The initial step on every journey of addiction recovery is admission to a medically assisted detoxification center. Those who have been abusing drugs or alcohol for any period of time almost always undergo some degree of withdrawal upon abrupt cessation of use. More often than not, the symptoms of withdrawal will lead a person back to substance use before the detoxification process is over. This is part of the reason why entering into an inpatient detox program is so important. At Immersion Recovery Center we provide a comprehensive detox program; one that focuses on more than a safe, pain-free drug and alcohol withdrawal. In addition to providing around the clock medical care, we actively prepare our clients for the next appropriate stage of their personal recovery journeys. During synthetic drug detox, we conduct an individualized, in-depth evaluation, which helps us determine the length of our clients stay, what kind of medical intervention is necessary, and the next step for each client once they become physically stabilized.

If you or someone you love has been suffering from a synthetic drug use disorder, detox is an important initial step, and we are available to help. At Immersion Recovery Center we effectively treat the physical and psychological symptoms associated with synthetic drug withdrawal, making the entire detox process as comfortable as possible from start to finish. We utilize a combination of evidence-based medications, therapeutic practices and holistic treatment methods to provide the most integrated and effective care available. To learn more about our program of synthetic drug detox or to learn more about our multi-staged addiction treatment program as a whole, contact us today.

What are Synthetic Drugs?

A synthetic drug is a drug with a similar structure to a naturally derived drug, but one that has been slightly chemically altered. Most synthetic drugs are made to mimic other drugs while evading government-imposed restrictions and regulations. For example, a synthetic cannabinoid might be developed to mimic the effects of marijuana, but because it is chemically different from marijuana, it might be legal to sell in states where marijuana remains criminalized. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there are two distinct kinds of synthetic drugs: synthetic cathinones and synthetic cannabinoids. The New York State Department of Health recently published a report which reads, “Examples of synthetic drugs are synthetic phenethylamines, including synthetic cathinones or synthetic hallucinogens and, more commonly known as “bath salts”. Synthetic cannabinoids, also known as synthetic marijuana, are another example of designer drugs and these are often found in herbal incense products that mimic the effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive constituent of marijuana.”

Synthetic drugs are often far more dangerous than naturally occurring drugs, seeing as they are manmade in a laboratory from a variety of unknown chemicals. When a person ingests a synthetic drug, there is no way for them to accurately tell exactly what it is they are ingesting. Because of this, side effects are sporadic, and often lead to life-threatening complications. If you or someone close to you has been using synthetic drugs, Immersion Recovery Center is available to help. Contact us today for more information.

Synthetic Drug Addiction Facts & Statistics

There are two main types of synthetic drugs. Synthetic cathinones are meant to mimic hallucinogens like molly or LSD, and often go by the name “Bath Salts.” Synthetic cannabinoids are meant to mimic marijuana, and often go by the names “Spice” and “K2.” Both drugs are addictive, and both can lead to a range of serious physical and psychological side effects. The use of illicit synthetic drugs has rapidly become a major public health threat, and poison control centers across the U.S. have been responding to increased rates of accidental death and suicide directly linked to synthetic substances.

• About Bath Salts – This type of synthetic drug is made to mimic the effects and structure of hallucinogens or stimulants. The most common side effects associated with Bath Salt use include angry and violent outbursts, paranoia, extreme anxiety, suicidal thoughts and actions, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and a significant spike in body temperature. This type of drug is sold legally in gas stations and convenience stores, and is most frequently used by adolescents and young adults.
• About Spice and K2 – Synthetic cannabinoids like Spice and K2 are made to mimic the effects and structure of marijuana. The most common side effects associated with synthetic cannabinoid use include nausea and vomiting, agitation, paranoid behavior, extreme anxiety and panic attacks, hyperventilation, confusions, hallucinations and delusions, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and seizures. Synthetic cannabinoids are often labeled “not for human consumption” and sold in gas stations and convenience stores where they can be easily and legally obtained.

Signs & Symptoms of Synthetic Drug Addiction

If you believe you or someone you love has been suffering from a diagnosable synthetic drug use disorder, there are several signs and symptoms to keep an eye out for. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) outlines a list of diagnostic criteria used to identify the presence of a substance use disorder. If you answer “yes” to two or more of the following questions, seeking professional help from a medical detox center is likely a good idea.

• Do you sometimes end up using more synthetic drugs than you originally intended, or do you use synthetic drugs more frequently than you intend to?
• Have you wanted to cut back or quit entirely, only to find you were unable to do so for any significant period of time?
• Do you spend a significant amount of time obtaining synthetic drugs, using synthetic drugs and recovering from its effects?
• Do you often think of using synthetic drugs when it is not appropriate to do so/do you ever experience intense cravings for synthetic drugs?
• Has your drug use interfered with your ability to fulfill personal obligations or negatively impacted your performance at work or at school?
• Have you experienced interpersonal problems as a direct result of your synthetic drugs use, like strained relationships with loved ones?
• Have you given up activities which were once interesting or important to you in order to engage in synthetic drugs use?
• Have you been engaging in risk-taking activities more often than normal, like driving while under the influence of synthetic drugs or combining synthetic drugs with other substances like alcohol or opioid narcotics?
• Do you continue to use synthetic drugs despite physical or psychological health concerns directly related to your drug use?
• Have you developed a physical tolerance, meaning a higher dose is required in order for the desired effects to be achieved?
• Do you experience withdrawal symptoms when synthetic drug use is stopped abruptly?

