Detoxing from drugs or alcohol is easily one of the hardest parts of addiction recovery. You may have heard horror stories about withdrawal symptoms and the detox process itself. While your anxiety is completely understandable, the drug detox process will help you regain your health and mental well-being. Medical detoxification sets the stage for you to achieve lifelong recovery.
If you are looking for detox centers in Los Angeles County, the California Centers for Recovery provides proven drug detox programs that are effective and customized to fit your specific needs. Call CCR toll-free today to learn more about the benefits of detox.
Detox is a set of interventions that help addicts better tolerate the physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms experienced when they stop using substances. Withdrawal symptoms are often uncomfortable and can even be painful to endure. Depending on the substances you have used, the length of time used and the amount and frequency used, you can experience the following withdrawal symptoms:
Because of the uncertainty and fear surrounding the detox process, you may find quitting “cold turkey” or utilizing self-detox methods more appealing options. You may pursue these methods to “cure” themselves or use them because they have heard others who could kick their habits in this manner. While these methods seem easier, they often do more harm than good.
At best, “self-detox” methods work in the short term. If you start experiencing withdrawal symptoms, the pain and discomfort of these symptoms may be too much to bear. As a result, you may turn back to substance use. If you are addicted to multiple substances or have underlying medical issues, the withdrawal symptoms you experience can be life-threatening and even fatal. That is why medical detoxification at a Manhattan Beach drug detox center such as CCR is so important. Under constant supervision, you are better able to navigate withdrawals in a safe, supportive, and comfortable environment.
When you enter a drug detox in Manhattan Beach, such as the one at California Centers for Recovery, you will undergo a methodical detox process that involves three steps:
Evaluation
The first phase of a drug detox program in Manhattan Beach is the evaluation phase. During the evaluation phase of detox, experienced treatment staff will perform comprehensive testing of your bloodstream for the substances you have been using during your addiction. Staff will also carefully measure the concentration of these substances in your blood. Additionally, you will undergo a thorough mental and physical health screening to pinpoint any underlying physical and psychological conditions that can complicate your recovery process. From these assessments, the treatment staff is able to create an individualized treatment plan that fits your unique and specific needs.
Stabilization
The second phase of a Los Angeles County drug detox program is stabilization. During the stabilization phase, staff will utilize both medical and psychological interventions in order to assist you through the withdrawal process. This phase aims to reach a state where you are substance-free and in a physically and psychologically stable state. This is accomplished primarily through medication-assisted therapy (MAT) and other interventions such as nutrition therapy or recreational therapy. During the stabilization phase, treatment staff will help the client become familiar with the treatment process and their role in it.
Entry into Treatment
The third and final phase of drug detox is the transition into intensive treatment. As the client enters treatment, staff will help them understand what will happen during their stay in treatment. Staff will be upfront with the client regarding the importance of having the motivation needed to get the most out of their treatment experience. Treatment staff will work with you through all phases of substance abuse treatment and care—including aftercare. If you completed a medical detox program in the past but were unsuccessful in completing treatment, staff may write up a written contract stating you will participate in a customized care plan.
When considering a South Bay detox program such as the one at CCR, you may wonder how long the drug detox process will take to complete. In general, the detox process can take 5-14 days but can depend on the substance. For example, alcohol detox can last for up to two weeks and needs to be done in an inpatient facility due to the rapid onset of withdrawal symptoms. Generally, alcohol withdrawals can occur as soon as 6 hours since your last drink and can include symptoms such as nausea, tremors, muscle spasms, hallucinations, and even coma.
For opiate withdrawals, opiate detox can last for 5-10 days. While opiate withdrawal does not pose significant medical dangers, it can be intensely uncomfortable and unpleasant in which medical monitoring is highly recommended. During opiate detox, staff will closely monitor you, and you will be given the appropriate medication to prevent severe withdrawal symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and agitation. During this process, a tapering (a decrease of dosage) of a substance that is related to the original drug of abuse that is now substituted to prevent withdrawal.
If you are addicted to benzodiazepines, the detox process can last between 5-10 days. Unlike opiate detox, the withdrawals associated with benzos can be severe—especially the psychological symptoms. Those who are withdrawing from benzos can experience psychological symptoms that can mimic schizophrenia and other forms of psychosis. Additionally, benzodiazepines such as Xanax are commonly used with other drugs such as alcohol. Therefore, it is absolutely critical to undergo drug detox immediately.
You may ask if you still need drug detox if you have little or no physical withdrawal symptoms. While there may be cases where physical symptoms are not present, there still can be psychological withdrawal symptoms that would require detox. For example, cocaine shows no physical signs of withdrawal, but the psychological cravings and dependence on the drug create intense discomfort.
Marijuana is another example of a drug with little or no physical withdrawal symptoms but has pronounced psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety. For those withdrawing from marijuana, the detox process can last several weeks since THC, the active compound in marijuana, is stored in the body’s fat cells. However, the extent of detox would be the monitoring of psychological symptoms and any co-occurring mental disorders.
In order for you to have the best chance at long-term recovery, you must undergo drug detox. While you may be unsure and even scared of the detox process, CCR is here to help. Our Manhattan Beach drug detox program is effective, proven to work, and administered by experienced and compassionate staff. We will be with you every step of the way to ensure that you are stable, healthy, and safe. Our state-of-the-art facilities and around-the-clock care will make the withdrawal process much more comfortable and less painful.
Are you ready to take that critical first step? Call California Centers for Recovery toll-free right now and start your journey to recovery.
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