A crucial first step in addiction recovery is often a drug and alcohol detox. This process initiates withdrawal and removes harmful substances from the body. Thus, paving the way for a life free from drugs and alcohol. At Empowered Recovery Center, our Atlanta detox center offers comprehensive drug and alcohol detox treatment that builds the essential foundation needed for long-term recovery.
The Importance of Medical Detox
The 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) revealed that 16.5% of the U.S. population aged 12 or older, amounting to 46.3 million people, met the DSM-5 criteria for substance use disorders in the previous year. Of these, 29.5 million were identified with an alcohol use disorder and 24 million with a drug use disorder. The survey also found that a staggering 94% of individuals with a substance use disorder did not receive treatment, with the majority of those untreated not believing they needed it.
When a substance use disorder (SUD) impairs an individual’s life, receiving professional treatment is crucial. Usually, a drug and alcohol detox is the first step in addiction recovery. Starting the withdrawal process, and removing harmful substances from the body initiates the adjustment to life without drugs and alcohol.
One of the primary reasons people avoid or delay seeking addiction treatment is the fear of experiencing withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can be physically uncomfortable, painful, or even life-threatening, depending on the substance and the severity of the addiction.
Withdrawal can also include psychological symptoms such as anxiety, depression, irritability, and intense cravings. These mental health challenges make the prospect of quitting seem overwhelming and can lead to a cycle of continued use to avoid these symptoms.
At Empowered Recovery’s Atlanta drug and alcohol detox center, we offer comprehensive detox treatment to safely minimize and manage withdrawal symptoms.
Our Approach to Treatment at Our Atlanta Detox Center
At our Atlanta drug and alcohol detox center, we’re committed to supporting individuals on their journey to recovery. We recognize that addiction impacts every aspect of a person’s life, and the first step toward healing is often the most challenging.
Assessment and Evaluation
At Empowered Recovery Center, our initial focus is on assessment and evaluation. We understand that every addiction is different, and therefore, we provide comprehensive, individualized assessments 24 hours a day to ensure that each client receives the attention they deserve.
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We offer objective drug and alcohol assessments.
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Our team of medical professionals conducts these assessments to determine the level of care needed.
Our evaluations serve as a basis for customizing a drug or alcohol detox plan. Thus, paving the way for a smooth transition into the detoxification stage.
Customized Atlanta Detox Center Plan
Our Atlanta drug and alcohol detox center offers a range of therapies and treatment programs, all customized to meet the individual needs of our clients. We keep the focus on client safety and comfort while creating a personalized detox plan.
Our customized detox plans include:
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Medically supervised detoxification: Our detox program is medically supervised, ensuring a safe and comfortable withdrawal process for each individual.
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Group therapy sessions: These offer a safe environment for open discussion and reciprocal emotional support.
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Family therapy: Involving loved ones in the recovery process for collective healing.
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Alumni and friends program: Reinforcing bonds and relationships for continuous support.
Medically Supervised Detoxification
Going through withdrawal and detoxification can be a daunting process. And that’s why, at our Atlanta detox center, we ensure a safe and peaceful setting with 24-hour medical care and supervision.
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Our medical detox programs are designed to alleviate the dangerous effects of withdrawal.
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We make use of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to manage and lessen severe withdrawal symptoms.
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Our detox center also offers partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs with comprehensive, individualized treatment plans for transforming lives.
At Empowered Recovery Center, we’re not just any detox center. We’re a haven of healing, aiming to empower individuals with the tools and support necessary to overcome addiction and live a healthy life. We understand that addiction recovery is an ongoing process, and we’re committed to supporting our patients every step of the way.
How Does Drug & Alcohol Detox Work?
Detoxification is a key first step in the addiction recovery process. Within our Atlanta detox center, comprehensive detox treatment programs are offered. Detox involves discontinuing the use of harmful substances and allowing the body and brain time to adjust to life without alcohol or drugs. Detox isn’t limited to a specific substance but is appropriate for a myriad of addictions.
Typically, the detox process triggers an array of side effects. Though their severity often depends on the nature and duration of substance use, these side effects range from mild to extreme. In severe cases of addiction, withdrawal symptoms can indeed become life-threatening.
But don’t worry. We can’t stress this enough—side effects are temporary. During detoxification in our center, medical professionals are on hand to provide continuous care and support. They ensure the detoxification process is as safe and comfortable as possible for clients.
Medication Assisted Treatment
Medication may be used to assist individuals throughout the detox process. It’s often combined with other treatments to address psychological dependencies shaped during substance use. This holistic therapy approach recognizes the intertwined nature of the physical and psychological elements of addiction. We prioritize effective strategies that treat both aspects concurrently, contributing to a more successful and sustainable recovery.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is often utilized to manage severe and potentially life-threatening detox symptoms. The medication prescribed depends on the substance of the addiction. However, FDA-approved medications typically include the following:
- Methadone – Used as long-term medication to help treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Methadone is a controlled replacement for opioids such as heroin and fentanyl. Over time, medical professionals decrease the dose to reduce the intensity of withdrawal.
