To struggle with substance addiction can be an isolating experience. Addiction may lead to an individual being separated from their healthy relationships; conflicts arising between the addict and their supports; and the user feeling lonely, confused, and discourage with nowhere to turn.1,7 Fortunately, there is always a caring and concerned outlet for those that want to take an active role in their addiction recovery: a detoxification (detox) helpline.
Detox.net is an American Addiction Centers (AAC) resource and a leading provider to drug and alcohol detox care and addiction treatment. Call 1-888-509-8965 Who Answers? today to speak with an admissions navigator who can help you find the treatment you deserve as you begin your recovery journey.
Detox helplines are not only for the person with substance abuse issues, though. They can provide information and assistance to people concerned for their loved ones. Having a friend or family member afflicted by addiction can be upsetting and challenging to deal with, so having contact with an addiction help hotline can offer feedback and direction on detox and other aspects of treatment.
Whether you experience withdrawal symptoms, addiction and substance dependence first-hand or through a loved one, calling a detox helpline connects you with a caring individual ready to provide you with information about your addiction as well as connect you with recovery resources to treat it.
They will ask a few questions to gain a better understanding of the situation, current physical and mental health state, and symptoms of the individual in a compassionate and nonjudgmental way to boost comfort and reduce apprehension.
Detox helplines are anonymous, so you do not have to disclose any personal or identifying information. The goal of a detox helpline is not to increase shame or guilt—it is to increase access to treatment.
By entering a rehab program, you can help yourself begin on the path toward sobriety. Detox, which is the process through which the body clears itself of drugs or alcohol, is meant to help patients manage the intense and potentially fatal withdrawal side effects that may result when drug or alcohol use is stopped. There are various strategies used by detox programs.8
Remember: Detox is only the first step on the path toward recovery. You should pursue continued treatment through a rehab program in order to have the greatest chance at staying clean and healthy.
People engaged in alcohol or drug abuse may be unaware of the disruptive nature of their abuse, and their loved ones may not realize just how serious the problem has become.
These people may believe that they could never benefit from calling a helpline, but in reality, anyone affected by addiction should consider calling, especially if you or your loved one is displaying signs or experiencing symptoms of addiction like:1,2
Remember, a person does not need to exhibit every item listed to need help. Exhibiting as few as 2 of the above symptoms or behaviors within a 12-month period could signify that substance abuse has become problematic.2
Addiction is complex and complicated, and it leaves people feeling confused and frustrated. Calling a detox helpline can add clarity and confidence regarding the future of treatment.
Detox helplines are trusted resources, but they cannot provide emergency care. If addiction and substance use has led to a medically or mentally dangerous situation, call 911.
In the most general terms, detox is the body’s ability to process and remove toxins. Professional detox is a set of interventions used to safely and comfortably assist an individual while alcohol and other drugs leave the body.3,4
Medically assisted or medically supervised detox involves a team of medical professionals evaluating, observing, and treating symptoms by administering medications, if necessary, to reduce the effects of acute withdrawal.4-6 Since these effects can be dangerous and sometimes life-threatening, depending on the substance, detox helps ensure the security and well-being of the person beginning recovery.
Detox helplines can help place people in touch with facilities where qualified treatment professionals will determine which detox option is the best fit. Ultimately, the appropriate detox setting, level of intensity, and duration will be determined by factors like:
Depending on the professional evaluation of the individual’s state, detox will occur at 1 of 5 distinct levels of care including:6
Again, remember that detox is only the beginning of your journey toward recovery. You should pursue addiction rehab that goes beyond detox and addresses both the addiction and any underlying issues that may contribute to the addiction.
Below is a list of free hotlines you can call to receive information regarding detox, substance abuse, and mental health treatment:
Paying for Rehab Treatment
Additional Resources on Drug and Alcohol Detox
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