Detox Archives - Lexington Addiction Center

Selecting a Rehab Facility

Written by Lexington Center on December 1, 2023. Posted in Detox, Recovery, Rehab.

Selecting a rehab facility may seem like an overwhelmingly daunting task when someone is struggling with mental health or substance abuse. However, for these individuals, knowing the different options and what to look for when seeking help can be beneficial for selecting the best fit for them. Committing to and attending rehab can help individuals who are struggling to learn the necessary life and coping skills they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle while continuing to treat their condition. Whether it be mental health, substance abuse, or both simultaneously, rehab can be a vital component to getting better.

Decide: Inpatient or Outpatient?

Part of selecting a rehab facility consists of deciding on inpatient or outpatient. Some people will need a more intensive and in depth process for treatment that may require an inpatient level of care, and this will depend on the severity of the situation. However, knowing the differences between inpatient and outpatient can be beneficial. Inpatient is a process in which an individual stays on campus 24/7 and has round the clock medical care available.

This allows symptoms to be addressed as they arise, and prevents further complication. It helps individuals struggling with substances like drugs and alcohol to remove the substances from their body. It also helps those struggling with mental health to become more stable. Conversely, an outpatient rehab is a level of care in which a person continues to live at home or in a sober living environment and attends a therapeutic and supportive rehab facility during designated times.

This can be daytime or night time, allowing those with jobs to continue working while getting much needed care. It is a more flexible option that is ideal for individuals who are more stable and don’t require the more intensive treatment methods.

Accreditations

Selecting a rehab facility that has proper accreditations is crucial for the rehab to be able to provide the needed services. A CARF accreditation shows that the rehab facility has a commitment to continuously improving their services. The clients attending CARF accredited programs receive state of the art, up to date treatment methods and can rest assured that they will begin healing in a positive environment. There is also a Joint Commission accreditation that rehab facilities can receive.

These accreditations are given to facilities promoting quality and safety in healthcare. Researching and knowing what accreditations are given to a facility can let someone know the extent of their desire and commitment to improving their services for the clients that they treat.

Services and Level of Care

When selecting a rehab facility, knowing the services and levels of care that the facility provides can help with the decision making. Services like trauma therapy and medication assisted treatment (MAT) can help individuals who struggle with substance abuse to begin their process of healing and maintain recovery. The different levels of care provided by a rehab can include detox, residential, PHP, IOP, and OP.

Detox and residential would be more intensive levels of care, providing inpatient care, while PHP, IOP, and OP are less intensive and are considered to be an outpatient level of care. Many inpatient facilities maintain relationships with outpatient facilities in order to help individuals get the best care possible, while attending a facility that can cater to their specific wants and needs. This allows for the individual seeking help to continue their journey with a full continuum of care.

Define Personal Goals

Knowing what personal goals an individual is looking to achieve can help when selecting a rehab facility. For example, people who have experienced trauma and struggle with PTSD may want to begin healing from the traumatic event. Therefore, finding a rehab facility that offers trauma therapy would be more beneficial than one that does not. Those who struggle with chronic relapse often benefit from MAT and would gain more from a facility that offers this form of treatment. Knowing what is needed or wanted for the individual seeking help can make the process of choosing the right place a lot easier, and less overwhelming.

Research Reviews and Testimonials

Most facilities provide reviews and testimonials from previous clients who have received care from them. Researching and reading these reviews and testimonials can help someone seeking help to gain a better insight into a particular rehab facility. These reviews can be both positive and negative, so the person seeking help can get a clear understanding of pros and cons of any given facility. Going through the reviews and testimonials is beneficial for individuals seeking help to know whether a facility is the right fit for them and their needs.

Begin Recovery Now

Struggling with substances and mental health is a challenge that numerous people face on a daily basis. Finding the right rehab is vital for these individuals to find recovery and begin healing. If you or a loved one are struggling, you are not alone, and there is help available. At Lexington Addiction Center we provide care for these individuals to begin their healing process, and gain control of their life back. Call us today to begin the process and begin to live a healthier, happier lifestyle.

a man discusses delerium tremens with his doctor.

Delirium Tremens: Signs, Causes, and Detox

Written by Lexington Center on October 13, 2023. Posted in Addiction Treatment, alcohol, Detox.

