Detoxification, or detoxing, is the process of the body removing toxins, like drugs or alcohol, from its system. Due to the complicated nature of detoxing it is imperative to safely manage withdrawal symptoms when someone stops taking drugs or alcohol. The type of drug or how long it was used can greatly affect what detox will be like for each individual. It can take days or months to get through withdrawal symptoms. The length of withdrawal depends on numerous factors including but not limited to:

• Type of substance
• Duration of use
• Frequency and amount
• Method of consumption (drink, snort, IV, smoking, etc.)
• Family history
• Genetics
• Existing medical conditions
• Mental health

Why Choose a Detox Facility?

Choosing to detox at home alone, "cold turkey”, can potentially lead to serious medical issues such as seizures & severe dehydration. Checking into a detox facility can help prevent dangerous complications occurring while in withdrawal. At a detox facility, there is 24 hour around the clock support and monitoring by medically trained personnel and other trained members of the team.

Source: Freepik

The Detox Process

Because detox is different for each individual there is a process that is followed in a detox facility:

• Evaluation
• Stabilization
• Support in discharge planning

Evaluation

In the evaluation process, a series of labs will be taken to help determine the types and amounts of drugs and/or alcohol in the patient's system. This is done in order to help the doctor prescribe the proper medications to help with the withdrawal symptoms. Another aspect of the evaluation process is gathering the patient's drug, past treatment, medical and psychiatric history which will be used to create a long-term treatment plan.

Stabilization

The goal of our stabilization process s to prevent any form of harm to the patient. Doctors can prescribe addiction treatment medications to help prevent complications and reduce withdrawal symptoms. Depending on the type of drug being used and the duration of use withdrawal symptoms can manifest in different ways for different people. Some examples of withdrawal symptoms can include but are not limited to: 

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Seizures
• Muscle aches
• Sweating
• Tremors
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Sleep issues
• Suppressed or increased appetite

Different medications are used to treat different withdrawal symptoms. Some medications prescribed while at detox may include:

• Benzodiazepines
• Antidepressants
• Clonidine
• Suboxone
• Naltrexone
• Anti-nausea

During stabilization your vitals will be checked often, labs will be taken, fluids and healthy meals will be provided, there will be time to rest and heal and staff will be available to help assist you in your daily needs. We also hold daily support groups throughout the process.

Source: Freepik

Discharge Planning

After stabilization is complete the next step is discharge planning. For each individual coming into the detox center, this process may look different. For some people, it may be just setting up a safety plan and returning home and back to society. For others, this may be entering into a residential treatment center or an intensive outpatient facility. The best chance of success is continuing treatment after detox.

Why Pacific Crest Trail Detox?

At Pacific Crest Trail Detox, we strive to help you not only physically but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually as well. Our facility is in a house that has beds for up to 10 people. Creating a welcoming and homey feeling to rest and heal. The staff work together as a family and show love, compassion, and encouragement to everyone who walks through our doors. Healthy and nutritious meals are prepared and served, and if your sleeping they will come to you and offer you what you need. There are all sorts of groups offered, such as but not limited to:

• Art therapy
• Wellbriety
• Process groups
• 12 step meetings

We often hold game and movie nights as well! Our care team is made up of not only medically trained individuals but also of people who have made this life-changing journey themselves and can lead by example. All of us here go the extra mile to do what we can so that the recovering person can start their journey with a strong foundation. The care team at PCTD will help with setting up safety plans or referrals to a residential facility or into our sister company Oregon Trail Recovery for further education and treatment so that the recovering person can obtain the tools for success.

Reach out to the PCTD team today to start your detox and recovery journey!