Effective treatment is a pressing need for the millions of people across America affected by addiction. In the later stages of your recovery, you learn a variety of essential skills and techniques that help you stay sober. However, to get that far in the process, you must first undergo a period of detox.
Many people try to detox from drugs or alcohol on their own. But far too often, this is a formula for disappointment, failure and exposure to avoidable risks. The safer, more effective path is enrollment in medical detox. This supervised option provides everything you need to make that all-important initial break from substance use. At DetoxLA’s medical detox center in Los Angeles, we specialize in quality supervised services for all common forms of addiction.
Contact our drug and alcohol detox center in Los Angeles today.
Why Medical Detox?
After years of ongoing alcohol or drug abuse, the abrupt cessation of substance abuse will trigger withdrawal symptoms. These unpleasant physical and physiological effects are often the primary motivator for individuals to remain in a state of active addiction rather than embracing the prospect of sobriety. Medical detox treatment in California aims to cleanse the body of alcohol or drugs, allowing the individual to transition into an inpatient program without experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
Once addiction is present, the abrupt cessation of substance use will likely trigger withdrawal symptoms. These unpleasant physical and physiological effects are often the primary motivator for you to remain in a state of active addiction. That’s true because they’re unpleasant enough to interfere with your desire to embrace the prospect of sobriety. Your specific withdrawal symptoms will depend on the type and severity of your addiction. They may include things such as:
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Trembling
- Seizures
- Sweating
- Restlessness and general discomfort
- Mood swings, including irritability and even violence
Medical drug detox in Los Angeles helps you overcome the major recovery obstacles of withdrawal. It does so by providing help that limits the physical and mental impact of withdrawal.
Supervised detox also provides stability for your overall physical and mental well-being during the withdrawal process. In addition, you will prepare for the active treatment process that follows detox. All of these advantages are keys to ultimate recovery success.
To learn more about why medical detox is so necessary, consult the trusted experts at DetoxLA.
Who Should Look for a Medical Detox Program?
Who qualifies for L.A. medical drug detox or alcohol detox? You meet the basic criteria if you’re affected by any form of substance addiction. Today, addiction is grouped alongside damaging, non-addicted abuse under the heading of substance use disorder (SUD). Versions of this disorder exist for every category of addictive substances. For all SUDs, hallmarks of addiction include:
- An inability to control your substance use behaviors
- Needing to take a given substance in larger and larger amounts to feel its effects
- Developing withdrawal symptoms if you cut back or quit using a substance
- Continuing to drink or take drugs despite being aware of the harm you suffer
- Having a daily routine that prioritizes substance-related activities
- Experiencing strong urges to drink or take drugs
Want more information on when to seek out a medical detox center in Los Angeles? DetoxLA has the answers you need.
Do I Need Medical Detox?
There are many physical, psychological, and social signs that your recreational substance use has turned a corner into addiction. These may include:
Physical Signs
- Increased tolerance to the substance or substances in question
- Withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop or decrease your substance use. These symptoms will depend on the type of addiction and how severe it is, but common symptoms include:
- Intense cravings for the substance
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Trembling
- Seizures
- Sweating
- Restlessness and general discomfort
- Mood-swings, including irritability and even violence
- Changes in appetite
- Insomnia
- Changes in appearance (weight loss or gain, attention to hygiene, unhealthy appearance)
Behavioral Signs
- Abandoning hobbies and reducing social activities
- Being unable to cease use of the substance or substances, even when it has resulted in adverse health effects
- Taking larger doses to combat social, employment, or family problems
- The majority of time is spent planning to use, acquiring, using, and recovering from the effects of substance use
- Relationship problems
- Problems at work
- Changing social scenes to be around other individuals who are using the substance
- Being secretive, keeping substance use hidden
- Denying there is a problem
- Failing to live up to responsibilities
Contact the professionals at DetoxLA for more on your potential detox indicators.
How Does Medical Detox Help?
All people in medical detox benefit from certain forms of baseline support. This support helps keep you stable throughout the detox process. It also provides crucial protection against withdrawal complications. In addition, it help you get ready for continued treatment once drugs or alcohol are out of your system.
Medical detox also provides additional, targeted treatments for some forms of addiction. For example, if you’re addicted to opioids or alcohol, your treatment options may include medication. If you’re addicted to benzodiazepines, they include a more gradual elimination of the substances already in your system.
How Medical Detox Differs From Other Drug Rehab Programs
Comparatively speaking, detoxification is a relatively quick form of treatment. Whereas an actual alcohol and drug treatment program can take weeks or even months, a medical detox program generally takes about a week.
Another way the detox process is different from other forms of rehabilitative care is that there is little of the types of therapy we often associate with addiction treatment. Instead of cognitive-behavioral therapy and groups, individuals in a medical detox program are given plenty of time and space to relax so they can focus on restoring their physical health and wellness.
Preparing For Your Medical Detox Program
To get the most from a medical detox program, you’ll need to make some necessary preparations.
Since detox treatment is a relatively brief period of care, the level of preparation is less than with inpatient programs. However, being prepared for your medical detox treatment is still crucial for a successful outcome.
Some of the steps you should take when getting ready to detox include:
- Inform work or school of your absence
- Gather your ID, health insurance info, and other paperwork
- Refill any prescriptions you take regularly
- Pack clothing, toiletries, and other supplies
Detox Safely at Our Medical Detox Center in Los Angeles
If you or someone close to you is battling addiction, it may feel as though you have nowhere to turn. This is, in large part, why many people in need of help never actually seek it out. But there is a path forward. That path begins with DetoxLA’s state-of-the-art medical detox services. We’re committed to helping you prepare for your lasting drug or alcohol sobriety. To learn more, reach out to our clinical staff today at 818.671.4765.