Alcohol and drug addiction detox paves the way for treatment by freeing a client from the physical effects of chemical substances. Going through this process creates a cleaner slate so that the real work of getting to the heart of the issue of addiction and why someone turned to substances to deal with stress or emotional pain can begin in earnest.
Medical detox involves helping addicts become clean and sober by providing a supportive environment during this process. Instead of giving up drugs and alcohol all at once (“cold turkey”), clients are able to wean off of them in a controlled manner. A detox program helps to keep him or her comfortable by controlling physical withdrawal symptoms.
Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms
Opiates include morphine, heroin, Oxycontin, Dilaudid, and codeine. When someone who has been using the drug for some time stops taking it, he or she will experience some withdrawal symptoms. Early symptoms may include:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Muscle aches
- Sweating
- Yawning
As the withdrawal process continues, the symptoms may change and a person may complain of:
- Diarrhea
- Goose bumps
- Nausea
- Stomach cramps
- Vomiting
Detox centers are staffed by trained personnel who can monitor each client’s condition as they go through this necessary process. Supportive care is provided, and medications may be given to treat the anxiety, muscle aches, and cramping, if necessary.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms usually start within hours after the last drink is consumed. They get worse over the next two or three days and may persist longer in some instances.
- Anxiety/nervousness
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Nightmares
In some cases, alcoholics report feeling these types of symptoms while going through detox:
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Rapid heart rate
- Sweating
- Vomiting
Heavy alcohol users should not try to stop drinking all at once. Instead, they should get help from detox centers in California so that their condition can be monitored. When the condition turns into a severe form of withdrawal called delirium tremens, it can lead to these symptoms:
- Agitation
- Fever
- Hallucinations
- Severe confusion
- Seizures
Find an Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment Center
The staff at Above It All Treatment Center can provide caring, supportive care to clients who are going through detox. They recognize that each person being treated at the Center needs to be dealt with as an individual, and that there is no “one size fits all” approach to treatment. The staff works up a treatment plan to address each client’s needs and goals during his or her time at the Center once the veil of chemical substances has been lifted and the focus can be put squarely on getting well.