Drugs That Require Detoxification

Detoxing from alcohol is extremely dangerous, and withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening if not overseen by a medical professional. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal vary widely in severity. In some cases, withdrawal consists of nothing more than a headache, nausea, and fatigue (like a bad hangover). This is generally only the case if alcohol has been used somewhat sparingly for a brief period of time. Heavy drinkers and alcoholics are at a much greater risk when it comes to withdrawal. They may experience symptoms like tremors, severe anxiety, depression, hallucinations (delirium tremens), and seizures. If alcohol withdrawal is not overseen by a professional, it can be extremely dangerous.

Opioids, ranging from heroin and prescription painkillers to synthetic opiates like fentanyl and tramadol, are some of the most addictive chemical substances on earth. Detoxing from opioids is not usually life-threatening, but it is so uncomfortable that many opioid addicts will return to using before the process is complete. Withdrawal happens quickly when it comes to opioids – usually within the first six or twelve hours after the last use. Symptoms of opioid withdrawal include: anxiety, severe abdominal cramping and stomach pain, sweating, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle spasms, and cold sweats. In most cases, these symptoms will be treated with non-narcotic painkillers, and symptoms will subside within one to two weeks.

Benzodiazepines (Benzos) are sedatives and tranquilizers, often prescribed to treat severe anxiety disorders. This classification of drugs includes Ativan, Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin. Those who are withdrawing from benzos will typically begin experiencing symptoms within the first 24 hours. Withdrawal for benzodiazepines can last up to several months, depending on the frequency and volume of use (it can also last a week or two, if abuse was short-lived). These drugs have an unpleasant and prolonged withdrawal, which usually peaks at about two weeks. Additionally, withdrawal symptoms – which include anxiety, body spasms, decreased heart rate, respiratory depression, and seizures – can be life-threatening if not closely monitored and treated.

Stimulants are a class of psychoactive substances that include drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, and ritalin (or Adderall). The withdrawal symptoms associated with stimulants are largely psychological, and include anxiety, depression, hallucinations, insomnia, extreme paranoia, and memory loss. Physical symptoms will be present as well, though they are usually not life threatening. Physical symptoms include body aches, changes in appetite, fatigue, and dehydration. Symptoms will typically begin within a day after use cessation, and will continue on for around a week before beginning to subside.

There is a wide range of regularly abused synthetic drugs, with some of the more common being ketamine, PCP, bath salts, and GHB. These drugs are created in a laboratory and are purely chemical. Synthetic drugs are becoming more and more popular – in 2009, there were two synthetic cannabinoids in circulation. In 2012, there were a total of 51. Withdrawal from synthetic drugs starts with relatively mild symptoms – insomnia and hypersomnia, difficulty concentrating, changes in mood and appetite, depression, and body tremors. If an individual has been abusing synthetic drugs for an extended period, complications related to withdrawal might arise. These complications could include seizures, spiked heart rate, and increased blood pressure, and they can be life-threatening if the concerned individual is not being monitored 24/7.

Withdrawal from psychedelic drugs (or hallucinogens) is also largely psychological, and results from a severe chemical imbalance within the brain. It isn’t too common for people to abuse hallucinogens for an extended period, because irreparable brain damage occurs rather quickly. Those who do use this classification of drug regularly, however, will experience a host of severe psychological withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include major mood swings (often characterized by inexplicable fits of rage), panic attacks, psychotic breaks from reality, low impulse control, and difficulty putting sentences together. Those who abuse LSD, specifically, are prone to suicidal ideations. It is absolutely crucial that those who are withdrawing from psychedelic drugs do so under professional supervision – otherwise, they may be a danger to themselves (and potentially others).

When it comes to recovery, detoxification is the necessary first step. Our clients are physically stabilized, and their symptoms are overseen and treated by a staff of medical professionals. During detoxification clients begin the healing process and begin to map out their recovery treatment plan.