Alcohol Detoxification Center*
Fear can be one of the biggest obstacles to detoxifying from alcohol. Many individuals continue to drink even when they no longer want to, simply because they are afraid to ride out the detoxification process. Morningside Recovery’s clinicians dispel this fear by explaining what a client can expect during the detoxification process. The clinical staff begins with a full assessment prior to detoxification. Several factors will determine the length and nature of the detoxification process:
- Age and general physical health.
- Amount of alcohol recently consumed and with what frequency.
- Other drug use or co-occurring disorders.
- Prescription medications.
- Any chronic illnesses that require ongoing medical care.
Clients detoxify from alcohol under the guidance of a caring staff of professionals in a supportive, comfortable, home-like environment. Detoxification from alcohol usually takes just a few days, and in severe cases medications can ease the acute symptoms of withdrawal such as insomnia, shaking/tremors, gastrointestinal upset, and mood swings. Usually low doses of an anti-seizure or anti-anxiety medication are given for a short period of time. This is to avoid the possibility of withdrawal seizures, which are similar to epileptic seizures. Such complications are rare while detoxifying in a secure facility because of around-the-clock nursing staff on site.
The detoxification team can also help with one of the most frequent symptoms experienced by clients detoxing from alcohol -- insomnia. Research suggests alcohol withdrawal causes a temporary imbalance of brain chemicals that leads to insomnia. The clinical team assesses the comprehensive psychological profile of each client when offering medication. A client’s age, body chemistry, previous diet, and habits such as smoking are all considered when selecting a medication. Most clients only require temporary medication for sleep hygiene while detoxifying. All prescription medication dispensed in the secure detox facility is supervised by a consulting psychiatrist and psychologist with years of experience in behavioral healthcare. The professional nursing and counseling staff constantly monitors clients’ progress, and is trained and experienced in helping clients with the emotional experience of withdrawal. Morningside’s compassionate staff has been there, and helps clients deal with feelings of depression, cravings, confusion and disorientation.
Services include nutritious prepared meals, which go a long way toward easing excessive irritability and increased anxiety. Moreover, clients with special dietary needs or favorite foods are accommodated. There are also support group meetings where clients talk to others going through the same process. This group solidarity is highly beneficial. As one client described his feelings: “I figured if the other guys in there could do it, then I could. I just kept telling myself that every day was getting better.”
Clients in detox can begin their recovery journey by meeting with therapists and attending educational and therapeutic groups. Clients often feel tremendous relief and freedom from the compulsive urges to drink. The goal of detox is to encourage clients to avoid extreme reactions and begin a path to the thoughts, feelings and behaviors that lead to long-term recovery. Clients progress through detoxification at various rates, and all decisions regarding length of treatment are made by clinical necessity. Clients withdrawing from alcohol typically spend three days to a week detoxifying prior to joining residential treatment. However, some Morningside clients (often those with co-occurring disorders) elect to remain in the detox center until they feel ready to take on the next phase of their recovery.
*Detoxification services are not provided at Morningside Recovery facilities. We work closely with local, fully licensed detoxification centers that provide the highest level of care to our clients. If a client requires detoxification and is admitting to any of Morningside's programs, our clinical team will follow the client’s detoxification treatment at these local facilities. If the detoxification period is to exceed 72 hours, we will also begin private therapy and other treatment services at the designated location. Our consulting physician and psychiatrist will also follow each client’s case at this outside center in order to ensure a smooth transition into any of our many levels of care. Although outcome studies have shown significant increase in client success when receiving full or extended treatment services after detoxification, if you require only a detoxification without further treatment, we are happy to refer you to one of the highly regarded and trusted detoxification facilities that we utilize.
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