South Coast Recovery Alcohol Detox & Drug Detox

Certain types of drugs require a detox. Alcohol detox generally includes monitoring vital signs, doctor consultation and prescribed medication to ease withdrawal symptoms. Examples of drugs that require detox include: Alcohol, benzodiazepines (i.e., Valium, Xanax) and opiate-based drugs including heroin and prescription painkillers such as Oxycontin, Vicodin, Hydrocodone, etc.

Other drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamines and marijuana do not require detox. However, as with any drug dependent upon amount and frequency of use there remains the significant potential for psychological dependence and given this, a period of stabilization followed up by a recovery program is advisable for long-term success.

Alcohol Detox
Alcohol poses one of the most dangerous forms of withdrawal. An abrupt cessation of alcohol (going “cold turkey”) will result in withdrawal symptoms within hours and the time necessary for complete alcohol detox can range from 3 to 14 days. Alcohol detox can result in a variety of physical and/or psychological symptoms. Mild withdrawal symptoms include headaches, nausea, vomiting, perspiration, restlessness, agitation, loss of appetite and insomnia. More severe symptoms may disrupt the autonomic system, resulting in seizures (convulsions), visual or auditory hallucinations and the DTs (Delirium Tremens). It is estimated that 1 in 4 patients are at a high risk for a withdrawal seizure if medications are not administered during the detox phase. For this reason, alcohol detox frequently involves doctor prescribed medication that have similar effects to alcohol are given to reduce the risk of seizure. These medications generally include certain benzodiazepines and anticonvulsant medication that are prescribed in tapering amounts until the body is physically stabilized and the threat of seizure removed. Professional advice should always be sought in alcohol detox and consultation with a doctor during alcohol detox is generally necessary.