Do I Need Detox?

The type of detox program a person needs depends on the substances that they use and the severity of their addiction. The following are common types of detox programs offered in Orange County, California:

Do I Need Alcohol Detox?

The physical and psychological symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal can be severe. If a person is suffering from a mild, moderate, or severe alcohol use disorder, medically monitored detox is the first step on the road to recovery. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include severe anxiety, body tremors, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, severe stomach cramping, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, hallucinations, delusions, and seizures.

Do I Need Drug Detox?

The physical and psychological symptoms of drug withdrawal vary depending on the type of drug being used. At Pacific Sands Recovery we treat the following:

• Opioid withdrawal (heroin, prescription painkillers, fentanyl)
• Benzodiazepine withdrawal (Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan)
• Methamphetamine withdrawal
• Cocaine withdrawal
• Prescription stimulant withdrawal (Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta)

In some cases, medications are prescribed to treat the more severe and potentially dangerous symptoms of drug withdrawal. All medications are administered by a team of licensed clinicians, and vitals are checked periodically to ensure no complications develop.

Do I Need Inpatient Detox?

Generally speaking, inpatient detox is the most effective. In an inpatient setting, clients reside in the detox center as they undergo withdrawal. Benefits of inpatient detox include:

• Around-the-clock care is provided by a team of licensed medical practitioners
• Withdrawal symptoms are addressed and effectively treated as soon as they develop
• Clients have access to individual and group therapy sessions
• Clients are introduced to the 12-Step method of addiction recovery
• Clients live in a safe, structured, substance-free environment
• Access to a range of comfort-based amenities, including nutritious meals

Making the decision to seek professional help is not easy. At Pacific Sands Recovery, we take the guesswork out of addiction recovery by adequately preparing our clients for the road ahead. We are more than happy to answer any questions about the detoxification process. Contact us directly to learn more.

Medical detox is an important part of the recovery process. For many, detox serves as the very first step on the road to long-term sobriety. While anyone with a substance use disorder benefits from detox, seeking detoxification services is essential in the following instances.

Withdrawal

The person develops withdrawal symptoms when they stop using drugs or alcohol. This is one of the clearest indicators that medical detox has become necessary. Not only are the physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal uncomfortable, but they can be life-threatening in severe cases. While the symptoms will vary depending on the type of substance being used, they might include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramping, body aches, muscle/joint pain, increased heart rate and blood pressure, body tremors, anxiety, suicidal ideation, insomnia, and seizures. Fortunately, these symptoms are effectively treated in a medical detox setting.

Cravings

The person experiences intense cravings for their substance of choice throughout the day. Cravings can come on suddenly, impacting day-to-day life and preventing a person from staying sober for longer than days (or hours) at a time. In medical detox, cravings are effectively treated. Additionally, inpatient detox provides a structured, substance-free environment in which a person can live safely until cravings subside.

Dual-Diagnosis Disorders

The person is using drugs or alcohol to self-medicate an underlying mental health condition. In many cases, substance use disorders and mental health disorders co-occur. This is known as a dual-diagnosis disorder. At Pacific Sands Recovery, we offer a dual-diagnosis detox program for clients experiencing physical and psychological symptoms.

Dishonesty With Self & Others

The person has been dishonest about the frequency of their use and the amount of the substance they use. Many people who are struggling with an addictive disorder will lie about their use in order to protect themselves. Even when personal consequences become entirely unmanageable, people tend to stay in denial about the impact of their addiction. Medical detox is a great way to break through the denial and begin the journey toward recovery.

Risk of Overdose

The person is at immediate risk for overdose. Medical detox is crucial for people who have been suffering from an opioid use disorder. The majority of heroin that is currently in circulation has been cut with fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine. Anyone who has been using heroin is at risk of an overdose. However, because the physical symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal are so uncomfortable, people find it impossible to quit on their own accord. This is where medical detox comes into play.

Risk-Taking Behaviors

The person engages in risk-taking activities while under the influence. In some instances, a person might repeatedly put themselves and others at risk when they use drugs and alcohol. This could look like getting behind the wheel of a car when drunk or high, looking after young children while intoxicated, or spending time with strangers.