Drug and alcohol addiction affects every part of a person’s health and well-being. It can harm their bodies, minds, relationships, daily functioning, and more. Long periods of drug and alcohol abuse can change how the brain and body work. These changes can make it very challenging for someone with an addiction to stop using drugs or alcohol when they choose to.

Most people with addiction require professional treatment and support to quit using addictive substances safely. For many, treatment begins with a medically supported detox program.

This article will explore who works at a detox center.

If you or someone you love requires substance abuse treatment, find support at Alamo Behavioral Health. Contact our intake professionals to learn about our treatment facility or to schedule an appointment.

What is a Detox Center?

A detox treatment center is a facility that provides supervision, medical care, SUD treatment programs, and other services to support people detoxing from drugs or alcohol. During detox, people may experience uncomfortable or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. In a detox center, addiction specialists assess and treat these symptoms.

The support of a medical detox center can help people stay safe and on track as their body detoxifies. After completing a detox program, people must seek continued care.

Detox programs usually occur in an inpatient setting. However, some facilities offer medication-assisted treatment plans in an outpatient treatment setting.

Alamo Behavioral Health accepts many major insurance plans, including:

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Who Works at a Detox Center?

Detox facilities provide comprehensive medical support to ensure safety throughout detox. People may attend a detox program to manage withdrawal from:

• Alcohol
• Opioids
• Benzodiazepines
• Stimulants
• Synthetic drugs
• Prescription drugs

During detox, people receive consistent support and treatment for physical and mental health symptoms. They also receive emotional support, education, and access to holistic therapies to soothe the mind and body.

Here is an overview of who works at a detox center.

Medical doctors

Medical doctors can diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and create treatment plans to manage withdrawal side effects safely.

Nurses

Nurses provide continuous support, administer medications, conduct assessments, and help to carry out each person’s treatment plan.

Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health disorders. Psychiatrists may evaluate patients, prescribe medications, and create treatment plans to manage mental health symptoms during detox.

Social workers

Social workers are professionals who coordinate care. They may assist people in finding treatment programs, sober living programs, work or financial assistance, and more.

Therapists

Therapists provide talk therapy, education, group counseling, and family support. People may meet with a therapist during detox or as part of a comprehensive addiction treatment program.

Other practitioners

Detox centers may have other professional staff members, including behavior technicians, occupational therapists, and holistic practitioners. These team members help the medical staff provide high-quality care and carry out treatment plans.

The staff at a detox center work together to provide the most comprehensive treatment and support possible. Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about our professionals or to ask questions.

What Services Do Medical Professionals at a Detox Center Offer?

A medically supported detox program offers a combination of evidence-based and holistic therapies. These therapies can keep people safe and comfortable as they navigate detox.

Detoxing from drugs or alcohol can be challenging. Many people experience a range of physical and emotional side effects as their body detoxifies and returns to its natural state. Common drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Tremors
• Chills
• Body aches
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Seizures
• Confusion
• Elevated blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature

People may also experience intense cravings and other symptoms. Some experience life-threatening symptoms that require immediate medical interventions.

The staff at a detox center offers continual supervision and treatment, including:

• 24/7 monitoring of symptoms
• Medications to manage withdrawal symptoms
• Emotional support, including individual and group therapy
• Holistic therapies like yoga, acupuncture, creative therapies, and mindfulness

People may remain in a detox program for just a few days or several weeks, depending on their needs. Detox center staff assess each person’s needs and offer the treatment and support they need at each stage of the detox process.

Do I Need Detox and Rehab Support?

The first step in getting help is to recognize that you need help. Substance abuse and addiction can change the way you think, feel, and behave.

Some of the signs that you need a detox program include:

• Needing to use more drugs and alcohol to get the desired effects
• Having cravings for drugs or alcohol
• Doing dangerous things while using drugs or alcohol, like driving intoxicated or having unprotected sex
• Spending a lot of time and energy getting, using, and recovering from using drugs or alcohol
• Isolating more often
• Having new or worsening mental health symptoms
• Having social, legal, or financial trouble related to your substance use
• Neglecting responsibilities, hobbies, and relationships more often
• Wanting to stop using drugs or alcohol but feeling like you can’t control it

Detox and treatment programs can help you recover from addiction and move forward. Seek treatment as soon as you recognize the signs of substance use disorder (SUD).

Find Detox and Treatment Now

If you or someone in your life needs the support of a detox program, contact Alamo Behavioral Health. Contact our intake specialists to learn about our programs or schedule an appointment.