Struggling with alcohol addiction leads to an array of health concerns, including delirium tremens. Alcohol addiction affects the brain and body negatively in different ways, leading to long lasting impacts on health and wellness. Often, those struggling with alcohol have a hard time ending their drinking due to the effects of alcohol withdrawal, and can require professional help to prevent complications like delirium tremens, or DTs. Understanding DTs and the effects it can have on your body is crucial to getting the proper care.

Delirium Tremens Overview

Delirium tremens is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal. It is a rare and life threatening condition that occurs after a period of heavy drinking, usually in individuals with a history of alcohol addiction and severe withdrawal symptoms. Not everyone struggling with alcohol will exhibit signs of alcohol withdrawal, and only a small percentage of those that do will experience DTs. The symptoms of DTs usually progress from withdrawal symptoms. This can include agitation and irritability, confusion, tremors, tachycardia, hallucinations and seizures. If proper medical care is not sought out, this condition could be fatal.

Delirium Tremens and Final Stage Alcoholism

Final stage alcoholism is just as life threatening as delirium tremens is, and also requires professional and medical intervention. During final stage alcoholism, a person has generally been struggling with alcohol for a longer period of time and has begun to experience long term repercussions from drinking. This can include damage to vital organs, like their liver, that results in the need for long term medical care. Individuals with final stage alcoholism are more likely to develop delirium tremens as they begin the process of detoxification from alcohol. Those who are experiencing final stage alcoholism should seek professional help for alcohol addiction in order to be closely monitored to prevent complications such as DTs.

Signs of Delirium Tremens

Individuals who are experiencing signs of potential delirium tremens should seek medical attention immediately. These signs include:

Confusion
High blood pressure
Hallucinations
Rapid heartbeat
Tremors
Anxiety
Depression
Disorientation
Panic attacks
Seizures
Nausea
Excessive sweating
Difficulty concentrating
Fatigue

The signs and symptoms of DTs are similar to alcohol withdrawal. However, these symptoms progressively worsen as time goes on. Receiving medical care as swiftly as possible helps to prevent complications and even death.

Does Delirium Tremens Go Away On Its Own?

Delirium tremens can cause permanent damage to the brain. If left untreated, a person could have long lasting effects of the condition, or it could result in death. It is a condition requiring medical intervention and treatment in order to overcome DTs. There are a number of potential risks when an individual is experiencing DTs. These risks should be monitored by medical professionals as they can provide the best course of action in order to prevent worsening of symptoms and further damage to the brain and other vital organs in the body. It is important to stress the need for medical attention for anyone who is going through withdrawal from alcohol and experiencing signs and symptoms of DTs. These symptoms can progress quickly and have devastating results.

How Long Does It Last?

Much like withdrawal from alcohol, there is no real set time frame for recovery from delirium tremens. There is a general timeline that can be given of what to expect, and potential length of time it can be expected, however everybody heals and recovers at different paces. Some people may exhibit symptoms for longer periods of time, and others may begin to recover quicker. Generally, symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can begin as little as 6-24 hours after drinking has ceased. Within 12-48 hours, more severe symptoms like hallucinations or seizures can occur. This is when normal alcohol withdrawal can progress into delirium tremens. Symptoms of delirium tremens, with proper care, may subside in 3-4 days, but can take 8-10 days to fully recover.

Treatment and Detox

An individual who is experiencing symptoms of DTs should treat it as a medical emergency. It should be treated and managed under round the clock care either in a hospital ICU or inpatient setting. This provides the capability of medication being administered to treat the symptoms, preventing further complication. Once stabilized, and symptoms of withdrawal have subsided, a person can then undergo the much needed care for alcohol addiction in order to prevent the cycle from continuing. Medication assisted treatment can be beneficial for individuals who have experienced delirium tremens, as it usually occurs in individuals with a longer history of alcohol abuse. This form of treatment helps individuals to gain long term sobriety, through assistance from preventative medications.

Overcoming Alcoholism

Struggling with alcohol addiction can cause a wake of destruction in a person’s life. It can lead to fractured relationships, job loss, as well as mental and physical repercussions. The right kind of help can assist an individual to overcome their addiction to alcohol and begin to repair the damage caused by alcohol addiction while regaining control of their life. If you or a loved one struggle with alcohol, we can help. Lexington Addiction Center offers comprehensive, proven care to individuals struggling with alcohol so they can overcome and begin a healthy and productive lifestyle. Call us today and begin your journey of recovery.

