When any individual who has become severely addicted stops using, the body and mind begin to experience symptoms of withdrawal. The first treatment goal is to ‘detox’, a process which cleanses the body of the toxins that come from drug abuse. A medically monitored detoxification program ensures the safest and most comfortable management of physical and psychological symptoms. During the admission medical evaluation, our physician will determine the course of detoxification treatment based upon the individual’s using history and withdrawal symptoms.
Buprenorphine® is available for individuals withdrawing from Opiates like Heroin, OxyContin®, or Vicodin®, and Opioids such as Methadone and Fentanyl®.
Individuals that struggle with Alcoholism and are trying to stop could experience the symptoms associated with withdrawal from alcohol. These symptoms can occur anywhere between 6-24 hrs after the last drink. When someone that has been using significant amounts of alcohol quits drinking, there is a high risk of seizure. Our physician might prescribe several different medicines to help with the detoxification; benzodiazepines which help the patient to feel more comfortable, and lower the risk for a seizure, medicines to help keep the blood pressure under control, and B-complex vitamins to help replace typical deficiencies resulting from acute alcohol dependence.
Withdrawal from Tranquilizers like Valium®, Klonopin® & Xanax® can be extremely difficult. During the detoxification from these drugs, the patient will experience a severe rise in their anxiety, and there is a significant risk of seizure. Long-acting sedatives are frequently administered to protect against seizure and help reduce the patient’s anxiety.
During the medical detoxification period, our physician and nursing staff are available 24/7 to assure the wellbeing and comfort of the detoxifying individual. As the individual begins to stabilize, The Providence clinical team starts to prepare the addict or alcoholic for Primary Treatment. The Detoxification episode varies in length depending on the type of drug and severity of the patient’s addiction.