Fear of withdrawal symptoms is often enough motivation for clients to continue to use. Engaging in a drug withdrawal management program offers a safe and comfortable environment for clients to begin their process of recovery.
Most drugs of abuse will induce withdrawal symptoms when stopped abruptly by a user. Opioids (such as, oxycodone, Dilaudid, Fentynal), Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Klonopin, Adivant) and alcohol can produce severe and, in some cases, life threatening withdrawal symptoms however abruptly stopping other drugs, such as cocaine, methamphetamines can create uncomfortable symptoms requiring a medically monitored drug withdrawal program.
During a drug detox program, clients’ withdrawal symptoms are monitored and treated with the appropriate protocol.
Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe, with severe withdrawal being potentially life threatening:
- Opioids include drugs such as oxycodone, roxycodone, Dilaudid, Fentynal, Morphine, percocet, vicodin and more. Opioid withdrawals are commonly described as severe flu-like symptoms; chills, runny nose, insomnia, hot/cold sweats, nausea,
diarrhea, abdominal cramping. The most significant symptoms is usually vomiting which can become uncontrolled and thereby lead to dehydration. Additionally, intravenous users are placed at a high risk for infections. Hypotension is also common. A rapid drop in blood pressure can result in dizziness and/or lightheadedness, thereby requiring fall precautions to be in place during the withdrawal management program. - Sedative, hypnotic and/or anxiolytic include benzodiazepines, barbiturates and others. Seizures are the biggest concern regarding an unsupervised detox. Sedatives, such as Xanax, will usually require a more lengthy detox (7-10 days) and symptoms can quickly escalate during the later stages of the medical protocol. Unlike an alcohol detox, vital signs may appear to be stable despite the patient experiencing severe withdrawal.
- Stimulants such as cocaine and amphetamines usually have the most mild physical withdrawal symptoms but can have the most severe emotional and psychological impact. Feelings of wanting to harm oneself can present in patients who have no history of mental health conditions and only as a result of withdrawal. Stimulants also place the user at risk of drug-induced psychosis; hearing voices, visual hallucinations, paranoia, etc. A medically monitored withdrawal management program ensures that patients are not at risk to self or others during the detox phase.
- Designer drugs are a newer class of drugs where the dangers of long term use are still relatively unknown. Synthetic cannabinoids, GHB, Ketamine, MDMA each of their own risks associated with use. A drug detox program is best equipped to safely monitor withdrawal from any of these substances.
Choosing the best drug detox program can be overwhelming however drug withdrawal management programs are often the most crucial phase of an addict’s recovery.
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After a significant amount of time abusing drugs and/or alcohol, there’s good chance your addiction has become deeply rooted in your body and mind. By the time you are ready to admit defeat and seek help, you are facing the prospects of needing a stint in a drug detox facility.
The Importance of Drug Detox
Dealing with an addiction is a difficult process. When faced with treatment, it’s best done with a clear mind and body. That’s not easy to do if you are still dealing with the residual drugs and/or alcohol left in your system. In order to facilitate the best treatment possible, it’s necessary for you to do whatever you can to clear your system. That usually entails a stint in drug detox.
The detox process will allow you to break your physical and psychological dependence on the drugs you have been taking. Withdrawal symptoms will appear and you will want help. By seeking assistance from a licensed detox facility, this can be accomplished in a safe environment while being monitored by medical staff. When drug detox has been completed, it’s time to get treatment.
The Outpatient Treatment Option
In the real world, it’s not always possible for addiction sufferers to commit to a residential treatment program. When access to work, family and/or school is necessary, an intensive outpatient treatment program provides a viable alternative option.
At Steps to Recovery facility in Levittown, Pennsylvania, we focus a majority of our treatment efforts on treating the LGBTQ community. Our therapists are also trained to deal with dual diagnosis issues as well. This is done through an IOP or PHP program. Regardless of the option chosen, we strongly advocate for heavy family therapy in the treatment process.
More About Steps to Recovery
We provide a two-phase approach to treatment with an influence toward the 12-steps of recovery. In the first phase, patients instruction about their addiction. This allows them to learn about their triggers and further help them recognize the recurring issues that are driving their addiction.
In the second phase of treatment, we shift the focus to solutions. This usually includes the development of the life skills necessary to avoid triggers. You also learn to live life on life’s terms without the need to anesthetize yourself with drugs and/or alcohol.
You do not have to subject yourself to the misery of your addiction. When you’re ready for help, our professional staff members at Steps to Recovery will answer the call at 267.719.8528. With our help, there’s a realistic chance you can find the road to recovery, relapse free, never again have to face the adversity that comes with addiction.