Are All Detoxes in Florida Attached to Rehab Centers?

If you have a problem with drugs or alcohol and call Florida home, you are not alone. According to drug-rehab.org, an online resource for drug education and addiction awareness, more than 410,000 Floridians admitted to having a substance use disorder in 2014. It is also worth noting that the number of overdose cases in the state increased by over 5,000 between 2014 and 2016. That said, the substances that are being abused the most in Florida, also known as the sunshine state, include alcohol, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana.

And while prescribed for legitimate reasons, many Floridians are also abusing prescription pain relievers, namely Oxycontin and Hydrocodone. So while the state is best known for its theme parks and exciting nightlife, most will agree that Florida has a serious problem on its hands when it comes to substance abuse. It should be noted, however, that many people have begun to recognize the devastating toll that abusing drugs and alcohol can have on their lives and have sought addiction recovery services from the nearly 14,000 rehab facilities interspersed in and around Florida.

ARE ALL DETOX PROGRAMS IN FLORIDA ATTACHED TO REHAB CENTERS?

Most physicians and addiction experts will agree that overcoming an addiction to certain substances is easier than others. For example, individuals who choose to end their relationship with marijuana are seldom confronted by severe withdrawal symptoms as they go through detox. Sadly, this is not the case for those who are seeking to end their relationship with prescription-based or street-level opioids, such as heroin. The same can also be said for those trying to overcome an addiction to alcohol. In most cases, when an individual stops consuming these particular substances, they will usually find themselves having to deal with an onslaught of severe withdrawal symptoms. And sometimes, these withdrawal symptoms are so severe that many will choose to forgo their pursuit of sobriety and start using again.

Fortunately, many rehab facilities in Florida are aware of the challenges that come with ending one’s relationship with opioids, alcohol, and other hardcore substances. As such, many will offer detox assistance in both their inpatient and outpatient programs. Detox assistance in nearly all Florida rehab facilities includes prescription-based medication to help individuals cope with challenging withdrawal symptoms as well as round-the-clock monitoring by a licensed doctor or nurse. This aspect of addiction recovery will usually take place onsite; however, some facilities may choose to offer them in a separate location. This approach ensures that individuals can get focused treatments that can significantly increase their chances of completing detox successfully. That said, detox assistance can help ease the following withdrawal symptoms associated with substance abuse cessation:

  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Memory problems
  • Headaches
  • Heart palpitations
  • Profuse sweating
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Hypertension
  • Muscle aches
  • Tremors

 

The severity of these symptoms, not to mention the type of symptoms an individual will encounter, can vary depending on how long they have been using. It is also worth noting that the specific substance that they were abusing before seeking treatment will also play a role in this regard as well.

HOW LONG WILL THE DETOX PROCESS LAST?

While the goal of any detox program is to help individuals safely and effectively achieve sobriety, the timeframe involved can vary from one person to the next. Whether they are provided onsite or via a separate location, detox programs offered by most Florida-based rehab facilities will last anywhere from 3 to 7 days. In most cases, this is enough time for drugs or alcohol to leave an individual’s system. During this time, the doctors and nurses in these programs will provide individuals with prescription-based medications to help them cope with severe withdrawal symptoms, some of which include

  • Methadone
  • Clonidine
  • Suboxone
  • Naltrexone
  • Antabuse
  • Acamprosate
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Antidepressants

The type of medication that a physician will prescribe to patients is determined based on the symptoms they are experiencing and the substance that their body is attempting to detox. Along with these popular medications, some Florida-based rehab facilities are now offering a relatively new medication called Lofexidine to help ease certain types of withdrawal symptoms. According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health, Lofexidine has been approved by the FDA, also known as the Food and Drug Administration, to help individuals cope with the physical symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal.

BOTTOM LINE

In summary, if you’re struggling with drugs or alcohol and live in Florida, there is no shortage of rehab facilities that you can turn to for help. And most of them, if not all, offer some form of detox assistance to make your journey toward sobriety slightly easier. To learn more about any of the information detailed in this article, consider reaching out to one of our friendly associates today at 800-737-0933.

