There are many steps in addiction recovery, and the first one for most people seeking treatment is usually medically monitored detox.

Also known as detoxification, this is an important step in treating substance use disorders because it focuses on the physical challenges patients often face as their body learns how to function without drugs or alcohol. During detox, patients usually experience withdrawal symptoms, which can be highly uncomfortable and even painful if the person attempts to quit “cold turkey” or without medical support. These factors make at-home detox risky and therefore remove it as an option. The good news is that Banyan offers detox in California that’s administered in a safe and medically led environment. 

What Is Medically Assisted Detox?  

Medically assisted detox is a process led by medical personnel in which patients are slowly weaned off of alcohol and drugs. Medical drug and alcohol detox is designed for people who have shown signs of physical and psychological dependence. Drug dependence is marked by withdrawals that occur when the individual isn’t using the substance or suddenly stops using them.  

One of the most difficult aspects of substance abuse treatment is the detox process because of withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can vary in severity depending on how long the person has been using and whether they’ve abused multiple substances. Certain substances are also more difficult to detox from than others, but all can cause similar symptoms.  

The most difficult substances to detox from include alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, and any other type of addictive sedative or depressant. These drugs have a severe impact on the central nervous system (CNS), which makes it more difficult for the brain and body to adjust to functioning without them. The substance the individual is detoxing from plays a major role in the nature, intensity, and duration of their withdrawals. 

Some common detox symptoms include: 

  • Agitation 
  • Anxiety 
  • Concentration 
  • Dehydration 
  • Delirium 
  • Depression 
  • Diarrhea and other stomach problems 
  • Excessive sweating 
  • Fever 
  • Hallucinations 
  • Headache 
  • Hot and cold flashes 
  • Increased appetite 
  • Increased blood pressure 
  • Increased heart rate 
  • Insomnia 
  • Muscle cramps 
  • Nausea and vomiting 
  • Paranoia 
  • Problems with memory 
  • Restlessness and irritability 
  • Runny nose 
  • Seizures 
  • Stomach pains 
  • Teary eyes 
  • Tremors 

In more extreme cases, the person may experience hallucinations and even psychosis during detox. Withdrawal-induced psychosis refers to the occurrence of symptoms like irritability, delusions, and auditory and visual hallucinations. Without medical assistance and supervision, these symptoms can be severe and life-threatening.  

In prescription drug detox, patients often experience rebound symptoms, which refer to the occurrence of symptoms the medication was designed to treat. Attempting to quit drugs and alcohol should be done with the help of experts in the addiction recovery field. Our Palm Springs drug rehab is dedicated to providing each patient with the level of care they need to achieve a full recovery, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us to find out more about our detox programs. 

How Long Does a Withdrawal Take?

Withdrawal symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to many weeks and usually start soon after the substance is stopped. Drug type, the user's general health, the length and intensity of substance use, and the existence of any co-occurring medical or psychological problems are some of the factors that greatly affect how long drug withdrawal takes. Some people may have prolonged withdrawal symptoms that last for several months. Cravings, anxiety, nausea, and insomnia are among the most severe symptoms that typically accompany the acute phase of withdrawal. After this initial phase, symptoms usually progressively go away, though some people may still have persistent effects like mood swings or trouble focusing. It is essential for individuals undergoing drug withdrawal to seek professional medical guidance and support to manage symptoms safely and effectively.

What Is Drug Detox Like? 

The first step in a medically monitored detox is a clinical assessment conducted by our medical team to determine the patient’s current health, medical history, whether they have previous detox attempts, and more. This information equips our experts to create an effective and individualized treatment plan for patients.  

Once the medical assessment has been completed, and detox has been determined as the first step in the individual’s recovery, they will then be placed on a tapering schedule. This schedule monitors the gradual reduction of the substance they’re detoxing from. As we previously mentioned, the nature of withdrawal depends on the substance in question, the duration of the person’s use, the doses they’d normally use, and whether they have any other health problems, to name a few. 

During detox, the individual may be given medication to help them cope with withdrawal. No medication prevents all withdrawal symptoms, but some can alleviate the depression and anxiety that are common during this process, as well as any trouble sleeping. The dosage and type of medication given to the patient are closely monitored and only administered as needed.  

Although scheduling varies among drug detox facilities, usually, the detox process lasts between 7 and 10 days. However, this can vary depending on the severity of the person’s condition and the drug they’re detoxing from. After undergoing this process at our California drug detox center, patients will be ready to transition to one of our addiction treatment programs.   

Why Our Medical Detox in California Is Different 

There are many medical detox facilities in California, but none are like ours. At Banyan Treatment Centers Palm Springs, we provide patients with optimal comfort and effective treatment to ensure they get the most out of their experience at our facility. The safety and health of our patients are our priorities, and we spare no costs or efforts to ensure they have all they need to succeed in their sobriety journey. To make sure our patients receive well-rounded treatment and support throughout their stay with us, we help them transition to substance-specific treatment following detox.  

After patients undergo treatment at our California drug detox facility, we may transition them to one of our other levels of addiction care, such as our residential treatment program. This program is a form of inpatient care that offers in-depth supervision, therapy, and privacy to recovery. This is a suitable program for individuals who are struggling with long-term addiction and require a safe place to recover with no distractions. We like to separate patients from their everyday lives by having them live onsite for the duration of this program. This allows them to build up the tools they’ll need to return to a life where triggers and temptations may be present. 

The physical, emotional, and even financial effects of drug abuse can pile up. Medical detox centers like ours incorporate every level of care available to individuals with severe addictions who want to turn their lives around.

If you want to begin your recovery journey or know someone else who does, contact our California detox center today to learn how we can help. 

Most Insurance Plans Accepted

At Banyan Palm Springs, our goal is to make sure that anyone who needs treatment from drug and alcohol addiction is able to get the help needed to assist them on the road to recovery. If you don't have insurance contact us to inquire about alternate methods regarding treatment for yourself or a loved one.

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