If you abuse drugs and alcohol, you are not alone. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 48.5 million people struggled with a substance use disorder in 2023.[1]
The first step in treating addiction is medical detox. These rehab programs provide medical treatments and FDA-approved medications to lessen your withdrawal symptoms and prevent cravings. The goal of a detox program is to rid your body of mind-altering substances while keeping you safe and comfortable.
Some detox programs stretch withdrawal out, which means you could be detoxing for upwards of 2 weeks. Others rush the process, having you complete detox in 5 days or less.
7-day detox centers have found the sweet spot. One week is enough time to allow your body to adjust to sobriety without rushing you or slowing down the recovery process. During a 7-day program, you’ll receive an in-depth assessment, medical stabilization, medications to control your withdrawal symptoms, mental health counseling, and treatment planning.
In this article, you will learn:
What you will learn:
- What happens to your body during detox?
- How does a 7-day detox treatment center work?
- What are the benefits of choosing a 7-day detox?
What Happens When Your Body Is Detoxing?
Every person undergoing detox will experience different symptoms. Your symptoms often depend on what substance you are addicted to, how frequently you used it, and specific health information like the speed of your metabolism. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to moderate and even severe or life-threatening.
Is it possible to experience the following symptoms of withdrawal:[2]
- Headaches
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Shaking, tremors, or shivering
- Exhaustion and fatigue
- Abdominal cramps and muscle aches
- Unpleasant and vivid dreams
- Runny nose
- Fever and chills
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Extreme mood swings
- Irritability and agitation
- Anxiety and paranoia
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating and confusion
- Insomnia
- Intense cravings for the drug or substance
During detox, the goal is to help your body adjust to the absence of drugs and alcohol. This is usually achieved through the tapering process, which involves slowly decreasing the dose of your medication over time. Tapering can prevent or significantly reduce withdrawal symptoms.
The medications used during detox play a significant role in changing the way you experience withdrawal symptoms. While you might feel uncomfortable during detox, you won’t have to worry about severe or life-threatening symptoms like seizures.
How Does a 7-Day Drug Detox Work?
A 7-day drug detox is a treatment option for people who need intensive detox services but do not want to spend upwards of two weeks overcoming withdrawal. This level of care offers 24/7 monitoring, medication management, psychological support, and more. 7-day detox centers are an excellent choice for those interested in overcoming addiction.
During a 7-day detox program, you can expect:
- Medical Assessments – When you arrive at a 7-day detox, the treatment team will ask you questions about your physical and mental health as well as your history of substance abuse. This allows them to create a personalized treatment plan that guides the entire detox process.
- Stabilization – Once your treatment plan is created, the medical staff will begin to stabilize you. You might require blood pressure medications, IV fluids, anxiety medication, or something else to keep you safe and comfortable.
- Medication Management – In addition to stabilizing you, your doctor will provide you with medication to manage your withdrawal symptoms. The medication you are given depends on which drug you are addicted to. For example, alcohol withdrawal is treated with benzodiazepines, while opioids are managed with medications like Suboxone or methadone.
- Psychological Support – During your 7 days at the detox center, you might experience psychological symptoms of withdrawal like anxiety, depression, mood swings, or cravings. Mental health professionals are there to support you and offer advice on how to overcome your symptoms.
- Treatment Planning – Lastly, 7-day detox centers create a long-term treatment plan to ensure you get all of the care you need to achieve lasting recovery. They might suggest that you attend an inpatient treatment program or an outpatient program. On the other hand, some people need a combination of both inpatient and outpatient treatment.
What are the Benefits of a 7-Day Detox?
There are many different options when it comes to detox programs. There are long-term options and even short-term or “rapid” detox, which can be controversial due to the methods they use. If you don’t want to spend a lot of time in detox but want to avoid rushing yourself, 7 days is the perfect medium.
A 7-day detox provides a variety of benefits, including:
- Ample time to overcome withdrawal symptoms
- Clearing your body of toxins and addictive substances
- Access to FDA-approved medications to control symptoms and cravings
- Spending less time in detox gives you more time to focus on inpatient and outpatient treatment
- 24/7 support from doctors, nurses, and mental health professionals during your stay
- An increased chance of long-term sobriety, as withdrawal is often the hardest stage of recovery to overcome
Get Connected to 7-Day Detox in Tennessee
If you or a loved one suffers from drug addiction or alcoholism, it’s time to seek professional help. 7-day detox programs are the perfect first step towards recovery and a better life. At PAX Memphis, we can connect you with the right Tennessee detox program for you.
Contact us today to get started with a confidential, risk-free assessment.
References:
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Highlights for the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
- Science Direct: Withdrawal Syndromes