What Is Drug and Alcohol Detox in California?
Detox is the process of removing drugs or alcohol from the body. Because each person has unique needs, we create personal treatment plans that address their substance abuse and any underlying mental health issues.
While detox does not treat the root causes of addiction, it is a vital first step in preparing for long-term recovery. Once the body is stable, a person can move on to full treatment and therapy to address the mental and emotional sides of addiction.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) uses prescription medications along with counseling and therapy to address substance use disorders. This approach helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, which makes the detox process easier for people.
Medications are also used to treat disorders that occur at the same time, such as when a patient has a drug or alcohol addiction along with a mental health disorder. This approach helps a person manage both the physical and emotional challenges of withdrawal.
Detox in California: The Detoxification Process
Detox can be difficult, especially for teens and adults dealing with withdrawal. It is crucial to go through the medical detox process at a licensed detox center with medical support every step of the way. At pH Wellness, our alcohol and drug detox has three main parts:
Evaluation
In the evaluation stage, our medical staff tests for drugs and alcohol in the person’s system. This step may also include surveys and interviews to identify any medical or mental health conditions that exist together. It is important to find all health concerns early, as they can greatly impact addiction treatment plans.
Stabilization
The stabilization phase provides the patient with needed medical and psychological support. Our medical team uses prescription medications to ease the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms and prevent medical emergencies.
Detox in California usually lasts 5 to 7 days, but the time can change based on the substance and severity of dependence. pH Wellness offers 24-hour medical watch and care during detox, ensuring clients are always monitored so we can address any immediate needs or concerns.
Fostering Entry Into Treatment
After a patient’s withdrawal symptoms are stable, the focus shifts to the next stage of substance abuse treatment. Our staff then helps prepare the individual for their next steps in recovery. This includes teaching patients what to expect during different treatment programs and helping them choose the right level of care.
Drug and Alcohol Symptoms of Withdrawal
Withdrawal from drugs or alcohol causes symptoms that can range from mild to life-threatening. Our medical detox clinic offers 24-hour monitoring and uses medication to ease these symptoms. Depending on the substance, symptoms often include the following:
- Alcohol Withdrawal: Symptoms often start 6 to 24 hours after the last drink. Early signs include shaking, headache, nausea, and anxiety. Later, more severe symptoms like seizures or hallucinations can appear.
- Opioid Withdrawal: Opioid withdrawal begins within 6 to 12 hours. It can start with agitation, muscle aches, and insomnia. Later, it may lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and intense cravings.
- Stimulant Withdrawal: Withdrawal from drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine can cause depression, fatigue, and slowed thinking. Strong cravings and a loss of pleasure may last for weeks.
- Marijuana Withdrawal: Marijuana withdrawal can cause anxiety, shaking, chills, headaches, and stomach issues. The first 1 to 3 weeks are often the most intense, while cravings and sleep problems may last for months.
- Benzodiazepine Withdrawal: Symptoms can start in just 6 hours and include anxiety, panic attacks, and seizures. Without professional help, withdrawal from benzodiazepines can be dangerous and even fatal due to the risk of seizures.
No matter what substance was used, it is vital to get professional treatment for withdrawal symptoms because they can be very uncomfortable and dangerous.
Medically Supervised Detox in California
For both teens and adults, starting treatment at a rehab center often begins with detox. Drug or alcohol detox in California is the first real step toward recovery for many people, building the foundation for what comes next. A medically supervised detox is a key part of treatment for several reasons, including:
Safe Environment
Withdrawal symptoms from stopping drug or alcohol use can be severe and sometimes life-threatening. A serious form of withdrawal called Delirium tremens (DT) can cause hallucinations, seizures, and heart problems. Professional medical supervision ensures a person is in a safe place where any health issues can be properly managed.
Setting the Foundation for an Addiction Treatment Program
Detox prepares a person for the next steps in their addiction treatment. It is hard to focus on recovery when someone is dealing with uncomfortable and dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
Reducing Relapse Risk
Withdrawal discomfort often leads people back to using drugs or alcohol for relief. In a live-in detox facility, this risk is lowered because the staff manages the discomfort, and there is no access to substances.
Addressing Underlying Mental Health Issues That Lead to Substance Abuse
Treatment at a detox clinic allows professionals to fully assess an individual’s physical and mental health. This assessment helps identify underlying mental illnesses, like depression or anxiety, that might contribute to a substance use disorder and require dual diagnosis treatment. Addressing these factors and getting mental health care is key to a lasting recovery.
Substance Use Disorder Treatment After Detox
While detox in California is a key part of getting sober, ongoing treatment from a recovery center is needed for a lasting recovery. This continued care builds a solid foundation and helps prevent relapse. Addiction treatment at a drug or alcohol rehab gives individuals the tools, resources, and support to handle the challenges of recovery.
Through individual and family therapy, counseling, and different behavioral therapies, individuals learn about their addictive behaviors. They also develop coping skills to maintain sobriety. Some benefits of recovery in the peaceful environment of our live-in facility include:
- Developing skills to handle triggers, stress, and cravings
- Uncovering and resolving underlying issues leading to addiction
- Achieving lasting lifestyle changes through counseling
- Establishing a strong sober support network
- Learning to enjoy life again in sobriety
Without follow-up treatment, many individuals return to drug use after detox.
If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use disorder, contact us to speak with a caring intake specialist.
Treatment Options After Detox in California
After detox, the first step is often entering a rehab program that fits your needs. Not everyone requires the same level of care, so understanding the main treatment options available in California can help guide your next steps.
Inpatient Rehab
Inpatient treatment involves staying at a treatment facility for 30 to 90 days. This time is for intensive counseling, group therapy, medical care, and other treatments. Our facility in Riverside is a good fit for those with severe addictions or disorders that occur at the same time.
Partial Hospitalization Program
Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) offer a structured level of treatment similar to live-in programs, but you can return home at night. This option is ideal for people leaving inpatient care or who cannot commit to living at a facility.
Intensive Outpatient Programs
Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) are the next step after inpatient rehab or PHP, with 9+ hours of weekly treatment. An IOP helps bridge the transition to living independently in recovery.
Standard Outpatient Treatment Programs
These programs offer the most flexible outpatient treatment option. In standard outpatient rehab, clients attend planned sessions once or twice per week that focus on recovery and relapse prevention.
Aftercare
This provides ongoing support for people after treatment. It includes regular check-ins with therapists, support groups, and using alumni resources to ensure long-term success and stability in sobriety.
Choosing the right addiction treatment option after a prescription drug detox in California depends on a person’s substance abuse history, other health issues, home life, and motivation. To find the best option for you or a loved one, contact our rehab center by calling (888) 707-3880. Our drug rehab and detox center serves clients from across the United States and is easy to reach for those in Southern California and Northern California, including Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, and Orange County.
