When considering detox treatment for addiction, there are many options to consider. For many people—because of their drug of choice and extent of addiction—detox can feel overwhelming and even incentivize avoiding treatment. However, there are medical interventions to help the detox process be as comfortable as possible. Everyone entering treatment at The Oaks at La Paloma goes through an evaluation to determine their need for detox.
“The choice to take that first harrowing, impossible, step was mine, as was the choice to stay inside the gate. [The doctor] made it so clear that in this one thing, surrender is the opposite of giving up. It will be my choice, and mine alone, to keep getting better and to stay better. Once I make that choice, though, after that I will be carried.” —Billy B., HeroesInRecovery.com
Detox is the first stage of rehab treatment, and it can last from 48 hours to seven days. It is the monitored process of riding the body from drugs and/or alcohol. Detox is an important beginning in the recovery process. Here at La Paloma, our clients experience detox in a controlled, safe and comfortable environment.
The longer a person uses, the more the physical and psychological dependence on the drug of choice develops. Because of this dependency, when an individual abruptly discontinues use he or she will begin to experience a variety of symptoms associated with withdrawal.
Withdrawal initial symptoms may include the following:
- Sweats
- Cramping
- Constipation
- Anxiety
- Seizures
- Convulsions
- Delirium tremors
Each person’s detox experience is different, and the intensity of withdrawal varies based on the drug of choice, frequency of use, amount consumed and duration of addiction. At The Oaks, our goal is to treat every patient with respect and dignity and make their detox experience as easy and beneficial as possible. Because our facility is located in the Memphis area, there is always excellent medical care available, if needed. During detox, the body begins to heal, paving the way for continued treatment and long-term recovery.
What to Expect Day to Day
Detox at La Paloma takes place in a comfortable, residential setting. Clients who participate in detox are usually able to participate in counseling and enjoy the company of other residents.
While in detox, clients may experience the following treatment:
- Care from a primary therapist
- Encouragement to participate in therapeutic activities
- Daily meetings with a physician or nurse practitioner in order to assure the safest and most comfortable protocol
Our caring nursing staff is available 24 hours to monitor and support your process.
We believe that it is important for our clients to be involved in every aspect of their recovery to ensure a deep level of commitment.1 To do this, we encourage all clients to participate in the development of his or her treatment plan, determining goals and objectives for treatment.
Medication During Detox
For those who have been using alcohol or benzodaizepine, benzos are used in a tapering dose to help minimize discomfort while allowing the substances to get out of the client’s system. For opiate users, medications like Clonidine and Subutex are used in tapering doses as well.2 Some clients may be transferred to residential treatment while still on Subutex. When this happens, the client will continue to return to our state-of-the-art detox ward for the dispensing of those medications and will continue to be carefully monitored. Natural methods like acupuncture are also used in the detox process to ease withdrawal symptoms.
You or your loved one’s recovery is our priority. We invite you to beginthe road to healing through detox at The Oaks of La Paloma. If you have questions about whether you or a loved one may need detox, please call our 24 hour, toll-free helpline today. Our admissions coordinators can help you begin your road to sobriety!
1 S. Vahdat et al. “Patient Involvement in Health Care Decision Making: A Review.” NCBI. 2014
2 “Opiate and opioid withdrawal.” Medline Plus. 2016