Will I Be Discharged from the Military for Going To a Substance Abuse Detox Program?

It’s a well-known fact that drug and alcohol abuse is common among veterans. However, alcohol and substance abuse is a significant problem among active-duty members who are part of the armed forces as well. Many service personnel are willing to get help but are unsure of what will happen to them when they enter a detox program. They are worried that they will be dishonorably discharged if they admit they need help. While this is a valid concern, most service personnel can receive the treatment they need while staying active duty. Read on to learn more about drug use in the military.

Drug Abuse and the Military

The abuse of illegal and prescription substances among military members can be just as problematic as it is for those in the private sector. Drug abuse affects a person’s ability to make rational decisions and can lead to poor performance on the job. For military members, drug use can easily put fellow soldiers at risk. The use of drugs can cause problems when it comes to discipline, readiness, and the physical and mental health of the service member. It may also create problems within the unit by disrupting the unity of the soldiers. An addicted member can also put a whole unit at risk when they are deployed to an active war zone.

Prescription drugs, such as opioid painkillers and sedatives, are most often abused by military members. Alcohol abuse is another widespread problem in the military. While illicit drugs are not as common an issue, they are still prevalent through the military community. Because of wartime experiences, many active-duty military members find themselves dealing with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. Many turn to drugs to combat these feelings, only to find themselves addicted. For members who had mental health concerns before being deployed to a war zone, drugs and alcohol may be the only way they know how to cope.

Help for Military Members

Too many military members do not seek the help that they need because they are afraid of the repercussions. However, many members can and do go through detox and treatment at a reputable rehab even while on active duty. Drug testing is mandatory for all military members. While they may be asked to perform a random urinalysis, commanders can and will order “probable cause testing” if they believe any service member may be using illegal drugs.

Any service member who comes up positive for illicit drugs will be offered the chance to go to treatment and detox. A trained professional will initially access the situation and may recommend treatment for the individual. A commanding officer will refer a service member to treatment if they have had an issue with the police, such as a DUI or disorderly conduct charge. The type of detox and treatment will depend on many factors, such as the availability of services, the severity of the addiction, and the cost of detox.

Confidentiality and Disciplinary Action During Treatment

Confidentiality is often an issue that keeps service members from seeking treatment. However, confidentiality is limited in different cases. For example, service members who have been arrested or have threatened to harm themselves will show up on the commander’s radar. Some programs also require that the partner of the addict become involved in treatment.

While many service members do not want others involved, the commander’s involvement should be thought of as a positive thing. They can help the service member stay sober after detox and treatment are over. They will also want to know any type of information that could affect how fit the person is for duty. It is their job to ensure the safety of their entire unit.

Overall, the military will not discharge a service member because of a drug or alcohol problem. They will offer counseling and therapy services through their own facilities, or they may recommend the individual to a civilian facility. While some service members will face disciplinary action, the military will be more concerned that they seek help for their problem. Any service member who is dealing with a drug or alcohol addiction should seek the help they need right away.

Contact Us Now

If you or someone you love in the military is abusing drugs and needs treatment, don’t hesitate. Our facility can help you or your loved one detox from drugs or alcohol and learn to live a sober life. When you are ready to take that first important step, give us a call at 800-737-0933.

What Are Some Surprising Drug Detox Effects You Might Not Expect?

Drug detox is often one of the most difficult stages in addiction recovery. The effects of drug abuse change the brain and body on a chemical level, which plays into the addiction process. Not surprisingly, you may experience a few drug detox effects that you might not expect.

Since each person’s body interacts with addictive substances in different ways, detox effects can take different forms. Knowing what to expect can go a long way towards helping you get the supports you need to make it past the detox period. Here are a few surprising drug detox effects to watch for along with a brief overview on what causes these effects.

What Causes Drug Detox Effects?

Addictive substances take an ongoing toll on the body on both a physical and psychological level. While the desired effect may be to get high or escape from the events of the day, these substances accomplish this by altering important chemical processes in the brain and body. After a certain point, the brain and body begin to rely on the drug’s effects to function normally.

