What is detoxification?

Detoxification is the process of removing toxins, such as alcohol and/or drugs, from the body. The body’s reaction to the removal of the toxins is called withdrawal. Symptoms of withdrawal can cause craving for more of the substance being removed. Detoxification is the first step in overcoming substance addiction such as drugs or alcohol. Detoxification is a vital step for a person to begin a successful recovery.

What is social detoxification?

BRAADC is a social detoxification center, meaning that we do not give medication to clients to ease the symptoms of their withdrawal. Clients work with counselors and attend group sessions to cope with and manage the withdrawal symptoms and learn techniques to handle cravings.

BRAADC is able to successfully detoxify most drug and alcohol clients however there are some substances, quantities, and combinations that we may not be able to safely detoxify. This will be determined during the initial phone interview before placing a client on the waiting list. If it is decided that a client will require Medically Assisted Detoxification, we will give that individual several phone numbers to such facilities.

What is medical detoxification?

In April 2011, BRAADC started a program for clients in need of medical detoxification in the Greater Baton Rouge Area. The economic challenges and shortage of detoxification facilities in the surrounding areas made it imperative that the Center evaluate its services and commitments to the community. The recent closure of LHRO detoxification, which provided 10 non-medical and 10 medical state funded beds left the community without a medical detoxification center for those who are homeless, indigent, or insurance poor and has left BRAADC as the primary provider of detoxification services in the East Baton Rouge Parish and surrounding parishes.

In the past, the Center has had to refer any client needing medical detoxification services to the emergency room or the nearest medical facility. The closure of beds in the surrounding areas has increased BRAADC’s waiting list from 100 to 150 per day. This waiting list is such a concern because the individual is ready to seek help at the moment. If the individual is not treated at the time of seeking help they are very likely to fall back into addiction and lack the motivation to return. The individual may attempt to detoxify on their own, however detoxification can be a physically excruciating process as the toxins are expelled from the body. It is crucial that the individual has the supportive, safe, and secure environment that the Center provides.

The medical detoxification program allows those individuals previously referred to other medical facilities to receive treatment at the Center, lowering the number of emergency room visits and providing a much needed service to the community. The medical detoxification program allows the client to continue detoxification and will increase program completion rates. Completing the program helps to ensure lower recidivism rates and allows BRAADC counselors the chance to transition clients into continued recovery programs.

Why go to drug and alcohol detoxification?

Addiction to drugs or alcohol can have detrimental effects on a person’s physical and mental well-being. The addiction is not just psychological but can be physically painful and traumatic. Supervised detoxification will provide a safe and supportive environment to begin the first step on the road to recovery. Detoxification alone is not treatment therefore each person is encouraged to enter a rehabilitation treatment as soon as the detoxification process has been completed. During the stay at the Center our counselors work closely with other rehabilitation facilities to ensure a continuum of care for our clients.

Many rehabilitation centers in Louisiana are not equipped to support detoxification and require individuals go through this first step prior to entering a short term or long term program.

What to Expect:

This may be the first time that many individuals have gone without alcohol or drugs in months or years, which can be very intimidating and bring feelings of insecurity and fear. It is not unusual for detoxification from drugs and alcohol to be difficult and painful. Our experienced counselors and staff are here to provide support, guidance and encouragement to help clients manage their withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal Symptoms:

Symptoms of withdrawal can be different for each individual and are dependent on the substance(s) in question. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Depression and anxiety
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Sudden mood changes
• Irritability
• Sleeplessness
• Hallucinations
• Tremors (usually with alcohol)
• Sweating
• Loss of appetite

How long will it take?

Typical substance detoxification lasts between several days to a couple of weeks depending on the individual’s make up, the substance of choice and the amount and length time the substance has been used.