Drug and alcohol abuse can have devastating effects. In the United States alone,
over 25.9 million people are fighting substance use disorder. The first step to find recovery from addiction can be detoxification otherwise known as detox.
California Care Recovery in Orange County offers a detox program for those struggling with drug and alcohol abuse. A medical detox can help ease withdrawal symptoms and ensure safety while coming off of drugs or alcohol. California Care Recovery is certified as 3.7 level of care by ASAM and CARF to be a detoxification facility.
What is a Detox?
Detoxification (Detox) is eliminating toxins from the body. With drug and alcohol abuse, detox is used to rid the body of addictive substances and help the person start the journey to recovery.
Detox helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and start the healing process. During detox, a medical team assessing the person's physical and mental condition will observe the patient. The team of treatment professionals may also provide medication to manage the person's withdrawal symptoms.
The goal of detox is to help the person achieve a stable, sober lifestyle. Only medical professionals should supervise the detox process. A medically assisted detox ensures the person is safe and comfortable throughout the process.
What Drugs Need a Medical Detox?
Medical detox is necessary for those addicted to any drug, including alcohol. Alcohol is one of the most commonly abused substances and causes severe withdrawal symptoms. However, no matter the type of substance, a medical detox is recommended.
Other drugs that require a medical detox include:
- Opioids: These are very powerful drugs that are usually used for pain relief that can include heroin, opiates, and fentanyl. Over time, the body can become dependent on these drugs. After you decide to withdraw from them, it can be very uncomfortable.
- Benzodiazepines: We often use benzodiazepines for anxiety and panic attacks. They also cause severe withdrawal symptoms when stopped suddenly.
- Cocaine: This is a powerful stimulant. It can cause physical and psychological dependence easily. Withdrawal from cocaine can be very uncomfortable and dangerous.
- Methamphetamines: They are highly addictive stimulant drugs. They, therefore, cause severe withdrawal symptoms in patients.
- Hallucinogens: These are substances that can cause changes in perception. They can cause severe psychological issues when abused.
- Alcohol: One of the most commonly abused substances and causes severe withdrawal symptoms. One severe withdrawal symptom of alcohol is delirium tremens (DTs). DTs can include severe confusion, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, fever, heavy sweating, tremors, hallucinations, agitation, seizures, and even death in extreme cases.
What Happens During a Detox?
The detoxing process is different for every person. It depends on the type of drug, the amount, and the time they have been using. The process comprises an assessment to determine the person's physical and mental state. Then a comprehensive medical examination and the development of a treatment plan follow.
During a detox, the caregiver monitors the person closely. They'll be looking for physical and psychological symptoms. The patient may also get medications to help ease withdrawal symptoms. They are then provided with nutritional and lifestyle guidance.
Detox is only the first step in the recovery process. Ongoing treatment and therapy should follow the detox. This ensures complete and efficient recovery of the patient.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms for those fighting drug addiction can vary in severity and depend on the drug used. Here are some of the most common symptoms of withdrawal that can happen when a person stops using a drug:
- Nausea and vomiting: The body's reaction to the sudden absence of drugs in the system often causes nausea and vomiting in the patient.
- Insomnia: Many persons experience difficulty sleeping during withdrawal. This is because of difficulty calming the mind and body.
- Muscle aches: Muscle aches are another common withdrawal symptom and can range from mild to severe.
- Anxiety: Anxiety is commonly caused by the sudden absence of drugs in the system.
- Sweating: Sweating is also expected to increase. This is caused by the body's reaction to sudden environmental changes.
- Rapid heart rate: Rapid heart rate is one of the most dangerous withdrawal symptoms and can cause panic and fear.
- Cravings: In case of a sudden withdrawal, the patient will crave the drug so much, which can be challenging to manage.
- Depression: The patient's body was used to operate under some influence of a specific drug. Now that the drug is no longer available, it may lead to depression quickly.
- Fatigue: The patient may also experience exertion of illness kind of feeling because of sudden withdrawal.
Level 3.7 Detox Program
California Care offers a drug and alcohol treatment method that provides a safe and supervised environment for individuals to undergo the process of detoxification. Detox provides an environment where individuals can focus on their recovery without the distractions of everyday life. The programs allow individuals to receive round-the-clock care from medical professionals and addiction specialists. CARF and ASAM have certified us for 3.7-level care.
3.7 level detox programs include:
- 24-hour monitoring and supervision by medical personnel
- On-site medical care, including medication management
- Individual and group therapy
- Comprehensive drug and alcohol education
- Holistic treatment approaches, such as yoga and meditation
- Nutrition and healthy lifestyle counseling
- Relapse prevention planning
Detox in Mission Viejo
Drug and alcohol detoxification is never simple but it is an essential step on the road to recovery. The system ensures the patient has the framework and help they need to get through the withdrawal phase and start the recovery process safely.
Whether you are detoxing from an alcohol misuse problem or a stimulant drug like cocaine, it is vital to undergo a medical detox. This reduces the hazards involved with attempting the process on your own. A professional will ensure you overcome the drug more efficiently.
California Care Recovery believes in providing a comfortable and safe environment for our patients as they begin the journey to becoming sober with detox. We ensure our patients have the best opportunity to break free from drugs and alcohol and lead healthy, sober lives. This is possible through a personalized and compassionate approach to detox and later to
residential treatment.
