Drug Detox in the United States
In the United States, approximately 7.4 million people abuse drugs – many of which end up seeking help from drug detox centers. A little more than three million of those individuals are hooked on opioids like heroin and prescription painkillers, while the rest are addicted to drugs like meth, cocaine, ecstasy, and prescription drugs. Overall, there are more than 21 million people in the country who are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. Despite high rates of substance use disorder across America, just shy of 4 million of those individuals obtained addiction treatment and drug detox in 2016, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).
For some people, the first thing they need to do in order to recover is to detox. Not everyone who is addicted to drugs requires this step, however, those who are dependent on drugs typically do. At Forever Recovery our dedicated staff takes every precaution to make drug detox in the United States a safe and comfortable experience.
Drug Addiction and Dependence
Addiction and dependence are not interchangeable terms, as they do not mean the same thing. When someone is abusing drugs, chances are they will become dependent on drugs before they become addicted. Dependence refers to the physical necessity for the drug whereas drug addiction refers more to the psychological need to get high and compulsive behaviors that are associated with substance abuse. In fact, drug abuse triggers the onset of the disease of addiction, as long-term substance abuse itself changes the chemistry and structure within the brain.
Someone who is dependent on drugs will likely experience the following:
- Intense cravings to use
- The onset of withdrawal symptoms when unable to use for a period of time
- Feeling ill or generally unwell when coming down from a high
Unlike dependence, symptoms of addiction are slightly different and include:
- Making attempts to stop using but not being able to
- Spending a lot of time thinking about drugs, using them, or acquiring them
- Feeling unable to function without the use of drugs
- Being unsuccessful in controlling how much of a drug you consume
- Engaging in deceitful behaviors in order to get drugs, continue using drugs, or hide drug use altogether
It is common for most people who are addicted to drugs to also have some level of dependence on them. While some people only experience minor symptoms, such as headaches and feeling slightly queasy, others suffer significant symptoms that can interrupt their lives. If you experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop getting high, you can benefit from a drug detox program.
Drug Withdrawal Symptoms
The withdrawal symptoms that you experience when you stop abusing drugs will depend on what drug you are addicted to. This is because each drug has its own effects. Specific drug withdrawal symptoms include the following:
- Stimulants (Adderall, cocaine, meth)
- Jitters
- Dehydration
- Exhaustion
- Slowed speech
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Insomnia
- Increased appetite
- Opioids (heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone)
- Sweats and chills
- Muscle aches
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Benzodiazepines (Ativan, Valium, Klonopin)
- Panic
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Muscle stiffness
- Heart palpitations
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Hallucinogens (ecstasy, PCP, Ketamine)
- Detachment from reality
- Panic
- Aggression
- Mood swings
- Increased heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate
- Muscle stiffness
- Tremors
- Seizures
More than three million people experience drug withdrawal each year in the United States. As you can see, there are differences between drugs and their associated withdrawal symptoms. However, drug withdrawals of all kinds tend to produce the following:
- Anxiety
- Headaches
- Cravings
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Changes in eating habits
- Gastrointestinal problems
If you are dependent on drugs, chances are you will go through withdrawal. Attempting to detox at home or on your own might prove challenging and unsuccessful. Instead, drug detox and rehab programs will help you get through the withdrawal process safely and effectively.
What to Expect From Drug Detox in the United States
Medical detox programs help provide the support needed in order to detox and stay in your sobriety, rather than using again when the going gets tough. Of course, all inpatient drug detox centers in the United States are different, but for the most part, they offer similar addiction treatment services.
Intake
The first thing you can expect when entering into a medical detox program is participating in an assessment or intake procedures. The staff will work to gather as much information about you as possible. This information can help them provide you with the services that may work best for you. Our clinical and medical team will work together to develop the best-individualized treatment plan for you.
Upon admission, you are given a clean, safe, and comfortable space to complete the detox process. You will have access to addiction specialists and staff members 24/7 and can rest comfortably knowing that medical professionals are supervising you around-the-clock. Furthermore, you will get connected to mental health professionals should you begin to experience psychological withdrawal symptoms that you cannot manage on your own.
Medication-Assisted Drug Detox
Depending on the type of drug that you are detoxing from, you may have the option of utilizing prescription medicine during this time. For instance, individuals addicted to benzodiazepines are usually provided with a medical taper during withdrawal. What this means is that they are given smaller amounts of benzos over a determined amount of time to prevent throwing the body into “shock” (and to help minimize the pain of withdrawal symptoms). Those detoxing from opioid addiction can use methadone or Suboxone, both of which help decrease the severity of withdrawal symptoms and curb cravings. Depending on your symptoms, these medications prevent life-threatening symptoms and side effects, such as delirium tremens, and stop you from having to quit cold turkey.
Ongoing Treatment
The majority of drug withdrawal symptoms begin to subside after one week after the person’s last use. Of course, this timeline fluctuates based on other factors. Generally, people move to the next phase of rehab once they finish detox. Once medical supervision is no longer needed, clients move to inpatient or outpatient treatment facilities where they receive more intensive care.
Should you still continue to experience withdrawal symptoms, you may be experiencing post-acute withdrawal syndrome, or PAWS. Those who have PAWS continue to struggle with specific withdrawal symptoms for months to years after they stopped using. Usually, these symptoms are more psychological and include symptoms of depression and anxiety. Fortunately, ongoing care and support provide a long-term treatment option for people with severe drug addictions.
Above all else, United States drug detox and addiction treatment programs provide you the time, space, support groups, and tools needed to get through the withdrawal symptoms and move into therapeutic care.
Do You Need Detox For Drug Addiction?
If you’re suffering from addiction and can’t get sober on your own, reach out to us today. Our addiction specialists and medical professionals will provide you with individualized care throughout your course of treatment.
So, do not wait any longer. Call our drug detox in the United States to get started today.