- Disulfiram – Commonly used to treat alcohol use disorders (AUD). Disulfiram comes in tablet forms and is taken in the morning to alleviate cravings. It works by changing the way the body reacts to alcohol to discourage drinking.
- Buprenorphine – This treatment is similar to methadone as it acts as a maintenance drug to replace opioids. Buprenorphine also helps to shorten the side effects of opioid withdrawal.
Although medication is proven to assist those in recovery, it is typically combined with other treatments, such as therapy and support groups. This ensures that the physical and psychological aspects of addiction can be overcome simultaneously. Additionally, detox in Atlanta uncovers any mental health disorders that may have contributed to the development of an addiction.
“I arrived at ER completely broken, I’d tried so many times to stop taking fentanyl. All of the staff really supported me and helped me realize that there was hope.” – Bill, Former Client
How Long Does Withdrawal Last?
There is no concrete timeline for how long withdrawal lasts, even when medically assisted. Factors that influence how long withdrawal symptoms persist include:
- The type of drugs or alcohol used
- How long the substance has been used for
- The quantity of substances in an individual’s system at the time of detox
- Physical health
- Mental health
- Genetics
In the case of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS), symptoms can begin as soon as six hours after the last drink and persist for over a week. When detoxing from opioids, symptoms usually appear around eight hours after the last use. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms span several weeks, while opioid withdrawal symptoms can linger for months.
However, medication can relieve and reduce these symptoms drastically. As noted above, treatments such as methadone help manage withdrawal until a person is ready to stop taking medication entirely. Also, when combined with mental health care and therapy, medication reduces the risk of relapse.
Our drug and alcohol detox in Atlanta helps clients manage withdrawal symptoms safely and comfortably. Recovery doesn’t end with detox. After withdrawing from substances and completing drug and alcohol detox, it is common for those in recovery to experience cravings for a prolonged period. To ensure that our clients at our Atlanta detox center are fully supported we offer continuum care with evidence-based addiction treatment methods, such as behavioral therapies and aftercare.
Symptoms of Drug and Alcohol Addiction
The symptoms of SUD vary depending on the substance used and the length of time it is used. They can include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Frequently appearing intoxicated
- Isolating from friends and family members
- Changes in mood
- Increased irritability
- Mood swings
- Choosing to drink alcohol or use drugs over other activities or hobbies
- Physical restlessness
- Missing work, school, or appointments
- Financial and legal issues
Though substance use disorder looks different for everyone, it is a severe condition that requires immediate treatment. Completing a drug and alcohol detox program is advised if someone recognizes any of these symptoms in themself or a loved one. When left untreated, drug and alcohol abuse can lead to many long-term health problems. These include:
- High blood pressure
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Reduced cognitive function
Receiving treatment for AUD and SUD can limit these health conditions. Accordingly, professional addiction treatment at Empowered Recovery Center paves the way toward a happier and substance-free life.
Benefits of Choosing Empowered Recovery Center
Empowered Recovery’s treatment facilities are ideal for those who want to overcome a drug or alcohol addiction. Some of the key benefits at our detox in Atlanta include:
- Safe, medical detox
- Care and support from compassionate staff
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Regular medical checkups
- Support groups
- Therapies we provide:
At Empowered Recovery Center, we aim to support each client through their journey toward a physical, mental, and emotional recovery. We offer several programs to support our clients and provide appropriate education to prevent the possibility of relapse. Our Atlanta detox center and other treatment programs include:
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) – This form of treatment requires clients to attend a rehab program every day for several hours. This is suitable for those who require additional support and potentially need to be medically supervised.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) – Intensive outpatient treatment allows clients to continue their day-to-day life while attending therapy sessions for several hours per week.
- Outpatient Programming (OP) – This is a less intense form of outpatient treatment. During outpatient programming, clients attend a reduced number of therapy and counseling sessions.
Each of our programs contains a family therapy component as standard. As the family is a vital support system for those trying to overcome their addiction, educating family members on addiction helps reduce the risk of relapse.
We aim to give our clients the tools and education they need to succeed upon completing one of our treatment programs. To ensure that additional support is provided, we equip each of our clients with a full year of aftercare.
“Thank you Empowered Recovery for helping my son with such compassion and for all the family therapy sessions which were amazing for everyone.” – Tom, Parent of Former Client
Get Help at Our Atlanta Detox Center Today
We’re proud to be a leading Atlanta detox center committed to empowering our clients on their journey to recovery. Our holistic approach to treatment and comprehensive aftercare makes us stand out in the field of addiction recovery.
At our Atlanta drug and alcohol rehab, we provide clients with a wealth of guidance as they progress through their detox program. Also, we ensure each client has comprehensive therapy and aftercare to support them even after leaving our program.
Contact Empowered Recovery today to find out more about our drug and alcohol detox in Atlanta and our range of treatment programs. Our team of medical professionals will explain treatment options and help you select a suitable program based on your recovery needs.
Call us now if you’re ready to begin your journey to a substance-free life.
“ Everyone at ER helped me so much! I’m coming up to six months clean now which I never thought I’d manage. I can’t say thank you enough times! ” – Jerry, Former Client
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