Addiction withdrawal timelines vary from drug to drug, person to person, however there are a number of common symptoms and dangers that come along with addiction withdrawal. Often a medically-supervised detox is needed. Entering ASANA Recovery’s addiction treatment detox center is the first step towards recovering from substance use disorder (SUD). Our Orange County detox and is dedicated to helping you take that first step towards a sober, healthy lifestyle. By working one-on-one with our medical and clinician experts, you will be able to experience detox more comfortably. Learn more about each addiction withdrawal timeline below.
Many people have become addicted to drugs and alcohol, they experience a compulsion and cravings for the substance. Long term substance abuse often results in physical dependence. Once this occurs, medical detox is necessary for the user to break the cycle of addiction. Drug and alcohol detox centers provide a safe and supportive environment where the addict can complete the detox process before transitioning to an inpatient or outpatient rehab program.
A few addicts are able to enter treatment without going through detox. However, the majority need to expel the drugs and alcohol from their system to curb the physical dependence they have developed. Severe physical dependence often occurs from specific substances such as opioids and alcohol. An addict that has formed a dependency on a substance is unable to function properly. If they stopped they could experience withdrawal symptoms that are uncomfortable, extreme, and life-threatening.
A medically-assisted program enables an addict to detox safely with a decreased risk to their health. If a person has abused substances in the past and now believes it has extended into an addiction, then they should seek out a rehab that provides detox as soon as possible.
Many people will seek out a medical detox center once the risks of withdrawal symptoms from drugs and alcohol are known. A physical dependence generally occurs if the individual:
Has been using the substance for a long period of time.
Experience withdrawal symptoms when they are unable to get more of the substance.
Uses an excess amount of drugs and alcohol on a regular basis.
Is unable to stop using by themselves and needs help.
Continually increases the dosage to achieve the same impact as before.
Withdrawal symptoms combined with cravings and the inability to function without the substance are indicators of a physical addiction. Symptoms of withdrawal depend on the type of drug used. This is due to the chemical impact on the body when the addict uses less of the substance or stops taking it altogether. The most critical step to recovery is a successful detox followed by a treatment program that addresses their specific needs.
“chemical impact on the body”
Detoxification is one of the most important steps for achieving sobriety. Although it is not a form of rehab, almost every person who struggles with addiction will experience a form of detox before entering treatment. During this time, the addict will be cut off from drugs and alcohol and will begin the withdrawal process under the careful supervision of medical professionals. There are different programs that are available, including medication-assisted detox, Xanax detox, and alcohol detox. While going through this process withdrawal symptoms will increase and potentially worsen as the substance leaves the body. However, once the drugs and alcohol have been completely expelled, the symptoms will lessen and become more manageable.
We do not recommend trying to stop using without professional help. Many people are unable to handle the discomfort, and sometimes painful, aspects of withdrawal and will relapse because of this. Despite the unpleasant, and in withdrawal is the start of a much happier and healthier life. The medical staff at ASANA Recovery is well trained and some of the best in the business, they will see to it that no one is put at risk and will be made as comfortable as possible.
The staff at our Orange County addiction center will be able to provide coping-mechanisms and medication to decrease discomfort and pain throughout the detoxification process. They have the medical and clinical experience to offer support when it is needed. Our team at ASANA Recovery is dedicated to making our patients as comfortable as possible during detox so that they will want to continue to the next phase of treatment.
During detox, the patient receives all the medical and nutritional support that is necessary to get them through to the end. There are specific drugs, such as opioids, that require the user to gradually wean themselves off to avoid relapsing. Medically-assisted programs were created for the purpose of helping patients taper off the substance as comfortably as possible. At ASANA Recovery, we believe that every person should detox in the manner that is best for their specific needs.
The dietary needs and nutritional deficiencies are addressed before detox begins so that the staff can establish what the patient needs and when to give it. A detoxification program is not the same as inpatient treatment. Detoxification is simply the first step in treating addiction. The best facilities provide both medically-assisted programs and inpatient programs. We believe a seamless transition between programs is necessary for a full recovery.
The first step is asking how to detox the correct way. When the addict begins asking this question it means they are ready to get help for their addiction. Once the detox center has been contacted, the intake process can begin. During that first call, a staff member will talk to the perspective patient about their situation and what needs to be done to get the help they need. The patient will then come to the center and speak with both a medical professional and clinician to discuss a treatment plan that will meet the needs of the patient.
“discuss a treatment plan”
Once the patient comes to stay at the detox center, an exam is completed by the medical team to determine what may be necessary during the process. This may include reviewing the medical history of the individual, blood work, and tests to determine both mental and physical health. Any support required for detoxing and going through withdrawal will be provided for by the team.
It is understandable that some individuals require more assistance than others while going through detox. Once the substance is no longer being used, the mind and body experience intense withdrawal. Withdrawal is when the body starts reacting to the drugs and alcohol leaving its system, which it had become dependent on. With assisted detox in a licensed facility and a trained medical team monitoring the patients health 24/7, our patients can be assured that they are receiving the best care available to them.
