Medical Detox Services In Illinois

Some people avoid seeking treatment for their addictions because they haven’t realized that they need help yet.

For others, however, fear of what might happen in treatment is a major deterrent. And this fear largely stems from withdrawal’s reputation for being an unpleasant and uncomfortable experience.

Fortunately, help is available and nearby.

Illinois Recovery Center has a medical detox program designed to make the process safer and more comfortable.

Read on to learn more about medical detox, what makes it better than unsupervised detox, and how Illinois Recovery Center can help.

Medical Detox at a Glance

Medical detoxification is the process of ridding the body of addictive substances in a medical setting.

Vs. At-Home Detox

Medical detox differs from the at-home detox in that it’s supervised. Typically, a team of healthcare professionals (physicians, nurses, and therapists) monitors the patient until the detoxification process is over.

Who It’s For

The supervised detox is ideal for people with physical dependency on a drug, especially if attempting to quit on their own is risky.

Finding a Trusted Facility

Illinois Recovery Center in Swansea is your local, trusted substance abuse treatment provider. We’ll cover the benefits of the center’s medical detox program in a minute.

4 Drawbacks of At-Home Drug/Alcohol Detoxification

Some people opt for at-home over medically-supervised detox because it cuts costs and works around the stigma of being admitted to rehab. Of course, it also eliminates long wait times that patients face at some facilities.

But it’s not without its issues, either. Here are four potential drawbacks:

1. Quitting Cold Turkey Can Be Dangerous

Abrupt cessation of addictive substances isn’t always a bad route. In fact, studies show that it can be particularly effective for certain habits, like smoking. And it definitely seems like a quick-fix method.

However, you should be aware of the risks. In some cases, quitting cold turkey can be outright dangerous.

If, for instance, you stop taking benzodiazepines suddenly, you’re at risk of convulsions and psychotic reactions. Guidelines recommend a slow dose taper at all times.

Opioids, too, require tapering or the use of an assisting medication. Otherwise, the person trying to quit might experience extreme psychological distress.

Note that the FDA has issued a warning against the abrupt cessation of opioids in general. Yes, even if they’re being used legitimately for pain management.

Similarly, if you quit drinking at once, your brain gets flooded with neurotransmitters that alcohol used to suppress. And when the brain can’t smoothly readjust its chemistry, you’re at risk of developing a potentially fatal condition called delirium tremens.

That’s why some cases of alcohol withdrawal syndrome can actually be life-threatening.

2. Temptations Can Pull You Back

With at-home detoxing, you can try to reduce temptations by limiting visitors, getting rid of alcohol and drugs around your home, and getting a loved one to help. However, there’s always a chance you won’t be able to create a substance-free environment, which can lead to relapse.

Unfortunately, relapse isn’t even the biggest issue here.

Detoxing reduces the body’s tolerance to the illicit substance. So, by relapsing and taking the same dose they were used to before the detox, the person is setting themselves up for an accidental overdose.

3. At-Home Detox Kits May Be Suspect

You might be tempted to use one of the detox kits sold online. These products claim that they can “cleanse” the body of drugs in a few hours or a few days at most. But these kits are often poorly regulated. Verifying the claims, efficacy, and safety is tricky.

One case report actually shows that a patient developed psychosis after using a detox kit.

It’s also worth noting that some kits have a diuretic effect, intended to mask traces of illegal substances with little to no regard for withdrawal and true sobriety.

4. Withdrawal Symptoms Are No Joke

The intensity, timeline, and risk level of the withdrawal phase vary a lot from one case to another. However, the common symptoms include cravings, insomnia, agitation, headaches, tremors, and anxiety. Some people will also experience seizures and confusion.

Many won’t be able to handle these unpleasant symptoms on their own.

On the other hand, detoxing in a medical center comes with withdrawal management, which is when healthcare professionals use medications to control the symptoms. The care team will also monitor and actively work on preventing complications.

How Illinois Recovery Center Can Help

Illinois Recovery Center (IRC) offers a wide range of behavioral health programs, from intensive outpatient to withdrawal management.

At IRC, detox patients receive round-the-clock care, medication (when needed), and psychological support.

7 Reasons to Choose Our Alcohol and Drug Detox Services

Opting for a supervised medical detox over at-home detoxing can emphasize your comfort (physical and emotional).

And here’s why Illinois Recovery Center is a trusted provider of withdrawal management services:

1. We Adopt a Comprehensive Approach to Detox

Our programs are evidence-based, personalized, and comprehensive. We believe that treating the patient as a whole yields better results.

In our medical detox, patients have access to medications, licensed counselors, and balanced nutrition. However, we also offer holistic healthcare services, like acupuncture and meditation.

2. Our Professionals Are Qualified, Experienced, and Compassionate

One of the main reasons people choose a medical detox is because they want to get rid of the toxins in their body under supervision.

