medically managed detox

What Drugs May Require Detox?

One of the foremost signs of addiction is the arrival of physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms when you quit drinking or using your drug of choice. These side effects may run the gamut from mild to severe, and can even be life-threatening, based on how long you used drugs and your level of dependency.

If you have ever tried to quit drugs cold turkey, you have probably experienced some of these symptoms. Even if you are genuinely motivated to get clean, withdrawal can stand in your way. That’s why detox may be the solution you’ve been looking for.

What Is Medically Assisted Detox?

Detox takes place in a clinically controlled environment where addiction professionals can monitor your condition around the clock. For example, some drugs require a controlled tapering-off period to gradually step down until you have no more substances left in your system. Other people may come to detox with co-occurring mental health disorders that compound withdrawal symptoms.

Achieving physical stabilization and easing withdrawal symptoms are the two goals of medically assisted detox, which is why you should never try to detox at home. Instead, look for a specialized facility that offers 24/7 medical care.

Some drug addictions are more likely to require medically assisted detox than others. The most likely candidates include:

Opioids

The opioid family of drugs includes both prescription narcotics like OxyContin, as well as the illegal drug heroin. These drugs are highly addictive and come with a host of withdrawal side effects, including:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Chills and sweats
  • Diarrhea
  • Flu-like aches and pains
  • Restlessness
  • Insomnia
  • Irritability
  • Depression or anxiety

Opioid withdrawal is extremely unpleasant, but the symptoms are usually not life-threatening. Withdrawal generally begins within 12 hours of the last dose of a short-acting opioid, and within 30 hours for a longer-acting one. 

The goal of opioid detox is to provide a safe and comfortable setting in which medical professionals will monitor your symptoms and help wean you off the drugs.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepine medications like Valium and Xanax are among the most frequently prescribed drugs in the U.S. These central nervous system depressants calm anxiety and panic and help people fall asleep. They also create a pleasurable sense of relaxation. 

Many of the symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal are psychological, and can include a return of their insomnia or anxiety issues. Some benzodiazepine abusers report experiencing a collection of symptoms known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome that can persist for months after they undergo detox.

Alcohol

If you have ever experienced a hangover, you are familiar with some of the withdrawal symptoms that accompany heavy alcohol use, including nausea, dehydration, headaches, fatigue and short-term memory loss. People who have developed an alcohol use disorder may also experience some emotional side effects during withdrawal, such as mood swings, anxiety and difficulty sleeping.

Delirium tremens, or DTs, is a more severe form of alcohol withdrawal that can be life-threatening in some cases. Symptoms include seizures, high fever, hallucinations and confusion. Medically managed detox is often necessary to help avoid this dangerous phenomenon.

Drug and Alcohol Detox in Southern California

Detox is not a one-size-fits-all process. At Inland Detox, our first step is for qualified medical professionals to perform a comprehensive assessment of your physical, mental and emotional condition. We will then tailor a treatment plan that helps you reach equilibrium and prepares you for the next stages of rehabilitation, where you will work to address the root cause of your addiction. Our cutting-edge approach ensures you will receive an exceptional level of care in a well-appointed facility. Give us a call today and let us help you find a new beginning.