Most commonly these symptoms are psychological in nature, though general feelings of physical discomfort are common.

The Physical Symptoms of Synthetic Drug Withdrawal

The most common physical symptoms associated with synthetic drug withdrawal are:

• Loss of appetite.
• Sleeplessness.
• Tiredness and fatigue.
• Headache.
• Body aches and pain.

The Psychological Symptoms of Synthetic Drug Withdrawal

The most common psychological symptoms associated with synthetic drug withdrawal are:

• Severe anxiety and panic attacks.
• Confusion.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Intense drug cravings.
• Agitation and irritability.
• Depressed mood and suicidal ideation.

Length of Synthetic Drug Withdrawal

How long do the symptoms associated with synthetic drug withdrawal last? The answer to this question depends heavily on which type of drug is being used, along with several other factors. In most cases, symptoms begin within 12 to 24 hours after the final use and resolve within one or two weeks. Physical symptoms almost always resolve within 7 days, though the psychological symptoms associated with post-acute withdrawal can last for several months or longer. Symptoms of post-acute opioid withdrawal might include anxiety, depression or drug cravings.

Is Synthetic Drug Detox Always Necessary?

Even though the physical symptoms associated with synthetic drug withdrawal are rarely severe, the psychological symptoms should be closely monitored in order to prevent complications. There are numerous benefits which go hand-in-hand with inpatient detox, including:

• Clients have access to professional, around the clock medical care.
• Clients are able to relax in comfortable, private bedrooms.
• In addition to medical care, clients can take advantage of professional therapeutic care by way of individual, group and family therapy sessions.
• Clients have 24/7 access to a fully stocked kitchen and daily, chef-prepared meals, including highly nutritious foods geared towards physical healing.
• Clients work directly with a case manager who helps them develop a personalized aftercare plan, including an immediate transition into the next appropriate level of care.
• If a potentially dangerous symptom develops, clients have access to medication assisted treatment options.

If you have a history of seizures, you might be prescribed an anti-seizure medication as you undergo withdrawal. Upon admission to our medical detox program each client undergoes an in-depth evaluation, helping our medical team determine which treatment options are going to be the most beneficial for each unique case.

Medications Used to Treat Synthetic Drug Withdrawal Symptoms

The medications most commonly used to treat symptoms of synthetic drug withdrawal include:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
• Antipsychotic medications, which could include antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication.
• Non-narcotic sleep aids, geared towards helping alleviate insomnia and sleeplessness.
• Anti-seizure medication, especially if the client has a history of seizures.

Long-Term Synthetic Drug Addiction Recovery

At Immersion Recovery Center we break our medical detox program down into three distinct stages: evaluation, stabilization and preparation. Upon admission to our detox program each client undergoes a detailed and in-depth addiction assessment, or evaluation. We ask a series of pertinent questions, including:

• What type of substance/substances were being used, and for how long?
• Have you ever been diagnosed or treated for an underlying mental or physical condition, such as a mental illness or chronic health concern?
• Have you undergone treatment for a substance use disorder in the past?
• How much of the synthetic drug were you using on a daily basis?

The questions we ask during the initial assessment help our clinical and medical team determine which detox methods are the most appropriate for each unique case. Next, we focus our attention on physical stabilization. Clients are able to relax in their private or semi-private bedrooms, and they have the opportunity to participate in group workshops and behavioral therapy sessions if they are feeling up to doing so. The physical and psychological symptoms of synthetic drug withdrawal are treated as soon as they develop, seeing as our team of licensed medical professionals are available 24-hours a day. Our main priority is making the synthetic drug detox process as comfortable as possible. Once physical stabilization has been achieved, clients make a smooth transition into the next appropriate level of clinical care. In most cases, this means transitioning into a residential inpatient treatment center.

At Immersion Recovery Center we offer a multi-staged program of recovery, which includes:

• Medically Monitored Detox
• Residential Inpatient Treatment
• Partial Hospitalization (PHP)
• Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP)
• Aftercare

Long-term drug addiction recovery is always possible. With an individualized and effective treatment program in place, even the most severe cases of synthetic drug addiction can be overcome. Contact us today to learn more or to get started with our simple and straightforward admissions process.

Contact Us to Get Started

Immersion Recovery Center provides a licensed, individualized and integrated detox program to people of all ages who have been struggling with addictive disorders of all types and severities. We offer a step-down curriculum of clinical care, designed to help our clients make a smooth and seamless transition from medical detox into the next level of care, and eventually back into independent living. We understand how difficult it might seem to choose the best drug and alcohol detox in Florida for your unique personal needs. Fortunately, we are available to help make the decision easier. The moment you contact us, either directly through our website or over the phone, you are put in touch with one of our experienced and compassionate Treatment Advisors. They ask a short series of questions, ultimately helping you determine which level of care is the most appropriate for your unique case. If we believe our program is a good fit we conduct a free, no obligation insurance benefit check and facilitate local travel to our Delray Beach, Florida treatment center. Contact us today to begin.