When people become addicted to drugs or alcohol, their bodies start to become physically dependent on these substances and crave them when they are running low in their systems. This physical dependence is a large reason why quitting the abuse of these substances is so challenging. For most people, the first step to recovery is overcoming dependency with an alcohol or drug detox. Clearbrook offers detox in Pennsylvania for many different substances, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, and cocaine. It is important to understand what going through a detox, including a cocaine cleanse, can be like and what to expect.
What Happens During Detox?
Drug detox is the process of weaning the body off of the substances that it has become dependent on. It is an important step in the recovery process, but it comes with many challenges. A drug detox takes time and is usually accompanied by negative side effects called withdrawal symptoms. Although some people may try to detox at home, it is safer, easier, and more effective to get professional medical detoxification such as that provided at our Laurel Run drug detox facility.
A medically monitored detox involves undergoing the detox process under the supervision and care of trained medical personnel. At the detox center, staff will monitor a patient’s progress as well as their withdrawal symptoms throughout the detox process to ensure a safe recovery. They can also prescribe medications, as necessary, to make the process easier, as medical detoxification can and most often does bring on withdrawal symptoms.
Drug Withdrawal Symptoms During Detox Programs
The physical process of detoxification can be uncomfortable, painful, and sometimes even lead to serious health problems. Each person will experience the detox process differently. Typically, the type of substance being abused will be the biggest factor in determining withdrawal symptoms, but other factors are also at play. These factors include the amount of a substance being abused, the frequency of abuse, the length of the addiction, and the person’s medical history.
Below are some of the more common withdrawal symptoms associated with some substances of abuse during drug detox.
- Alcohol – Anxiety, sweating, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, convulsions, seizures, tremors, hallucinations
- Benzodiazepines – Panic attacks, irritability, headaches, sensory sensitivity, difficulty concentrating, stiff muscles
- Cocaine/Crack – Depression, irritability, anxiety, agitation, paranoia, loss of appetite
- Heroin – Vomiting, diarrhea, muscle and bone pain, restless legs, body chills, sweating, insomnia, anxiety, irritability
- Prescription Pills – Irritability, anxiety, sweating, memory problems, heart palpitations, hand tremors, seizures
- Opiates – Sleep disturbance, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle and joint pain, anxiety, body chills, sweating
- Methamphetamines – Lack of energy, severe depression, hallucinations, anxiety, cravings, obsessions
- Ecstasy/Hallucinogens – Depression, anxiety, paranoia, insomnia, agitation, cravings, obsessions, poor memory
- Marijuana – Anxiety, agitation, loss of appetite, obsession, cravings, insomnia
- Spice/Synthetic Marijuana – Lethargy, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, excessive sweating, cravings, suicidal thoughts/actions, violent behavior
- Bath Salts/Flakka – Fatigue, anxiety, irritability, aggression, violent outbursts, depression, lack of focus
- Suboxone – Insomnia, body aches, restless legs, anxiety, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, cravings, frustration, agitation
Because a medical detox is different depending on the substance, we offer drug detox programs in PA that are substance-specific. These detox programs allow our addiction treatment specialists to help patients with common symptoms who are undergoing a medical detox while also addressing their individual needs.
Can Withdrawal Kill You?
Depending on the type of substance that has been abused, withdrawal symptoms can threaten the user’s life and, in some cases, result in their death. This is particularly prevalent in substances that induce an intense physical dependence, including benzodiazepines, opioids, and alcohol.
When a person’s body becomes dependent on one of these substances, the sudden removal of its presence can trigger an intense rebound effect that presents a significant risk. For instance, alcohol withdrawal can result in a devastating condition known as delirium tremens. DT is characterized by a fast heart rate, seizures, and hallucinations.
Withdrawing from opioids can cause serious electrolyte imbalances, elevated heart rate, and severe dehydration, which puts a tremendous amount of stress on the body. This occasionally causes heart problems or strokes. Additionally, convulsions and other potentially fatal complications are some of the dangerous symptoms of benzo withdrawal.
To reduce the hazards and protect their safety and well-being during the withdrawal process, people who are battling with substance dependency must seek expert assistance. Without the necessary medical help, abruptly stopping drugs or alcohol can have serious negative effects, and in severe situations, withdrawal can even be fatal.
It is important to note that not all drug withdrawal symptoms are fatal. Despite the fact that withdrawal from certain narcotics can cause intense cravings and discomfort, these side effects are rarely deadly. However, it is essential to obtain medical assistance and support while quitting addictive substances in order to assure safety and improve the likelihood of a full recovery.
Our Detox Center in PA
Before our patients begin their medical detox, the staff at our alcohol and drug detox center in Pennsylvania will first complete a full assessment of the patient’s medical history and drug use. This initial evaluation gives our medical staff a better idea of what the patient’s detox program will look like. Because each person can experience the detox process differently, creating individualized treatment plans is a crucial component of successful drug detoxes.
Patients who receive our treatments for detox in Pennsylvania can expect a safe, comfortable, and relaxing environment to begin their journey to sobriety. Our detox center provides 24-hour support and care to monitor our patient’s withdrawal symptoms during the detox process to ensure high-quality care is rendered at all times.
During this phase of treatment, our doctors also use medications to assist the drug detoxification process and provide relief to our patients’ acute physical symptoms. Patients who come to our PA detox center with other medical conditions that may or may not be related to their addiction will be treated by our medical team or referred to another medical professional if necessary. Our staff is also there to provide support for the psychological withdrawal symptoms that may develop.
All patients admitted to our drug detox unit remain there until cleared by our doctors and medical team. A patient experiencing more severe withdrawal symptoms will stay in detox longer so their discomfort can be properly managed until it subsides.
After the Drug Detox Program Is Complete
Detox is only the first step on the road to comprehensive recovery. Treatment at our drug rehab in Pennsylvania will continue after the detoxification phase is complete. While patients may have overcome their physical dependence with detox, a successful treatment plan will provide patients with the tools necessary to maintain abstinence from drugs and alcohol outside of rehab.
Patients will engage in one-on-one therapy, small group programs, relapse prevention education, family addiction education, and an introduction to the 12-step philosophy to help them build a foundation for long-term sobriety.
At Clearbrook Treatment Centers, we work to provide our patients with a life that is happy, fulfilling, and free from addiction. If you’re ready to get on the road to recovery, know that there is help available. Contact our inpatient Pennsylvania rehab to get more information and to get started.
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