Detox Centers in Pennsylvania

What Are the Symptoms of Withdrawal in Substance Use?

The exact withdrawal symptoms depend on several factors, including the substance, the dosage, and the duration of drug usage. For instance, opioid withdrawal typically involves:

• Muscle aches
• Abdominal cramping
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Insomnia
• Sweating
• Yawning
• Runny nose
• Anxiety
• Agitation

Withdrawal from alcohol can cause many of the same symptoms, but also more dangerous ones, like:

• Rapid heart rate
• Fever
• Delirium
• Hallucination
• Seizures

Detox centers may specialize in a specific drug or handle more generalized symptoms to cover many forms of addiction. Withdrawal starts immediately after the last dose of the addictive substance, but the symptoms may not show up for several hours. Detoxification can last anywhere from 3 to 10 days, but the duration varies from person to person.

What Is the Process for Drug Detox in Addiction Recovery? 

Detox usually starts with a simple but important first step: an intake assessment. This is just a way for the care team to get to know you, your physical and mental health, your history with substance use, and how you’re feeling right now. They might check things like your vital signs, talk with you about any other health concerns, and try to get a sense of what the withdrawal process might look like for you.

After that, the focus shifts to helping you feel as stable and comfortable as possible. This part is called stabilization, and it’s all about safely managing any withdrawal symptoms that come up. You might be given medications to ease things like pain, nausea, or anxiety. In some cases, IV fluids can also help you stay hydrated and feel stronger.

This early stage of detox is really about laying a foundation, making sure you’re supported and safe so that when you’re ready, you can take the next step toward longer-term recovery.

Evidence-Based Addiction Medicine

Certain specialty medications can ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings linked to opioid or alcohol use. These addiction treatments work by adjusting brain chemistry to support recovery from substance use disorders.

Some common medications for addiction treatment include:

• Opiod addiction– Methadone, naloxone, and buprenorphine
• Alcohol addiction – Acamporate, Disulfiram, and Naltrexone

In some cases, it is necessary to taper a person off detox drugs like methadone. Tapering allows medical professionals to wean patients off the detox medication over a period of time. It can be a safer and more comfortable approach to detoxing from alcohol and opioids.

What Is Substance Use Disorder? 

Substance use disorder is a chronic brain disease caused by the repeated use of addictive substances. Repeated use alters the brain structure and reward system. These changes in the brain can lead to compulsive drug and alcohol use despite harmful consequences.

Symptoms of substance use disorder include:

• Frequently sick
• Intense lethargy
• Slurred speech or talking fast
• Sores around the mouth
• Dramatic weight loss or gain
• Sweating
• Seizures
• Vomiting

Addiction, which has a mental component, presents with additional symptoms.

Substance Use Disorder vs Addiction

These two terms are often used interchangeably. Addiction emphasizes the compulsion aspect of the disease. It includes the drive to continue using a drug despite the negative consequences.

One of the key signs of addiction is drug-seeking behavior. Other behavioral changes associated with addiction include:

• Changes in family relationships
• Avoiding eye contact
• Missed work or school
• They are often behind a locked door
• Alternates between periods of sleepiness and high energy, with long periods of no sleep
• Poor hygiene

These behaviors are often indicators of addiction.

Residential Treatment Facility for Substance Abuse

A residential treatment facility is a live-in program with support and monitoring 24 hours a day for intensive treatment. Residential treatment can last anywhere from one month to a year or longer, depending on the person’s progress and co-occurring mental health disorders.

Partial Hospitalization

A partial hospitalization program allows individuals to spend time, usually during the day, at the treatment facility and then return home at night with family or friends. It is an option for those who have a stable home environment.

Partial hospitalization provides:

• Structure
• A healing, supervised environment
• 24-hour support
• Individual and group therapy
• Creative therapies such as art or music

Partial hospitalization can be effective for those with co-occurring mental health conditions, as well.

Intensive Outpatient Program

An intensive outpatient program offers the same level of therapeutic intensity as residential care or partial hospitalization but with more flexibility. Individuals with a substance use disorder might spend up to 20 hours a week in therapy following a structured schedule, but still live at home.

It is a treatment plan that allows them to continue working or attending school. They can also participate in treatment on evenings or weekends. Intensive outpatient programs are sometimes used for those in structured sober living environments or communities.

Outpatient Therapy

Outpatient therapy is less intensive than the other levels of behavioral health treatment. It is frequently the next stage after intense therapy.

Aftercare

Aftercare provides resources and activities that help those in recovery cope with stressors and triggers. It is the next step after completing a formal treatment program. Aftercare helps to provide an ongoing support system for those in recovery, as well. It may include exercise groups, talk or group therapy, and medication-assisted treatment.