We have seen the symptoms of withdrawal last for just a couple of days to several weeks. Depending on which substance was used, the process can be dangerous. In some instances, it can be life-threatening, which is why it is important to go to a professional detox center when the safety of the individual is in question. This determination is made through an examination and the medical history of the individual. The symptoms may be so severe the individual will keep using the substance to avoid the discomfort and pain. The most common withdrawal symptoms include:
Suicidal Tendencies & Depression
Vomiting and Nausea
Heart Palpitations
Hallucinations
Seizures
Body Aches or Headaches
DTs or Delirium Treatments
Nervousness or Anxiety
Erratic Blood Pressure
Issues with Sleep or Insomnia
ASANA Recovery accepts the majority of insurance plans. We recommend contacting us beforehand to make certain the individual’s health plan is accepted. Health insurance is often confusing under the best of circumstances, the process seems even more difficult when addiction is involved. Our center provides admissions counselors to determine the best available insurance payments.
“The first step is the desire to recover”
According to studies, the longer the individual is in treatment, the greater the chance of success. The first step is the desire to begin recovery, therapy and education are necessary to help endure the individual remains abstinent in the future. Our treatment center in Orange County provides support and programs for each stage, including detoxing, education, and therapy. The individual then transitions to an outpatient treatment for an alcohol and drug-free future.
Detox may be necessary for any drug, however, the withdrawal symptoms for certain substances can be life-threatening or present a greater risk of relapse. When a patient is addicted to certain drugs, medically supervised detox will be essential to achieve success in recovery. The substances requiring medically supervised detox include:
Opioids are medications derived from the poppy plant most frequently used for the treatment of pain. Opiates are direct derivatives of the plant including codeine, heroin, and morphine. Opioids are a synthetic drug similar to opiates including hydromorphone and oxycodone. The endorphins or natural opioids of the body are imitated by opioids. This is why the body will shut down the production of endorphins. Due to this, the body forms a dependency on external opioids.
Once the individual stops using opioids, the symptoms of withdrawal begin, including flue-like symptoms, clammy skin, anxiety, vomiting, muscle, aches, and nausea. The withdrawal from opioids by itself is not fatal, but the symptoms are generally extremely uncomfortable.
The central nervous system decreases activity when alcohol is consumed. This directly controls body functions including heart rate, motor movements, regulating, temperature, stress response, and blood pressure. Alcohol withdrawal may result in numerous symptoms including increased body temperature, high blood pressure, tremors, increased heart rate, and anxiety. If the addiction is extremely severe, the withdrawal process may be life-threatening.
These symptoms may include hallucinations and seizures. The most dangerous form of alcohol withdrawal is referred to as delirium. Without intervention, this may be fatal.
There are numerous non-prescription stimulants that include MDMA, methamphetamine, and cocaine. Although the symptoms of withdrawal are not life-threatening, some of them imitate severe depression.
Often referred to as benzos, this medication is used as a sedative for the treatment of unremitting seizures and anxiety. The chemical impact on the body and the symptoms of withdrawal are similar to alcohol. Benzodiazepines include Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and Klonopin.
There are many different synthetic drugs, with opioid fentanyl being the most famous designer drug. Significant symptoms of withdrawal can result from kratom, krokodil, and even bath salts. The symptoms can be successfully handled through medical detoxification.
We have seen numerous prescription drugs abused for stress relief or a high. Prescription drugs include opioids, benzodiazepines, gabapentin, sleeping medications, and muscle relaxants. The withdrawal symptoms for each prescription medication are unique. Many of the prescription medications work in a similar manner as alcohol. These drugs are depressants for the central nervous system.
We do not recommend self-detoxification or going through addiction withdrawal alone. Without a medically assisted detoxification center, the risks are too high. Specific drugs must be tapered off for safety. We have seen cases where this process required months. On occasion, years may be necessary to complete the withdrawal process effectively. There are maintenance programs for buprenorphine and methadone enabling the individual to detoxify from opioids. The individual will continue using the drug until their body no longer requires the substance.
This significantly decreases the risk of additional substance abuse, relapse, or overdose. We have also seen self-detoxification results in numerous health complications. When not treated properly, convulsions, hallucinations, slowed breathing, and seizures can all have dangerous consequences. Medical detoxification programs can prevent these consequences through clinical support and constant monitoring.
We do not want the physical health of any individual neglected due to an addiction. This can result in numerous deficiencies, leading to serious medical conditions when not handled correctly. Medical detoxification treats every aspect of an individual’s physical health. The rate of success is higher with formal treatment. We urge anyone suffering from an addiction to contact a detoxification center. These centers offer a no-obligation, no-cost consultation with an experienced advisor to provide the individual with as much help as possible.
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