What is Alcohol Hepatitis?

Written by Lexington Center on October 6, 2023. Posted in alcohol, Detox, Physical Health.

Addiction to alcohol is a struggle that many people face on a daily basis. Alcohol hepatitis is a condition that often arises as a result of alcohol addiction. Identifying risk factors and symptoms can help save someone’s life. With a rapid onset of symptoms that can result in irreversible damage, this condition can lead to devastating results. Ending alcohol use and having proper medical care is crucial to avoiding these negative results.

Alcohol Hepatitis Overview

The liver is a vital organ within the body. It is located in the upper right abdomen, beneath the rib cage. It is the second largest organ in the body, and its functionality is crucial for the body to perform vital tasks. Alcohol hepatitis is a form of alcohol-related liver disease. This condition occurs when someone consumes more alcohol than the liver is able to process.

The main function of the liver is to process food and drinks, filter out toxins, and metabolize nutrients. When excessive amounts of alcohol are introduced into the liver for processing, it can result in liver swelling and a decline in functionality. If the liver isn’t able to process and filter out toxins introduced by alcohol, it can result in swelling and a backup of these toxins.

Alcohol Hepatitis and End Stage Alcoholism

End-stage alcoholism is the final, most severe stage of alcoholism. It can result from years of excessive drinking and lead to a myriad of physical and mental health conditions that can be detrimental. Depression, hallucinations, malnutrition, alcohol-related brain issues, as well as heart and liver disease could become prevalent. Alcohol hepatitis during end-stage alcoholism can be dangerous. If continued drinking occurs, the person’s liver could continue to be damaged.

As the liver continues to swell, and the liver cells are being continually damaged by alcohol, it can result in scarring. This swelling and scarring prohibits the liver from properly functioning. Irreversible liver scarring that impairs its function is known as cirrhosis. This is an incurable condition and in order to prevent further damage, one must stop drinking immediately and seek medical help to treat potential symptoms that may arise.

Alcohol Hepatitis Risk Factors

The risk factors of alcohol hepatitis include heavy drinking for long periods of time. As the person’s liver continues to break down the alcohol over time, it begins damaging liver cells. This results in swelling and damage to the organ. Another of the risk factors is having other existing forms of hepatitis. This can make someone more at risk of developing alcohol hepatitis, thus it is not advisable that these individuals drink alcohol.

A person’s gender assignment at birth can also be a factor as women are more susceptible to developing this condition. Other factors such as genetics and obesity can also play a role in a person developing alcohol hepatitis. Those struggling with alcohol should be vigilant when it comes to potential liver damage. If they feel there is a problem, seeking medical help as soon as possible can help prevent devastating results.

Alcohol Hepatitis Treatment

Struggling with alcohol can be extremely difficult. Alcohol hepatitis can make this struggle even more difficult. Treatment for this condition begins with diagnosis. A doctor will begin by taking a complete medical history and performing a physical examination. From there, questions regarding history of alcohol use can occur. Blood tests can help determine the functionality of the liver, and ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRI scans can show any existing damage to the organ.

The first step to treating alcohol hepatitis is to stop drinking. Continued alcohol consumption will continue to cause damage to the liver and result in further scarring and build-up of fats and toxins within the organ. When detected early, ending alcohol abuse can reverse liver damage. Anyone who finds themselves at a point where drinking has led to this condition should seek professional help to overcome alcohol addiction.

Detoxification can help to remove the substance from the body. The symptoms of withdrawal associated with alcohol can be extremely uncomfortable and can lead to life-threatening effects. Professional monitoring in a safe and healing environment can make this process more bearable. It can also help to ensure someone’s safety as they are bettering their life.

From there, getting continued help in order to remain abstinent from alcohol consumption is crucial. Necessary life and coping skills make a huge difference in the lives of individuals seeking recovery from addiction to alcohol. Help is available. Seeking help and adhering to a plan for treatment can help to not only increase quality of life but also to reverse this deadly damage to a vital organ.

Overcoming Alcohol Addiction is Vital

Alcohol abuse and addiction can be extremely dangerous and detrimental to the life and well-being of the individual struggling. Alcohol hepatitis can result in major impacts on health and even premature death. In order to prevent these impacts, one must quit drinking. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction to alcohol, there is help available. At Lexington Addiction Center we provide much-needed care for individuals who are struggling to begin healing and learning to live life alcohol-free.