Drug and alcohol detox is the first step in any addiction treatment program. You need a safe, reliable, and trustworthy detox facility to begin your recovery. At Peachtree Detox, we help our clients find a safe space for healing, no matter if it’s with us or somewhere that fits their needs.
Call us now at 470-613-7881 or verify your insurance now.
Peachtree Detox is a premier provider of addiction treatment services and detox programs in Atlanta, Georgia. If you or someone you love is in need of professional care, reach out to us now.
Drug and alcohol detox works by helping you manage acute withdrawal symptoms.
The first part of any addiction treatment program is detox. Detox needs to occur after you quit using drugs or drinking alcohol. This is because acute symptoms of withdrawal begin within a day after you stop—or even within a few hours for some substances.
Throughout detox, you’ll get medical and psychological monitoring as you manage your withdrawal symptoms. This is critical because withdrawal symptoms are often unpleasant and lead back to substance abuse. In some cases, withdrawal can be dangerous—even potentially deadly.
Common withdrawal symptoms include the following:
It should take about 1 to 2 weeks for you to detox from most substances. After that, you’ll be ready to continue treatment at an inpatient rehab center.
The best detox centers have state licenses and third-party accreditations highlighting their credentials.
Each state has its own criteria for licensure. This criteria can include things like staff credentials, staff-to-client ratios, facility space, and evidence-based treatments.
In addition to state licenses, some detox centers obtain third-party accreditation. Third-party accreditation firms set rigorous standards to obtain their seal of approval. In some states, third-party accreditation is required for a license.
Like state licensing, third-party accreditation firms base their certification on things like staff qualifications, ratios, facility space and environment, and types of treatment offered.
The following are some of the most common third-party accreditation firms and organizations for detox centers in Georgia:
Lastly, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is another resource to check the quality of any type of service provider—including drug and alcohol detox centers.
At Detox ATL, we’re here to answer your questions about our Georgia detox centers. We know that entering a detox program—and quitting substance abuse—are difficult steps to take. Because of this, we’re happy to help you understand the process before you start.
The following is a list of some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs):
Detox programs typically last about 1 to 2 weeks.
The primary goal of a detox program is managing the acute phase of withdrawal. After that, you might still have lingering symptoms, but these should be manageable with the support of a residential treatment center.
The following factors influence how long a detox program will last:
The following are items you need to bring with you to an inpatient detox program:
Each detox facility has different restrictions on what you can bring. Be sure to ask before you enter the program. Also, some inpatient facilities have laundry services and other amenities that could reduce the number of items needed.
However, if you attend an outpatient detox program, you won’t need to worry about what to bring.
Your family could play a critical role in your detox and long-term addiction recovery.
Everyone’s relationship with their family is different. For some, their family is their primary support system. However, for others, family members could be triggering, unhelpful, or unable to support their loved one in recovery.
At an inpatient detox center, you’ll be in a facility for the duration of your program. Depending on the facility, you may or may not have visitors. Some facilities even limit phone contact so that you can focus on your recovery.
However, if you are in an outpatient detox program, you’ll need a safe and secure place to live. This means you can’t live with family or friends who engage in substance abuse themselves or who are either unable or unwilling to help you through detox.
Regardless, many treatment centers encourage family members to participate in their loved one’s recovery. This is because addiction is a disease that affects the entire family.
Yes, most insurance plans will cover drug and alcohol detox.
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), substance use disorder (SUD) treatment is an essential health benefit. While your plan will vary based on your carrier and state, most health insurance plans will cover some or all of the costs of drug and alcohol detox.
Still, it’s best to contact your insurance carrier directly to ensure coverage. Additionally, many detox centers can help you navigate your insurance coverage.
You need a detox program to manage the acute symptoms of drug and alcohol withdrawal safely.
If you try to quit without professional support, you are much more likely to relapse when withdrawal symptoms get intense. As withdrawal symptoms intensify, so will your cravings for drugs and alcohol to alleviate your symptoms.
You’re at a high risk of overdosing if you relapse after attempting to detox on your own.
If you quit using or drinking for a few days, but then cave in to cravings, you are more likely to use a higher amount of substance than usual to “make up” for the days you didn’t use or drink. Thus, you could overdose as a result.
Lastly, quitting some substances causes dangerous withdrawal symptoms like medical complications, depression, and psychosis.
Substances like alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines cause dangerous—and potentially life-threatening—withdrawal symptoms. In addition, your mood and mental health can suffer during withdrawal, which could lead to suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Therefore, medical and psychological monitoring are critical throughout detox.
You won’t get fired for attending detox or other types of drug and alcohol rehab programs.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects people from discrimination by their employers when they “are currently participating in a rehabilitation program and are no longer engaging in the illegal use of drugs.”
However, if you abuse drugs or alcohol while on the job, or substance abuse leads to poor performance, tardiness, absenteeism, or other issues, you aren’t protected.
Therefore, if you struggle with substance abuse and need time off for detox and rehab, it is best to be open and honest with your employer.
Under serious circumstances, you might be able to force someone to go to a drug or alcohol detox program.
Forcing a loved one into a rehab program is possible when the person is an imminent threat to themselves or others. Oftentimes, this happens when law enforcement gets involved and the person is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
In addition, if the person is unable to make sound decisions for their health and well-being that could lead to life-threatening issues, you might be able to force them into detox. For example, if they experience psychosis (losing touch with reality) from substance use or an underlying mental health disorder, this could be grounds for involuntary treatment.
Each state has different laws and requirements for involuntary substance abuse treatment. A qualified medical professional must sign a 1013 Request Form for involuntary treatment in Georgia.
Drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms can vary based on what you use, how often, and how much.
Withdrawal is not limited to those abusing illicit substances—those taking medications as prescribed can go through withdrawal if they suddenly stop taking their medication.
Professional detox services can help you overcome withdrawal symptoms safely and begin recovery from addiction and dependency. Call us now at 470-613-7881 or verify your insurance now.
