Arizona Drug Detox

arizona drug detox definition

Arizona Drug Detox

Are you wondering how to safely detox from drugs? Check out this article to find out about safe Arizona drug detox in 2023.

More than 20 million people in the United States have some form of substance use disorder. This means that they abuse or are addicted to alcohol or drugs, even when it results in negative life consequences.

There are a variety of causes for this, which all must be addressed to achieve recovery. However, this process always starts with a period of detox. This can look different for each individual, but there are some common themes.

If you are looking for Arizona drug detox, keep reading. This article covers detox basics, including how it works and why it is so vital to leading a drug- or alcohol-free life. This information also offers some advice on how to find the best services to aid in your recovery.

What Is Detox?

Detoxification is the process of the body clearing drugs or alcohol. Used in a clinical sense, detox is the management of withdrawal symptoms that stem from ceasing to take a substance to which the body has become accustomed.

There are two main approaches to detoxing from drugs: tapering and going “cold turkey.” Completely abstaining from any type of substance was historically the preferred detox method.

However, many medical experts today believe that gradually weaning the body is better. That is because it is easier on the individual, which can make them more likely to continue with detoxification.

Also, tapering does not always involve continuing to use alcohol or illegal drugs. It can mean taking supplemental prescription medications. These might achieve similar effects as the illicit drug but with milder effects and less potential for addiction.

Why Is Detox Necessary?

With continued drug or alcohol use, the body becomes accustomed to the presence and effects of the substance. When they are no longer there, the body reacts in negative ways. This dynamic can happen in different ways, but the most common one involves the brain.

Alcohol and most drugs act on communication pathways. These involve neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. They allow different parts of the body to communicate with the brain.

For instance, opioid pain medications stop the brain from receiving pain signals from injured areas. They also flood the brain with dopamine.

The substance can either stimulate neural pathways or dull them. Stimulants might produce hyper-awareness and increased energy, while depressants prompt relaxation and euphoria. 

With continued use, the brain comes to rely on the substance to achieve these effects. This has the related impact of making it more difficult for the brain to function properly. For instance, with habitual drug use, it may be harder for the body to produce dopamine (and experience “reward”) from everyday activities.

This leads to cravings for the substance along with negative physical and psychological results. These include everything from anxiety and depression to fever, sweating, shaking, nausea, vomiting, and hallucinations. Side effects will depend on the type of substance abused, as well as the extent and duration of use.

In short, a period of detoxification is needed to address the many challenges that arise from withdrawal. It allows the brain to reset neurological pathways. It also lets the body adapt to functioning without the presence of illegal substances.

How Long Does an Arizona Drug Detox Take?

In general, most detox periods last between one and several weeks. How long it takes depends on the substance being abused and the individual.

People who are otherwise healthy and have only abused drugs or alcohol for a short period may recover faster than expected. Those who have gone through years of abuse and have other underlying medical or mental health issues may take longer.

Keep in mind that the end of detox is not the same as the end of recovery. In fact, detox technically means the time needed for the substance to clear from your body and the ability to function without drugs or alcohol.

This can be confusing because some withdrawal symptoms might persist much longer than a few weeks. In fact, many forms of addiction last the remainder of the person’s life.

This is often why you hear people who have not used in years say that they are “in recovery” or that they “are alcoholics.” The process of staying sober is ongoing, which means the need for continuous support.

Can You Detox on Your Own?

Technically, yes, you detox without outside interventions. The question is not whether it is possible, but how viable it is in terms of success.

Experienced rehabilitation staff will give you the right tools to address cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Quality rehab also usually offers professional counseling, which can help address the underlying causes of addiction.

This includes addressing issues like anxiety and depression. It can help you learn to deal with relationships, as well as external stressors and other potential “triggers” of relapse.

Keep in mind that not all detox is in-patient. Some people are unable to devote the time to leaving jobs or personal obligations to visit a facility. In these and other cases where physical or psychological addiction is less severe, out-patient care can be effective.

How to Pay for Detox and Rehab?

Most prominent rehab facilities accept medical insurance. This is easy to confirm so that you will understand the costs of rehabilitation upfront.

If you lack insurance, there are other options available for detox in Arizona. These include programs through the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), the state’s Medicaid agency. Many private rehabilitation centers accept AHCCCS, so that you can get the help you need without paying out-of-pocket.

Find Detox in Arizona

Now that you understand what to look for in an Arizona drug detox, you can find facilities that can best meet your recovery needs. With the right support, getting sober and living a happy, healthy life is achievable.

Purpose Healing Center offers medical detox in Phoenix, Arizona, and has a campus in Scottsdale as well. We provide comprehensive yet customized treatment plans for every individual, including in- and out-patient drug detox options. Reach out to us today to enroll in meth addiction or other treatments.

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