Medical Detox in Patterson, CA

Medical detox in Patterson is a supervised process carried out by trained medical professionals. Detoxification, the clearance of a substance from the body, occurs automatically by natural mechanisms. Unfortunately, detoxification of certain drugs of abuse can often lead to uncomfortable or even life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Supervision by medical professionals is necessary to manage the symptoms of withdrawal and prevent life-threatening complications from occurring.

Medical detox can take place in a hospital, but is best carried out in a medical drug detox treatment center so that an addict can immediately transition from the acute phase of recovery into an inpatient rehabilitation program. Medical detox in Patterson is the first step on the road to recovery. With addiction treatment programs in Patterson to supplement, the addict has a wealth of support in recovering.

Withdrawal Symptoms Associated with Medical Detox

The specific withdrawal symptoms that an individual suffers from will differ based on the substance of abuse, how long it was used, and other factors. In general, withdrawal symptoms are the opposite of the effects of the drug. Alcohol is a perfect example. Alcohol causes central nervous system depression and slows down nerve signals.

Withdrawing from alcohol causes central nervous system excitation and increases nerve signaling. This increase in nerve signaling leads to the symptoms of withdrawal such as shaking, sweating, hallucinations, and seizures. The following are withdrawal symptoms or commonly used drugs.

Opiate Withdrawal

Opiates affect both the central nervous system and the digestive system, reducing the pain response, lowering breathing rates, causing euphoria, and reducing motility in the gastrointestinal system. Withdrawal from opiates is characterized by increased pain responses (e.g. even normal stimuli can be painful, such as bright lights), rapid breathing, depression and suicidal ideation, and diarrhea.

Methamphetamine Withdrawal

Withdrawal from methamphetamine is characterized by irritability, depression, fatigue, anxiety, and inability to concentrate. People withdrawing from meth often complain of feeling "achy" and of having difficulty with sleep, thinking, and memory. Hallucinations are not uncommon during withdrawal from methamphetamine.

Alcohol and Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

Alcohol and benzodiazepines have very similar effects on the central nervous system and thus have very similar withdrawal symptoms. Mild withdrawal symptoms include sweating, shaking, anxiety, and muscle cramps. Severe withdrawal symptoms include seizures, hallucinations, and psychosis. If not treated properly, the withdrawal symptoms of alcohol addiction in Patterson and benzodiazepines can be life-threatening.

The Dangers of Home Detox

When an addict decides to stop using, it is often an abrupt decision and one made with urgency. This often leads individuals to attempt to detox at home, in a hotel room, or outside of a medical treatment facility. This is exceptionally dangerous for two reasons. The first reason that detoxing at home is dangerous is that withdrawal symptoms, such as high blood pressure and seizures, can lead to life-threatening complications such as heart failure, stroke, excessive vomiting, and more.

The second reason that detoxing at home is not recommended is that the intensity of cravings immediately following withdrawal of a drug or alcohol can be too intense and lead to relapse. With the help of medications and with professional supervision, it is possible to minimize these cravings with our program for relapse prevention in Patterson.

Why Should I Enter a Medical Detox Center?

There are multiple reasons to enter a medical detox treatment center. The most compelling reason to undergo medical detox is that it is the safest means of withdrawing from a substance of abuse. Without proper medical supervision, it is possible to experience extremely painful and even life-threatening complications from detox. Trained medical professionals can administer medications and supportive care to reduce uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and ensure that they do not become life-threatening.

People often avoid medical detox programs because they are in denial, are concerned about costs, or because of fear of losing employment or damaging their reputation. In truth, the cost of medical detox is far less than the cost of ongoing addiction or the cost of the serious consequences that can arise from attempting to detox at home. In most cases, seeking treatment is seen by friends, family, and the community as a sign of responsibility and success, not as a sign of failure. Insurance companies often cover the cost of medical detox and employers are often more than willing to work with an individual to ensure success in medical detox.

Medical detox for addiction provides the greatest chances of both short-term and long-term success. Medical detox in Patterson doesn't just address the medical aspect of drug detox, it also addresses the social, emotional, and psychological factors that contribute to and arise from addiction.

It is important to remember that addiction is a disease process and thus it only makes sense to seek treatment at drug detox centers that specialize in the medical and evidence-based treatment of addiction. Call us today at (877) 804-1531.