In the United States, over 21 million adults live with a substance use disorder. And, unfortunately, the situation isn’t getting any better; overdose deaths are at a peak high, with 72,000 in 2017. For those who wish to move forward and overcome addiction, Drug Detox Services is an essential step in the process.
What Is Detox?
Drug detoxification, colloquially known as detox, refers to the process of breaking the physical bonds of addiction. These physical ties are often just as strong as mental; while users may want to quit using drugs or alcohol, the changes to the brain and nervous system that come with long-term use inspire cravings that can be too strong to reasonably handle.
Withdrawal, or the side effects that accompany an absence of substance, can be highly influential, driving people to make a choice they otherwise understand to be harmful or dangerous. Those who deeply want to quit are often unable to make healthy decisions, seeking out more addictive substances even if they are aware it is wrong or bad for them. Withdrawal symptoms vary strongly from one drug to another, but can include nausea and vomiting, anxiety and paranoia, muscle cramps, aching or weakness, irritability, seizures, hallucinations, and insomnia. Withdrawal can be a long process as well, lasting days or weeks.
Drug Detox Services seeks to mitigate the symptoms of withdrawal, making breaking an addiction as comfortable and pain-free as possible. With oversight by doctors and nurses, a detox center can help even those with chronic substance abuse habits to manage the side effects that accompany addiction recovery. After a short stay in a residential rehabilitation program like The Detox Center, patients are prepared to move on to the next stage of recovery.
Why Is Detox Important?
Detox is important for the mental and psychological well-being of those attempting to work through addiction to drugs or alcohol, but it can also be important for physical wellness. While some addictive substances can be relinquished without negative ramifications, it can be dangerous to cease use for drugs like benzodiazepines and alcohol.
Alcohol Withdrawal
Despite its legality, alcohol is among the most dangerous drugs from which to detox. Alcohol detox is frequently accompanied by withdrawal symptoms like delirium tremens, hallucinations, and seizures. In severe cases, these can be deadly without proper supervision or treatment, putting users attempting to make healthy life choices in acute danger.
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
Benzodiazepines, more frequently known as benzos, are prescription central nervous system depressants. When used as prescribed, benzos can be very beneficial, but when abused, benzos have the potential to be incredibly dangerous. Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome is a condition that can arise with long-term benzo use and is characterized by severe symptoms like heart palpitations, seizures, psychosis, and increased risk of suicide.
Detox from Other Substances
Even if there is no immediate risk of harm for those working to overcome addiction, detox can alleviate the stress and pressure of the first few days of recovery, putting patients in a clearer, healthier mindset while reducing the likelihood of relapse.
At The Detox Center, we offer detox for substances that include:
Heroin and Other Opiates
Benzodiazepines
Marijuana
Hallucinogens (LSD/Acid)
Stimulants (Methamphetamine)
Barbiturates
Our Drug Detox Services Process
At Palm Beach Recovery Center, we believe in a comprehensive, compassionate approach to detox that addresses all aspects of physical, mental, and emotional health. As withdrawal symptoms begin, our staff will be here to stand by your side, providing guidance and support to keep you comfortable and focused on your goals and objectives. As needed, we utilize both over-the-counter medications as well as short-term use of prescriptions like Suboxone, Methadone, Naltrexone, Acamprosate, and Disulfiram to help mitigate more dangerous side effects and reduce cravings and risk of relapse.
If you are looking to take the first step toward sobriety, Palm Beach Recovery Center is here for you. Please contact us today at 561-567-8252 to learn more about our drug and alcohol rehab programs and what our dedicated team of addiction medicine professionals can do to support you.