Detox is a crucial part of recovery. Those who have abused substances to the point of severe chemical dependency can struggle emotionally and physically. Withdrawal, especially of substances like alcohol, heroin, and benzodiazepines, can cause severe complications that should be monitored closely.
At Wavelengths Desert Recovery in Southern California, our specialized detoxification programs are developed by experts to provide a safe and comfortable outcome. As Orange County’s premier drug and alcohol detox center in Orange County, CA, we promise compassionate quality care.
Drug & Alcohol Detoxification Basics
Removing the substance of abuse from one’s body is typically the first step in addiction treatment. It is also the most unpleasant step in recovery.
Abuse of most substances over time leads to physical and mental dependency. When a person quits using their substance of choice, they begin to experience withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawals can have a range of symptoms depending on what type of substance they have been using.
Detoxification is the process of controlling withdrawals so that a person can get sober safely. This process is not complete until the body has had enough time to clean itself of the substance and its metabolites.
However, withdrawal symptoms may extend beyond detox as the body needs to naturally find its equilibrium without drugs.
The duration of withdrawal symptoms may be influenced by:
- The duration of abuse
- The amount of substance of abuse
- The route of administration
- The drug of abuse
- Metabolism
- Underlying physical and mental health
Detox and Withdrawal by Substance
As mentioned above, the duration of detox varies from substance to substance. And, each substance has its own unique symptoms of withdrawal.
Here’s a general look at the detox and withdrawal period for common substances:
Opioid Detox
Opioid detox — typically lasts a week and has an onset of about ten hours. Symptoms of opioid withdrawal include insomnia, restlessness, cold sweats, irritability, rapid heartbeat, increased blood pressure, anxiety, paranoia, depression, and intense cravings.
These symptoms are typically not life-threatening, but they can be extremely agonizing. These intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms may be curbed by short-term medicines such as suboxone or methadone.
Alcohol Detox
Alcohol detox — typically lasts a week and withdrawals peak around day two. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include anxiety, shaking, headaches, insomnia, nausea, sleeplessness, sweating, and in severe cases delirium tremens, hallucinations, and seizures.
These symptoms can be life-threatening and damaging to the body and mind. It is pertinent that someone with a moderate to severe alcohol use disorder detoxes properly with professional help.
Benzodiazepine Detox
Benzodiazepine detox — typically lasts a couple weeks, but can last up to a month or longer. Symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal include anxiety, tremors, seizures, psychosis, hallucinations, and mood swings.
These symptoms can be life-threatening and they are often among the most difficult to move past as they last long. Some people detoxing from benzodiazepines may even experience post-acute withdrawal symptoms for up to a year.
Cocaine Detox
Cocaine detox — typically lasts a few days and withdrawals have an onset of just a couple of hours. Symptoms of cocaine withdrawal can include flu-like symptoms and are not life-threatening.
These symptoms are not as worrisome by themselves. But, people who abuse cocaine tend to also abuse alcohol or other substances, which can complicate withdrawals and treatment.
Meth Detox
Methamphetamine detox — typically subside after a week and may have an onset of 48 hours after last administration. Symptoms of meth withdrawal can include anxiety, depression, irritability, abdominal pains, nausea, and fatigue.
These symptoms of withdrawal may not be as dangerous as actually abusing the drug, but the comedown can leave users incapable of completing daily obligations. This problem often leads users to relapse, which is why it can be important to go through a supervised detox for at least the first 30 days of sobriety.
Why Detox at Wavelengths?
Wavelengths’ strives to provide exceptional care compared to the industry standard, providing a compassionate and comfortable experience.
Each patient at Wavelengths is given a comprehensive treatment plan that is catered to every unique individual that walks through our doors. Every client we see has a unique experience and circumstance that is best treated through a personalized plan.
Enrolling in detox at Wavelengths, you can expect:
- A personalized treatment and therapy plan
- Addiction education resources
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Wholefood nutrition
- Physical wellness plan
During detox, you will reside at any of our six Orange County facilities with licensed staff on premise 24 hours a day,7 days a week. Each facility will be staffed with therapists, a social worker and certified drug and alcohol counselors.
Start Your Detox in Orange County, CA
If you or someone you love has been struggling with an addiction to alcohol or other substances of abuse, make the call today to get help.
Wavelengths Desert Recovery is fully licensed by the California Department of Health Care Services and has been nationally accredited by The Joint Commission, the premier healthcare quality improvement and accrediting body in the nation.
Call 714-503-8277 to talk to our admission specialists in Orange County today!
