At LA Detox, we understand there are thousands of detox facilities in Southern California. Because of this, it can be extremely difficult to narrow down which one is the best option for you. Choosing the right facility is crucial for long-term success when battling addiction.
We want you to be aware of what to expect during detox, how long treatment may take, as well as know what to look for when searching for a quality facility.
Our team is available to you at all times of the day to ease any hesitancy you may have regarding detox placement. The most important thing to remember is that the sooner you start your treatment, the sooner you get your life back.
What is Medical Detox?
Medical detox is a term used to describe the process of slowly ridding an addict’s body of the substance they have been abusing. In other words, this means that when an individual goes through our detox program they will slowly be weaned off of the substance they are dependent on.
The detox process is widely considered the first step in any effective treatment program. The psychological burden of detox is apparent in drug addicts. They fear the loss of the drug itself, and the possibility of undesirable physical, emotional, and mental symptoms due to withdrawal.
This can be done in a variety of different ways and is monitored by our professionals every step of the way. It can also take anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks to complete depending on the severity of the addiction. After this part of the process is over, an individual will then be placed into the level of treatment deemed fit by our staff.
Although detox is an essential part of the recovery process, this cannot be the only treatment used to rid an individual of their addiction disorder. This only marks the starting point for a difficult road ahead. We will do everything in our power to make sure it’s as easy and painless and possible for all of our patients.
What to Expect During Detox
It’s beneficial to know what happens in detox because it will give you prepared awareness going into the treatment. The medical detox process can be one of the most painful parts of recovery, and it’s better to know than be surprised.
During detox, most patients will go through something called withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can start as early as 8 hours after the last substance use and can carry on for days, weeks, and even months to come. The reason these occur is that an individual’s body is so dependent on the substance they’ve abused that it goes into shock. The type of substance, the length of time, and the genetic background of each patient will contribute to how long the withdrawal symptoms will last.
The reason detox is necessary is because an individual can not detox by themself. Medical professionals are needed because this part of the process can sometimes become deadly. In order to safely manage and maintain proper health, our doctors will ensure each patient is monitored around the clock when going through detox.
Different Drugs and Their Withdrawal Symptoms
Benzos
Benzos, or Benzodiazepines, include drugs like Valium, Ativan, and Xanax. They are used to treat mental disorders like anxiety and panic disorders. Their withdrawal symptoms include sedation, palpitations, hand tremors, sweating, panic attacks, anxiety, and sleep problems.
Opioids
Opioids include heroin, morphine, and prescription pain medications such as oxycontin. These types of drugs decrease pain while also increasing feelings of pleasure. Their withdrawal symptoms include sweating, muscle aches, agitation, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and vomiting.
Alcohol
Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance in the U.S. The longer a person abuses the substance, the more dependent their brain is on the effects. Alcohol withdrawal is often thought of as serious as it actually is. There is a wide array of symptoms that can be as mild as sweating to as serious as death.
Cocaine
Cocaine is one of the most common types of stimulant drugs. It elevates the heart rate and heightens energy levels. Someone high on cocaine may feel like they are able to perform physical tasks they wouldn’t normally be able to do. Cocaine withdrawal happens within three stages: the crash period, acute withdrawal, and the extinction period. Each phase has its own symptoms.
Heroin
A type of opiate that gives the illusion of feeling euphoria. It leaves the body almost as quickly as it enters it, which makes it one of the most addictive drugs. Some of the withdrawal symptoms of heroin are a runny nose, insomnia, anxiety, and sweating in the earlier stages.
What to Look for in a Drug Detox Facility
When looking for a respectable treatment facility, you need to make sure the one you choose one that meets all your needs. Some of the things you should take into consideration are:
Good online reviews
You typically aren’t able to ask previous clients how their stay was at a particular detox, but looking at the reviews is a great alternative. Reviews can help you get a better understanding of how the detox operates and what you can expect while participating in their program.
Experience with your drug of choice
Symptoms of withdrawal vary widely depending on the drug being used. For example opiates, benzos, alcohol, and amphetamines create very uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous withdrawal symptoms that need experienced medical attention. Choosing a drug detox that has experience with your drug of choice is often the best option.
Continuing treatment after detox
Detox is only the first step to a successful treatment program. Studies show that the longer an individual stays in treatment, the less chance they have of relapse. In most cases, once detox is completed the individual will be moved to a residential treatment program. So, make sure the detox you are researching has a plan for when detox has been completed.
Location
The location of the detox can play a big role in how effective the treatment program is. Choosing a detox that is close to home can be a good and a bad thing. Good in regard to family visits, but bad because the triggers that initially caused the addiction are still around, meaning the individual getting treatment might experience strong urges to use again because of the familiar surroundings.
Going with a detox far from home can be a good thing because you remove yourself from familiar situations that triggered drug use.
Amenities
There are a wide variety of detoxes in Southern California, and the amenities they offer vary even more. Some detoxes operate purely on necessities while others are considered luxury treatment. Depending on your preferences, needs, and budget you might opt for a luxury treatment center or something more economical.
Why You Should Choose LA Detox
Located in Los Angles, LA Detox is a versatile center in many ways. We offer different types of detox in Southern California including heroin and alcohol detoxes. Our staff is trained to be able to help even the most serious cases of addiction. They are prepared to handle any situation that is thrown their way.
Our treatment options are vast here at LA Detox. We offer many different levels like residential inpatient, intensive outpatient, and aftercare programs. Dual-diagnosis is a specialized treatment we offer to those struggling with both a mental and substance disorder at the same time.
Our therapists also specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. This type of therapy is used to encourage recovering addicts to form new ways of thinking and viewpoints. It allows them to practice ways of coping, which in turn helps them avoid temptation in the outside world. This type of therapy is very crucial in maintaining sobriety once the patient has left our facility.
Not only are our treatments high quality but so are the features at our facility. With the year-round sunny, Southern California weather, we believe we are located in the perfect place to receive substance abuse treatment.
Along with the great climate, we also offer nutritional guidance while in our center. We help give our patients a way to incorporate healing themselves both mentally and physically with a healthy diet.
How LA Detox Can Help
Medical detox is a necessary part of the recovery process, but it can seem overwhelming to search through all the facilities in Southern California that offer this service.
Our facility at LA Detox is a great option when it comes to deciding on a treatment center that fits all of your needs. We strive to offer all types of treatment, so we can give every person struggling with addiction a chance to receive help.
Addiction can make anyone feel as though they’ll never overcome the hold it has on their life. If you believe you or someone you know has become a victim of addiction, there is still hope. Contact us today, and we will be able to guide you on how to start the recovery process.
