For many who struggle with drug or alcohol addiction, the desire to quit can be overshadowed by the fear of the withdrawal symptoms of detox. Attempts to detox at home frequently fail because of the intensity of withdrawal symptoms, making people want to give up trying to be sober altogether.
At Westwind Recovery®, we understand the importance of a medically supervised and clinically supported detox as the first step toward recovery from addiction. In our Los Angeles drug and alcohol addiction rehab center, you can receive comprehensive treatment.
What Are the Symptoms of Withdrawal?
During addiction, your body goes through physical changes to adapt to the presence of drugs or alcohol, becoming dependent upon them. Withdrawal happens if you suddenly stop taking a substance you are addicted to.
The symptoms and severity of withdrawal are unique to each individual. They are also determined by factors including the type of substance, the length of use, and the severity of the addiction. Further, a person who detoxes more than once will likely experience different symptoms each time. Withdrawal symptoms can be both physical and psychological.
Common physical symptoms of withdrawal include, but are not limited to:
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Shaking and shivering
- Fever, chills, sweating
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Headaches and exhaustion
- Abdominal cramps, muscle aches, joint, and bone pain
- Vivid or unpleasant dreams
Common psychological symptoms of withdrawal include, but are not limited to:
- Irritability and agitation
- Extreme mood swings
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Confusion
- Depression
- Intense cravings
The substances most commonly associated with painful or difficult withdrawal include alcohol, benzodiazepines, opiates, amphetamines, and cocaine. Alcohol withdrawal is considered very dangerous and can even become life-threatening. The presence of other substances compounds the dangers of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. The first 72 hours of withdrawal are the most difficult. But, professional detox services can help you through this process.
What to Expect During Drug and Alcohol Detox
Drug and alcohol detox begins with a complete medical assessment to gather information about your medical history and the details of your addiction. Our team of medical and clinical professionals working with you throughout your detox needs to have the most accurate information for the safety and success of your detox.
With inpatient detox, you will have 24-hour care from the detox center’s experienced and compassionate staff. Depending on your circumstances, you can expect to remain in the detox center for 72 hours or longer. The factors considered in creating your detox plan include:
- General physical and mental health
- Length of addiction
- Severity of addiction
- Method of abuse (injecting, snorting, swallowing, etc.)
- Type of substance(s)
- The severity of withdrawal symptoms
Our medical staff may use medications to alleviate the discomfort of withdrawal. No matter your substance abuse or addiction level, it is always best to seek help from professionals like the team at Westwind Recovery® when you are considering drug or alcohol detox.
After You Detox, Westwind Recovery® Can Help
Suppose you are ready to be free from the grips of addiction. In that case, the first step is to seek professional care and support from a medically supervised inpatient drug and alcohol detox center.
Once you complete detox elsewhere, you can attend our facility for further treatment. Located in Los Angeles, Westwind Recovery® provides high-quality treatment in a private, compassionate, and safe environment.
Detox is not a cure for addiction but provides freedom from physical dependence, clearing the way for you to discover and work through the underlying factors that contributed to your substance use disorder. Following detox, you can move on to our drug rehab programs, including the following outpatient drug rehab and our Los Angeles sober living programs. Contact us today to learn more. Use the online form or call us to speak with our team.
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
