Detox

Medication-assisted detox helps you safely withdraw from alcohol or drug addiction without suffering painful withdrawal symptoms. The comfortable and nurturing environment at Magnolia Recovery supports your well-being, while Daniel Smeester, MD, DABAM, FASAM, and a team of highly trained addiction specialists take care of your health, closely monitoring you throughout your detox and treating the range of physical, mental, and emotional challenges that accompany addiction. If you need help with a drug or alcohol addiction, call the office in Walnut Creek, California, or request one online today.

What is detox?

Detoxification is the first step of your addiction treatment. The goal of detox is to clear drugs and/or alcohol out of your body while using medications to manage the physical symptoms of withdrawal.

Detox focuses on your safety and physical health as you withdraw. However, it does not deal with the longstanding psychological, social, and behavioral problems associated with alcohol and drug abuse. That’s why therapy is the second step of addiction treatment. 

What happens during medication-assisted detox?

Your detox program is managed by a physician who develops a unique program tailored to meet your needs. Detox programs proceed through three stages: 

Evaluation

The team at Magnolia Recovery begins by evaluating your physical and mental health, identifying existing medical issues as well as co-occurring mental health problems. They also test for the presence and concentration of drugs and/or alcohol in your body. Once they fully understand all the challenges you face, they develop the best strategy for your detox. 

Stabilization

Most of your detox is dedicated to stabilizing your physical health while your body clears out all the drugs and/or alcohol. You receive medications to relieve withdrawal symptoms and to stop urges, and you’re closely monitored to ensure your safety and comfort. During stabilization, you learn about your comprehensive treatment plan and may begin your therapy. 

Entry into substance abuse treatment

Substance abuse treatment consists of individual therapy and a variety of group therapies that allow you to explore your behavior patterns, discover why you abuse substances, and learn the behavioral and social skills you need to maintain your recovery. 

How long will I be in detox?

The length of your detox process depends on factors such as:

• The type of substance you use
• The duration of your addiction
• Your method of abuse (smoking, injecting, swallowing)
• The amount you take at one time
• Your co-occurring mental health conditions
• Your overall health and weight
• Your family history and genetic makeup 

Withdrawal may last several days to weeks, depending on these variables. 

What supporting services will I receive during detox?

At Magnolia Recovery, your detoxification is achieved in a comfortable environment where an extensive team supports you by treating you as a whole person. Your environment is peaceful and relaxing, helping you to destress throughout the detox process. 

The team also nurtures your health with balanced meals prepared by their chef, an exercise program, and alternative options, such as yoga.

Detoxing on your own can be dangerous for your health, in some cases even life-threatening, depending on the substance you abuse. If you need to detox, let the compassionate experts at Magnolia Recovery help. Call the office or request an appointment online today.