Detox is an essential first step to stopping the cycle of addiction. Those who are addicted to drugs or alcohol may need to complete detox prior to joining a drug addiction treatment program to address a substance use disorder. The side effects of detox may be significant, which is why it’s usually a good idea for people to go through detox with medical support. For example, someone detoxing from opioids may benefit from a tapering program monitored by a detox facility.
Drugs and alcohol may lead to physical dependency and emotional addictions. Detox’s goal is to safely get the substance out of the patient’s body so that they may move on to treat the psychological symptoms that remain. If you need support, please contact Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida today at 866.294.5306.
Who Needs Detox?
Anyone can benefit from detox, but those who have addictions to alcohol or benzodiazepines, as well as some other drugs, may be at risk of developing serious, potentially life-threatening symptoms of withdrawal if they stop cold turkey.
Symptoms of withdrawal vary based on how long someone has taken drugs or used alcohol, the quantities they used, and other factors. Therefore, working with a medical team is beneficial to determine the best path forward with detox. Usually, tapering or treatment with medications, known as medication-assisted treatment (MAT), are used to help those at risk of developing dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
The Side Effects of Detox
Detox is a process where the drugs or alcohol leave the body. Unfortunately, detox often causes symptoms of withdrawal when it’s not occurring in a medical setting. Even in a medical setting, it is possible to have some withdrawal symptoms, but there are usually medications or treatment options available to minimize those symptoms.
The common side effects of drug detox occur as drugs or other substances leave the body, changing the body’s chemistry. The client’s body may feel unbalanced, which may lead to:
- Fatigue
- Suicidal ideation
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Severe depression
- Cravings
- Stomach cramps
- Sweating
- Constipation
- Muscle spasms
People may also have psychological dependencies on substances, not just physical. As a result, they may struggle both psychologically and physically with no longer using.
What to Expect During the Detox Process
During the process of detoxing, the client should prepare for a seven-to-ten-day detoxification process. During that time, symptoms of withdrawal may appear, peak, and begin to decrease.
For people who have used drugs for an extended period of time, there may be a physiological dependency and a psychological dependency. This means that it is both mentally and physically addicting to use the substance, so our treatment center must address it during detox.
During the detox process, we monitor and treat the physical addiction and potentially dangerous side effects. The goal is to safely get the substance out of the person’s body so that they may move on to a drug addiction treatment program without the risk of serious withdrawal symptoms such as delirium tremens or seizure activity.
Those who go through detox should expect to have cravings or other symptoms. However, we use certain medications during medical detox programs to help relieve those issues and help the patient stay on track.
Contact Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida for Help
At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida, our goal is to help all of our clients get through the side effects of detox and start feeling more like themselves again. Detox side effects may make the process frustrating or upsetting, but with professional help, it’s possible to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Contact us today at 866.294.5306 to learn more about our programs and how we can help.
