Drug and Alcohol Detox

One of the hardest things about overcoming an addiction is the drug and alcohol detox period. The pain and discomfort from withdrawal symptoms is a major hurdle. The withdrawal experience can keep individuals with substance use disorder from taking that first step toward sobriety.

It doesn’t have to be that way.

Our drug and alcohol detox program is designed to address the emotional and physical symptoms that make finding recovery so difficult. Our small, comfortable drug treatment facility in Biloxi provides our patients with help from medical professionals in a homelike setting. Our program is geared toward total recovery in mind, body, and spirit.

We offer several levels of compassionate care. This includes residential treatment, and our center is staffed around the clock with qualified professionals. Whatever issues are standing in the way of your recovery, you’ll find the support and guidance you need the moment you walk through our doors.

Coping With Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal

The first step toward rehabilitation for most individuals is detoxifying the body from the effects of drugs and alcohol. Our medically assisted treatment (MAT) is a doctor-supervised, safe detox regimen that cleanses the body and brain from drugs so that you can begin treatment with a clear head.

Think of it as an emergency medical intervention that’s meant to manage the drug and alcohol withdrawal period in a safe environment.

How Does Detox Work?

Drug and alcohol detox is for those who are struggling with physical dependence on intoxicating substances like heroin, opioids, methamphetamine, and alcohol. These substances cause painful withdrawal symptoms that include:

There could also be health problems that are caused or worsened by drug and alcohol abuse. This makes 24-hour medical supervision and intervention necessary to safely detox.

Not everyone needs alcohol and drug detox, but you’re more likely to react positively to rehab with medical assistance if:

• You’ve used addictive substances in large amounts or over a long period of time
• You’re physically or psychologically dependent on drugs or alcohol
• You’ve reached the point where you need to use more to obtain a certain effect
• You have cravings for drugs or alcohol
• You’ve tried to quit on your own and keep using

You’ll be evaluated upon your arrival to determine your physical and mental condition, risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms, and concurrent disorders. Most commercial insurance plans cover detox.

Medications Used During Drug and Alcohol Detox 

Medications used during the drug and alcohol detox period depend in part on the severity of your addiction and the type of substances you’re using. The most common are:

Subutex: This partially activated opioid was approved to treat drug addiction and withdrawal in 2002. Its active ingredient, buprenorphine, carries less risk of addiction and overdose than methadone. However, it works just as effectively for managing symptoms.

Naltrexone: Doctors can use this drug to treat both alcohol and opioid addiction. It’s a long-acting opioid blocker, but patients must be completely opioid-free for at least seven days before it can be administered.

Vivitrol: This is an injectable form of Naltrexone. It’s used for long-term maintenance in severe opioid addictions. Like the oral form of the medication, users must be abstinent for at least seven days. However, the effects last for up to one month per injection.

Drugs to manage depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions will be addressed during the primary treatment phase of your recovery. Other health problems will be addressed on an as-needed basis according to severity. The duration of medical detox depends on the results of your evaluation. In most cases, the detox period lasts for 5 – 7 days. However, detox and/or medical maintenance could continue after you leave active treatment.

Is it Safe to Detox at Home?

Quitting drugs or alcohol can be physically painful. Depending on the length and severity of your addiction, in addition to any concurrent health problems, it can even be life-threatening.

That’s why most healthcare professionals recommend medically assisted drug and alcohol detox that’s administered and supervised by trained professionals in a safe, relaxing atmosphere.

From there, your treatment team will be able to more fully assess your condition. They will work with you to develop a course of treatment that’s tailored toward your needs and goals post-treatment. That could include inpatient or partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient treatment, or long-term residential care. All programs include aftercare for as long as you need support and/or medical maintenance to complete your recovery.