On-site staff don’t just administer the medications needed for symptomatic management and watch out for dangerous complications. They also act as a support network.

And that’s why we made sure our care team is as qualified as can be.

Leading our nursing team is Katie Krueger, a board-certified family nurse practitioner (FNP-BC) with 14 years of experience in emergency medicine.

Meanwhile, Britany Wildermuth is one of the assistant directors of nursing on the team. Britany is a licensed practical nurse (LPN) with a strong foundation in hospital-based care.

On the clinical side, we have Alyce Enloe. Alyce is a medical assistant and a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) with 30+ years of experience in the field.

Barb Laidlaw is another LCPC on our team. But Barb also happens to be trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She holds certification in clinical hypnotherapy as well.

3. We’re Licensed and Accredited

The Illinois Helpline provider search tool is based on the Department of Health’s (IDHS) database of 900+ licensed facilities.

IRC is included on the list as a licensed provider of clinically managed residential treatment (level 3.5), intensive outpatient treatment (level 2), and withdrawal management (detox level 3.7).

Besides the state licensing, IRC holds accreditation from The Joint Commission for its behavioral healthcare and human services.

For reference, The Joint Commission is one of the largest, most rigorous accrediting bodies for healthcare providers. Being JCI -accredited is a testament to our patient safety and care quality.

We’re also LegitScript-certified, which attests to our compliance and transparency.

4. Our Care Team Is Ready for All Detox Needs

Our staff members have been in the substance use disorder treatment field for years. And they’re ready to treat everything from alcohol dependency and prescription drug misuse to full-on opioid use disorders.

So, no matter what your problem substance is, we can tailor a detox program to suit your unique set of needs.

5. We Offer Financial Assistance Options

Private detox centers may have a reputation for being more expensive than their public counterparts. But that doesn’t have to stand between you and a sober lifestyle.

At IRC, we strive to make recovery accessible. That’s why we accept plans from a number of insurers. We also offer quick and secure insurance verification checks.

6. Our State-of-the-Art Center is a Safe, Judgment-Free Environment

Conveniently located on Caseyville Avenue in Swansea, our rehab facility serves St. Clair County and the surrounding areas.

One of our goals is to make sure our patients in the Southern Illinois community have access to quality care without having to travel far from home. And when it comes to detox, we see the importance of creating a safe space for patients to work through the challenging withdrawal.

Our facility is nestled on a 12-acre lot, with a home-like interior designed to make patients feel comfortable. We also have an on-site fitness center for those who want to stay busy as they detox.

7. We’re Recognized by the Community (Directory Listings and Client Reviews)

IRC isn’t just licensed, accredited, and certified. The center has made it into several respected local and national directories, including:

• Helpline Illinois – IDHS
• FindTreatment.gov (for registered facilities participating in the annual N-SUMHSS)
• Recovery.com
• Psychology Today

We’re also proud to say that our facility is 5-star-rated, thanks to patients sharing their experiences on platforms like Google and Recovery.com.

Here’s a glimpse into what they had to say about our facility and medical detox services:

• “From the minute I walked in the door for detox to the transition to residential, it was super smooth and painless.”
• “IRC has been an amazing experience and the entire staff is extremely passionate about helping people treat their addiction and helps them be confident about their recovery and love themselves again.”
• “As someone who rarely gives endorsements, I can confidently say that IRC stands out for its exceptional medical detox, rehabilitation, and recovery services.”
• “IRC is a great, safe place to detox and recover from your addiction. The staff gets to know you and really cares about you and your plan.”

These kind words aren’t just third-party signals of our center’s credibility. They also reassure the healthcare professionals at Illinois Recovery Center that their hard work is making a true difference in people’s lives!

What to Expect From a Medical Detox Program

Detox programs are tailored to the individual’s needs. But here’s what you can expect from the typical detox stage:

Setting

Some people need to stay in a rehab center as they detox. For others, scheduled visits to an outpatient clinic are enough.

Duration

Generally speaking, the detox lasts anywhere from a couple of days to several weeks. That said, the timeline is affected by a number of factors, including patient age, drug type, and severity of the abuse.

Medications

Some of the medications that can be used during a medical detox are:

• Naltrexone: Blocks the effects of opioids.
• Clonidine: Relieves sweating, cramps, insomnia, tremors, anxiety, and vomiting.
• Methadone: Reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms of opioid use disorder.
• Buprenorphine: Used for moderate to severe opioid withdrawal.
• Acamprosate: Helps readjust the brain’s chemical balance.
• Phenobarbital: Prescribed for alcohol withdrawal convulsions.

Begin Your Recovery With a Safe, Effective Detox

Cleansing your body from drugs and alcohol is a battle uphill. There’s no need to face it alone.

Illinois Recovery Center provides the level of care needed for a safe detox in a compassionate, judgment-free environment.

Whether you’re looking for withdrawal management services or just need someone to talk to, our admissions team is here for you. Get in touch today.