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

Women and Alcohol Problems in San Diego North County?

Are women who drink wine with their friends in Del Mar, Encinitas, Carmel Valley and La Jolla, alcoholics?

Women who have a few social drinks now and then, are probably not alcoholics. Some, however, may be on their way to developing an addiction to alcohol.I get calls every day from women who think they might have an alcohol problem, and women who know they have a drinking problem and are asking for help.

When I was struggling to understand my drinking behavior over 25 years ago , I felt guilty and confused. I thought I should be able to control the effects of my drinking. Betty Ford and Elizabeth Taylor, two very famous women in our country, could not control the amount they drank either. These women identified a pattern of drinking behavior that was predictable, and distinguished them from light social drinkers. Knowing that they could face their problem with alcohol gave me courage to face mine.Read over the following list of predictable behaviors for alcohol dependency and see if you can identify with any of the following. If so, you are not alone.

___Buying liquor at more than one location to keep the quantity secret.

___Hiding bottles or cans of alcohol or secretly disposing of them.

___Advance planning to reward yourself with heavy drinking.

___Memory loss after drinking too much.

___Feeling sick and hung over after drinking.

___Feeling afraid you made a fool of yourself the night before.

___Drinking alcohol before leaving the house for party or event

___Drinking to feel wittier, more relaxed, or less anxious.

___Uncertain about going to events where there will not be alcohol.

___Entertaining or creating situations so you can drink alcohol.

___Avoiding discussions, literature or TV programs on alcoholism.

___Carrying liquor in your purse, car or at the office.

___Becoming defensive when someone questions you about drinking.

___Are angry that other people are trying to control you and your drinking.

___Drinking while angry, upset, depressed, or under stress.

___Driving after you have been drinking alcohol, feeling certain you can drive.

___Switching types of alcohol to prevent becoming too intoxicated.

___Drinking at work or at your activities with your children.

___Other people show concern about how much you drink.

___Breaking promises to others because of drinking.

___Feeling crazy or overwhelmed but knowing why.

___Feeling guilt and remorse for behavior while drinking.

___Being unable to predict how many drinks will be consumed in one sitting.

___Drinking more than planned or faster than other people do.

___Feeling like it is impossible or difficult to stop drinking without help.

If you can relate to some of the above questions, talk to someone who understands what you are going through and get the help you need. You do not need to suffer any longer.Call Lasting Recovery toll free: 800-808-6373, or in San Diego County, 858-453-4315.

Judy Saalinger, Ph.D., MFT, CAS