Understanding Drug Detox in Montana: The First Step in Rehab and What to Expect

The process of getting sober begins with the detoxification process. You’ve likely heard how challenging detox can be, but you may not know what to expect or why you need to have medical supervision. If you’re beginning drug detox in Montana, it’s essential that you know what to expect.

At Bear Creek Wellness, our team offers a variety of treatment options to help you regain your sobriety. Learn more about detoxification and get an overview of a general timeline for the most common drugs.

Drug Detox in Montana: What Is the Detoxification Process?

When you have an active substance use disorder, it’s impossible to begin official treatment without first purging the drugs from your system. The problem, however, is that your body has forgotten how to work without the substance.

To understand why this happens, it’s essential to know that drugs and alcohol impact your brain’s reward center. They cause a surge of dopamine and begin making structural changes to how your brain works. Over time, many receptors are turned off or become less sensitive to the drug.¹ Your body begins adjusting to functioning with the drug.

Once this occurs, reducing your intake of the substance will lead to withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms occur because your various systems are having trouble getting back to normal.

It can be challenging to manage withdrawal symptoms. They are substance-specific, but the most common issues you can experience include:^[2]

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sweating
• Muscle cramps
• Insomnia
• Cold and hot flashes
• Diarrhea
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Muscle aches

Some substances are more dangerous to detox from than others, with alcohol and benzodiazepines causing the most severe withdrawal symptoms. In some instances, they can cause seizures and could even be fatal. Because of these risks, the right option for anyone struggling with an addiction is to enter a treatment center.

Why Medical Supervision Is Essential

Treatment facilities offer medical supervision throughout the withdrawal process. You receive medications that can reduce the symptoms as well as continuous monitoring that can ensure you’re safe as the drug’s effects leave your body.

One of the problems that can arise if you try to go through the detox process alone is the risk of experiencing such severe symptoms that you end up using substances again to get relief. This isn’t just bad for your long-term recovery — it can be deadly. After starting detoxification, your tolerance will have declined, so your usual dose could cause an overdose.

By getting medications that keep you from feeling the worst of the withdrawal symptoms, you can reduce the risk of relapsing. You also begin the treatment process in a better headspace than you would if you were battling with withdrawal on your own.

Drug Detox in Montana Timeline: What Can You Expect?

Drug treatment processes will vary depending on the type of substance you use, how long you’ve been using it, what dose you take, your overall health levels, and many other factors. Below is the average detox timeline for the most common drugs.

Benzodiazepines

With benzodiazepines, you’ll begin feeling withdrawal symptoms within a day of no longer taking them. You can experience flu-like symptoms that will escalate as the hours pass, peaking at two weeks. It’s one of the longest detox periods.

Rebound insomnia is a common issue during these 14 or so days. After the symptoms peak, you may have protracted effects that could last months.³

Short-Acting Opioids

Short-acting opioids include heroin and oxycodone. Withdrawal symptoms typically start eight to 24 hours after the last use. You can experience muscle pain, anxiety, and insomnia. Symptoms will generally peak after about four days, but some people experience the worst ones up to 10 days after stopping use.³

For those who’ve had an addiction for a substantial amount of time, depression, anxiety, and even insomnia may persist for up to six months.

Longer-Acting Opioids

Longer-acting opioids include methadone. Usually, withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, irritability, gastrointestinal issues, and insomnia. You can start experiencing these after about two days. It can take close to 10 days for symptoms to improve.³

Stimulants

Stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine will lead to symptoms like extreme fatigue, aches, and altered mood in about 24 hours after stopping their use. The symptoms will peak at about the second or third day and last for about five days. Drug cravings and milder symptoms can continue for months.³

What Happens During Drug Detox in Montana?

Addiction treatment begins with an evaluation of your mental and physical health, followed by an assessment of your drug use. This information allows your care team to put together the detox plan that will help you remain safe and comfortable. Your team will then ensure you’re mentally and physically stabilized.

As you begin the withdrawal process, you can receive counseling and mental health assistance along with medications to help you avoid the most serious symptoms. Each person is unique, so your treatment team will give you as much time and assistance as needed during detox.

Finding Your Sobriety at Bear Creek Wellness

Substance use disorders can impact you physically and mentally. You can face relationship issues and career problems, and drug use can even put your life at risk. The most important step you can take to find your sobriety once more is to rely on a treatment program.

At Bear Creek Wellness, we offer inpatient and outpatient services for those who are struggling with substance use disorders. Our detox program can help you go through the withdrawal process safely while also giving you a chance to begin getting individual therapy and participating in support groups. With guidance, you can break free from the hold drugs have on you and live a healthier life.

Start your recovery by contacting our team. 

Sources:

[1] https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drugs-brain

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310652/

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310652/