab program, it is important to have a support network. Your program will include sessions with counselors and health care providers. You also may attend support groups where you can share experiences with other clients. This emotional support is an important element of any detox or rehab program. A support group can help you understand your substance use disorder and learn how to manage sobriety in the future.
Learn More About Alcohol Rehab Programs
Alcohol rehab programs are available in several different formats. The format you choose depends on your lifestyle and the severity of the alcohol use disorder.
Inpatient Rehab
An inpatient alcohol rehab program provides a structured environment for recovering from alcohol use disorder. These programs offer 24-hour care and supervision. An inpatient program often includes activities like music and art therapy, support groups, and individual counseling sessions. If you have a co-occurring disorder or a severe case of alcohol use disorder, an inpatient program might be the right choice for you.
Partial Hospitalization Program
During a partial hospitalization program (PHP), clients attend the program for six hours a day, five days a week for several weeks. In the evenings, they return home or to a sober living facility. This intensive program helps clients build a solid foundation for recovery. Some clients may transition to PHP after an inpatient rehab, while other clients start their recovery journey with the partial hospitalization program. After completing the partial hospitalization program, clients can step down to a less intense level of treatment, such as an outpatient program.
Outpatient Rehab
If you have mild to moderate alcohol use disorder, you may select an outpatient program. These programs allow clients to attend therapy, group, and treatment sessions in the evenings several days a week. Clients work or attend school while participating in the program and live in their own homes.
Deciding If You Are Ready for a Drug Detox or Alcohol Rehab Program
Many people suffering from substance use disorders wonder if a detox or rehab is right for them. First, you should ask yourself if you are ready and willing to change. You should be motivated to address the causes of your substance use disorder. Your recovery journey may affect your relationships and hobbies. Enrolling in a rehab or detox program may involve taking time off of work or school. Consider whether or not you are willing to make these changes.
You should make sure you have enough support. Every recovery journey includes successes and failures. Your family, friends, and other supporters can celebrate important milestones and successes. When you are struggling to stay sober, your loved ones can provide encouragement and support. As you experience the emotional ups and downs of the recovery process, you need people to listen and offer understanding. If you don’t have family and friends, support groups, counselors, and healthcare providers can give you the support you need to succeed.
Drug Detox and Alcohol Rehab in Oxford
Located near Jackson, MS, Defining Wellness Centers offers comprehensive drug detox and alcohol rehab programs. We understand that many factors contribute to substance use disorders. Our approach focuses on trauma-informed care. We use a variety of modalities to help our clients on their recovery journey. Our licensed clinicians use evidence-based treatment practices. We also have experience working with dual-diagnosis patients and co-occurring disorders.
