 |
|
Call for help now 858-453-4315
Bookstore: |
DETOXIFICATION
The desire to be free from alcohol and other mind altering drugs, is the first crucial step on choosing the road to recovery.
Lasting Recovery will provide referrals to Detox Centers that will begin the road to recovery. Clients need to have 3-5 days of detoxification from alcohol and drugs before entering the rehab program. Detoxing from Alcohol or tranquillizer medications may cause seizures and death. Contact your physician prior to beginning the detoxification, or for medical support from psychotropic medications.
A majority of alcohol and drug users, who decide to stop using chemicals for periods of time, are able to do so without much trouble. Some people experience mild symptoms and others experience severe symptoms including seizures.
There is a withdrawal syndrome which consists of a predictable group of signs and symptoms resulting from abrupt removal of, or a rapid decrease in the regular dosage of, a psychoactive substance. If the drug suppressed depression then the person would be depressed while in withdrawal. If the substance suppressed pain then the person will experience pain while in withdrawal.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal becomes difficult when problem drinkers – who may not even realize they have the disease of alcoholism, attempt to quit. Very often, alcoholics, who are 10% of the population, will need outside help to detoxify from the drug alcohol, if they have been unable to stop drinking for more than a day without physical withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal is frequently described as a hangover that ranges from mild to severe and lasts for several days. Your symptoms may include:
There are a small portion of people who may experience more severe symptoms such as hallucinations, delirium tremens (DT’s) or a generalized seizure. Call your physician if you are having any of the more severe symptoms, or go to your local detox or emergency room. If you are diabetic and insulin dependent, call your physician immediately.
Tranquillizers (Valium, Xanax, Ambien, etc.) Withdrawal Symptoms Detoxification from tranquillizers can produce withdrawal symptoms for up to 6 months with long term use of these drugs. Your withdrawal needs to be done under the watchful eye of your physician, or in a hospital detox facility.
Withdrawal symptoms can include: * shakiness * confusion * blurred vision * lack of concentration * muscle twitching * dryness of mouth * nervous like state of mind * decreased appetite * weakness * sensitive to light and noise
. Opiate withdrawal symptoms (pain medication, heroin)
Within 6-24 hours after the last use, the body tries to tell the brain that it needs more of the addictive substance by sending pain and other unpleasant signals to the brain. Symptoms of opiate withdrawal can include: *sweating *vomiting *chills *depression *muscle cramps *hypersensitivity to any pain *stomach cramps * dysphoria (opposite of euphoria).
Stimulant withdrawal symptoms (cocaine, speed, meth) * fatigue * irritability *insomnia *depression
The above symptoms immediately stop when the drug is again admistered. Due to the highly addictive nature of opiates, many people will not be able to remain abstinent from these type of drugs, and benefit from being placed on a opiod maintence drug such as methodone or bupropoine. Medically supervised withdrawal from alcohol, and psychotropic medications including tranquilizers or opiate pain medication is the first step to treatment, but it does not constitute treatment in and of itself. Detoxification is the first step in the recovery process.
Mediations are sometimes prescribed to help prevent relapses: ALCOHOLISM
* Naltrexone (Revia) is an opiod antagonist that decreases alcohol cravings.
* Disulfiram (Antabuse) produces very unpleasant side effects with a very small alcohol ingestion, even as long as two weeks after taking it.
* Acomprosate (Campral) is a new drug that has been shown to lower relapse rates in those who are alcohol dependent. These drugs in combination with counseling and treatment support can greatly enhance one's chances of maintaining abstinence.
Opiate addiction medications for relapse prevention are determined by your physician.
Group support and education through our Intensive Outpatient Treatment program for alcohol and drugs will help you to stay on the course toward recovery. You can obtain help from your physician or by a local detoxification center, located in a nearby hospital. Contact Us for a referral to meet your specific needs.
Some insurance plans accepted. California Certified Alcohol and Drug Program #370101AP
Call for help (858) 453-4315 6046 Cornerstone Court W. #113 San Diego, CA 92121 |
