If you enter rehab, you cannot go through it without going through detox. Alternatively, you should not complete detox without going through inpatient rehab. The two go together like salt and pepper or bread and water. You cannot have one without the other.
The first step in rehab then is to go through an alcohol detox program. When you enter the facility, you will go through intake so the doctors and staff can plan a program of withdrawal followed by counseling.
How the Program Works at an Indianapolis Rehab Facility
How long you go through alcohol detox at an Indianapolis rehab center will depend on how much you’ve drank, if you have a co-occurring condition, and how many years you’ve been drinking. Not everyone goes through the same treatment plan. Instead, each plan for recovery is individualized to the patient’s condition and medical needs.
Why You Can’t Enter Rehab Without Going Through Detox First
You need to go through detox first as an alcohol addiction is not something you can overcome yourself. If you’ve gotten to the point where drinking has become part of your life, you need medical intervention and monitoring.
People who quit “cold turkey” can go through serious withdrawals – symptoms that include the delirium tremens or DTs. This serious form of alcohol withdrawal manifests itself in symptoms that include uncontrolled autonomic hyperactivity and confusion.
In other words, the nervous system simply breaks down. Both the peripheral and central nervous systems are affected. While the central nervous system involves the spinal column and brain, the peripheral nervous system includes the nerves that extend from the spine or brain. These nerves branch out to other areas of the body and affect the muscles and organs.
Symptoms Related to the Delirium Tremens
When a patient experiences the DTs, they may complain of heart palpitations, severe upset stomach, sweating, or dizziness. People who suffer severe withdrawals may also experience seizures or may hallucinate.
These symptoms are regularly related to fear or anxiety. If a patient is not given drugs to ease the withdrawal or are not closely monitored, the symptoms may advance to something more serious.
Minor Withdrawal Symptoms
Even during a minor withdrawal, the patient may experience tremors, vomiting, sleeplessness, or an upset stomach.
Therefore, anyone whose drinking is out of control cannot recover from counseling alone. First, they need to get rid of the alcohol in their system.
If you’ve developed relationship difficulties because of your drinking or your craving for alcohol is ongoing and strong, detox is the first step you need to take.
That is why rehab involves a step-by-step process – one that includes detox, inpatient rehab, outpatient therapy, and after-care.
Detox Timelines for Light and Heavy Drinkers
It takes about 3 days for the symptoms to peak for lighter drinkers but heavy drinkers may go through a medical withdrawal for a week or more.
Inpatient Therapy: A Chance to Rest and Regroup
Once you’ve graduated from detox, you can go through inpatient therapy and rehab. During this phase of the treatment, you’ll discover the underlying reasons for your abuse of alcohol. You’ll receive the counseling needed to avoid a relapse. If you understand what triggers you to drink, you can avoid the repercussions.
Inpatient therapy may last a week to 60 days or longer. It just depends how long you need to regroup and transition into the mainstream.
Enroll in a Rehab Program Today: Make Recovery Your Ultimate Goal
The key to combating an alcohol addiction lies inside of you. By entering detox, then rehab, you can progress toward your goal of ending your addiction permanently.