Outpatient Alcohol and Drug Detoxification serving Carmel Valley

Detoxification from alcohol and drugs can be a mixed experience. You are saying no more, ever again, to the destructiveness of addictive substances, and yes to your life in the hopes of a better future. Many people are surprised when they realize they are addicted and unable to stop using the alcohol, prescribed opiate medication,e.g. Hydrocodone, Norco, Percocet, Ultram, OxyContin; or tranquilizer medications, e.g. benzodiazepines such as Valium, Xanax, Alprazolam, Ambian and others.

Some people attempt to detoxify at home, or see their physicians for a brief office visit, or seek inpatient detoxification for dangerous symptoms of withdrawal. Outpatient Detoxification through an outpatient alcohol and drug treatment center over 3 or more days, provides the confidentiality of an office detox, and a physical and psychological assessment to provide you with information to help you make choices to stay clean and sober.

Alcohol withdrawal can cause seizures, and you may need 24 hour care if you have a co-occuring medical condition such as diabetes. Withdrawal can be experienced as a severe hangover with symptoms rated mild to severe and lasts for several days.

Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol may include:
-Upset stomach, nausea
-Headaches
-Shaking (tremors in hands and body)
-Fearful (panic attack)
-Difficulty sleeping (insomnia, nightmares)
-Increased body temperature
-Increased breathing and heart rate

Call your physician, a friend, family member or Lasting Recovery if you think you might be in trouble detoxing from an addictive substance on your own. There will be discomfort, and there is the promise of a new beginning in sobriety.

Judy Saalinger, Ph.D., MFT, CAS