Key Takeaways:

  • Drug detox in Philadelphia, PA, is an essential first step in recovery from substance use disorder. It’s highly recommended that qualified medical professionals oversee it.
  • There are several drug and alcohol detox programs in Philadelphia, each designed to address specific needs and manage withdrawal symptoms.
  • Continued support and counseling play a vital role in long-term recovery, offering ongoing guidance for individuals in their recovery journey.

If you or someone you know is facing drug or alcohol addiction challenges, contact UNISON Rehab at (267) 440-7205 to explore detox treatment options in Philadelphia.

What is drug detox?

Drug detox, short for drug detoxification, is a medical process to safely manage the acute physical symptoms of withdrawal from drugs or alcohol. Essentially, it’s the body’s way of processing and removing the toxins accumulated from prolonged substance use. At UNISON Rehab in Philadelphia, the detox process is structured to ensure patients experience withdrawal in a controlled and monitored environment, minimizing potential risks and optimizing comfort.

Why is drug detox necessary?

Detoxification serves as the foundational step in the broader scope of addiction treatment. When an individual stops using drugs or alcohol, they might experience withdrawal symptoms, ranging from mild discomfort to severe physical and psychological reactions. Addressing these symptoms in a controlled setting, like in our drug detox center in Philadelphia, ensures safety and lays the groundwork for the subsequent recovery phases. Additionally, a successful detox can reduce the risk of relapse, as it breaks the immediate cycle of substance use and allows individuals to enter the following stages of treatment with a clearer mind and stabilized physical condition.

It is not advisable to attempt drug detox at home. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe and unpredictable, and there is a risk of serious medical complications. If you are thinking about detoxing, please consult with a doctor or contact UNISON Rehab to help you get started. We can help you develop a safe and effective detox plan and refer you to additional resources through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Benefits of Inpatient Drug Detox

Inpatient drug detox offers a focused and structured environment for recovery, minimizing external distractions and ensuring safety. This approach provides numerous advantages, including:

Physical Safety

Some withdrawal symptoms can be severe or life-threatening if not managed appropriately. Medical professionals can monitor these symptoms in a supervised detox setting and intervene when necessary.

Foundation for Recovery

Completing detox provides a solid starting point for the subsequent therapeutic interventions. With drugs or alcohol fully purged from the system, individuals can focus more intently on long-term recovery strategies.

Mental Clarity

Detox helps clear the fog of drugs and alcohol, allowing individuals to approach subsequent treatments with a clearer mindset, which can be crucial for therapies that require introspection and focus.

Improved overall health

Drug abuse can devastate a person’s physical and mental health. Detox can help to reverse some of these effects and improve overall health.

Reduced Relapse Risk

By managing the often intense cravings and discomfort of withdrawal in a controlled setting, the immediate risk of returning to substance use is reduced.

Supportive Environment

UNISON Rehab provides a supportive environment where individuals are surrounded by professionals and peers who understand the challenges of withdrawal and recovery. This can make the process more manageable.

Who should consider drug detox?

Anyone grappling with drug or alcohol dependence should contemplate undergoing a detox. Specific indicators that might signal the need for detox include:

  • Increased Tolerance: Needing more substance to achieve the desired effect or feeling less effect when using the usual amount

  • Experiencing Withdrawal Symptoms: Manifestations like nausea, restlessness, insomnia, depression, or sweating when not using the substance.

  • Loss of Control: Consuming more of the substance than intended or using it for extended periods

  • Desire to Quit but Unable to: Previous unsuccessful attempts to stop or reduce consumption.

  • Time Consumed: Spending a significant amount of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of the substance.

  • Neglecting Responsibilities: Failure to meet work, school, or home obligations.

  • Social Isolation: Withdrawing from recreational or social activities due to substance use.

It’s essential to understand that detox is most effective when followed by further treatment. While detox addresses the immediate physical effects of substance abuse, comprehensive treatment is required to tackle addiction’s underlying psychological and behavioral aspects.

Get Started

If you or someone you know is struggling with drug abuse, please consider seeking professional help. Drug detox can be a safe and effective way to begin your recovery.

Our Programs

Different Types of Drug Detox

Understanding the various detox methods available is crucial in making an informed decision. Here are the primary types:

Medical professionals providing 24/7 care in UNISON Rehab’s inpatient treatment programs for alcohol addiction
Medical Detox

This method involves close medical supervision, with professionals administering medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and ensure the patient’s safety. Given the potential severity of some withdrawal symptoms, medical detox is often recommended for substances like opioids and alcohol.

Natural Detox

This approach does not use medications to ease withdrawal. Instead, the individual stops substance use in a controlled environment, receiving support and counseling throughout the withdrawal phase. While it may be suitable for some, it’s essential to be aware of potential discomfort and risks associated with untreated withdrawal symptoms.

Social Detox

A method focused primarily on providing a supportive environment. While it does not involve medical intervention, individuals receive psychological support and counseling in a structured setting. This method can benefit those with milder addiction profiles but may not be suitable for all.

how it works

What to expect during the drug detox process

The detox experience can vary based on the substance of abuse, the individual’s physical condition, and the duration of addiction. However, here’s a general overview of what one might expect at UNISON Rehab:

Admissions

The process begins with a thorough intake procedure, where the individual’s medical and substance use history is gathered.

Evaluation

Medical professionals will assess the individual’s physical and psychological condition, creating the foundation for a personalized detox plan.

First 24 Hours

Post admission, patients are introduced to the facility, meet their care team, and undergo preliminary assessments. The actual detox process typically begins during this period, and the onset of withdrawal symptoms might be experienced.

Treatment Plan Development

Based on evaluations, a personalized treatment plan is crafted to address the unique needs and challenges of the individual.

Ongoing Monitoring

Throughout the detox phase, medical professionals monitor patients, ensuring their safety, comfort, and well-being. Adjustments to treatment protocols might be made based on individual responses.

Why UNISON Rehab?

UNISON Rehab is committed to providing our patients with the highest quality of care. We offer a number of unique advantages, including:

  • Low client-to-therapist ratios: This ensures our patients receive individualized attention and support from our experienced and compassionate therapists.
  • Specialized treatment programs: We offer a variety of specialized treatment programs to address each patient’s unique needs, including dual diagnosis treatment, LGBTQ+ client programs, and more.
  • Aftercare planning: We work with our clients to develop personalized aftercare plans to help them maintain their sobriety and prevent relapse after completing treatment.
  • Sober living options: We offer sober living options to provide our clients with a supportive and structured environment to continue their recovery.

Your post-detox chapter at UNISON Rehab is not merely a subsequent step; it’s a collaborative journey towards enduring recovery and well-being. We are here to help you build a strong foundation for your sobriety and forge a brighter future.

Contact us today at (267) 440-7205 to learn more about our post-detox treatment programs and how we can help you achieve your recovery goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

The duration of the detox process varies based on several factors: the substance of abuse, the duration and severity of addiction, the individual’s overall health, and the detox method chosen. Generally, detox can last from 5 to 7 days. However, for some substances or in cases of prolonged abuse, the process can extend. For example, the acute phase of opioid withdrawal can last a week, but some severe withdrawal symptoms might persist for weeks or months.

During drug detox, you may experience a variety of withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, sweating, and fever. You may also experience anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

Withdrawal is the body’s response to the abrupt cessation or reduction of a substance on which it has become dependent. Whether drugs or alcohol, the detoxification process produces symptoms reflecting the body and mind’s struggle to reestablish balance. These symptoms span a broad spectrum, from mild discomforts to severe physical and psychological symptoms. Understanding what to expect, one can better prepare for the journey ahead, ensuring a smoother transition to sobriety.

Physical Symptoms

Withdrawal often manifests physically with a range of symptoms. General discomfort can be felt, such as muscle aches, headaches, fever, or chills. Many individuals grapple with digestive disturbances, experiencing nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. Cardiac irregularities might present themselves as palpitations or an accelerated heart rate. Neurological symptoms can be particularly concerning, with some experiencing tremors, dizziness, or seizures. Respiratory changes like a runny nose or shortness of breath might also arise.

Psychological Symptoms

Beyond the physical, the psychological withdrawal symptoms may include mood disturbances, including feelings of anxiety, depression, mood swings, and irritability. Sleep becomes elusive for many, leading to insomnia, disturbed dreams, or overarching fatigue. The detox process might cloud cognitive functions, challenging concentration or clear thinking. Some individuals may even experience perceptual disturbances, including hallucinations. Additionally, behavioral changes, like agitation or an increased appetite, become apparent. Among these psychological symptoms, a potent craving for the substance from which one withdraws stands out, underscoring the profound grip of addiction.

Given the multifaceted nature of these alcohol and drug abuse symptoms, detoxing in a supervised environment like UNISON Rehab is essential. Such settings ensure that withdrawal’s physical and psychological aspects are managed with utmost care and expertise.

The journey to sustained recovery from drug addiction is a lifelong process, and UNISON Rehab is here to support you every step of the way. After completing detox, we offer a comprehensive range of substance abuse treatment programs and resources to help you transition back to everyday life and maintain your sobriety.

Specialized Treatment Avenues

Our specialized treatment programs are designed to address each patient’s unique needs. We offer a variety of evidence-based therapies, including:

  • Residential treatment
  • Outpatient treatment
  • Dual diagnosis treatment (for clients with co-occurring mental health disorders)
  • LGBTQ+ client programs
  • Individual therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Family therapy

A Healing-Centric Environment

Our Residential Treatment program provides a safe and supportive environment for clients to focus on their recovery. Our facilities are located in vibrant locales such as Center City, Philadelphia, and Denver, CO, and offer 24-hour professional supervision.