Here are just a few substances that fall in this category:

  • Alcohol
  • Heroin
  • Crack, cocaine
  • Prescription painkillers
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Prescription stimulants, such as Ritalin and Adderall

Drug detox effects, also known as withdrawal effects, develop out of the chemical imbalance created when drug use stops. More often than not, the severity of withdrawal effects experienced reflects the degree of imbalance left behind by the drug’s effects. Since each person’s physical makeup interacts with addictive substances in different ways, the types of withdrawal effects experienced can vary from person to person in type and intensity.

Here are a handful of effects you might not expect to experience during drug detox:

Confused Thinking

The effects of drug addiction specifically target the brain’s cognitive processes, which include reasoning, learning and memory. As drug use continues, these systems continue to undergo chemical changes that directly impact a person’s priorities and motivations. These changes account for the incessant cravings and ongoing preoccupation with getting and using addictive substances.

Confused thinking results from the chaos that develops within the brain’s chemical system when drug use stops. In effect, the brain develops a psychological dependence on the drug’s effects in the same way the body develops a physical dependence. In the absence of the drug’s effects, it becomes difficult to carry out mental tasks that require concentration, focus and planning.

Severe Depression

Depression and substance abuse tend to go hand-in-hand. Drug abuse often becomes a form of escape from depression. On the flip-side, abusing drugs for any length of time breeds the types of brain chemical processes that cause depression. In turn, the brain’s increasing susceptibility to depression is part of the reason why a person requires increasingly larger doses of the drug over time.

For these reasons, stopping drug use typically brings on feelings of severe depression. The severity of the depression varies depending on how long a person abused drugs and the types of drugs used. In the most severe of cases, suicidal tendencies can run especially high.

Intense Anxiety

While most everyone has experienced some level of anxiety in one form or another, the experience doesn’t typically the point where it interferes with a person’s ability to function throughout the day. As a drug detox effect, anxiety levels can be overwhelming and in the most extreme cases, a person can experience full-blown panic attacks.

Signs of intense anxiety and developing panic attacks include:

  • Restlessness
  • Tremors
  • Rapid breathing
  • Increased heart rate
  • Light-headedness
  • Tightness in the chest

Extreme Moods

Extreme moods are another drug detox effect you might not expect. Changes in mood can be triggered by anything and don’t necessarily have to make sense. Addictive substances force the brain to secrete large amounts of serotonin and dopamine, which promote happiness and a sense of well-being. In effect, neurotransmitter levels are severely depleted when drug use stops.

Extreme moods to watch for include:

  • Violent outbursts
  • Aggressive behavior
  • Feelings of despair

Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts when it comes to addiction recovery. While drug detox can be a difficult experience, it’s very doable when you have the right supports in place. If you have more questions or need information on drug detox programs, call us today at 800-737-0933 to speak with one of our addiction counselors.

Can Detox Centers Help Me Get Clean if I’m Homeless?

Dealing with a drug addiction and homelessness at the same time is hard. You may worry about your safety on the streets when you are under the influence of drugs. While you may know that you need help to deal with your addiction, you might not know where to turn. There are many programs available that can offer you support, and it is reassuring to know that detox centers can help you get clean if you’re homeless. In fact, going to a detox center is the safest and most effective way to stop using drugs or alcohol when you have a serious addiction.

Your addiction might have led you to make choices that led to your homelessness, or you might have started using drugs or alcohol to cope with the pain after losing your home or job. Either way, you’ll find nonjudgemental and caring people when you go to a treatment facility. The staff at a detox center only cares about helping you get clean so that you can get your life back on track.

Go Through Detox In a Safe Environment

The detox process is often unpredictable, and you need to be prepared for having serious symptoms that could impact your safety and health. A few of the most common detox symptoms that people experience include the following:
•nausea
•seizures
•fatigue
•mood swings
•increased pain

The symptoms that you experience will depend upon the types of drugs that you use along with your body’s dependence upon the substance. You should also know that abruptly quitting certain drugs without professional assistance can lead to increased cravings. Your risk for serious withdrawal symptoms also goes up if you have ever quit and had a relapse or if you’ve had an overdose.

While it might be scary to think about having withdrawal symptoms, you can feel better knowing that they are temporary. In most cases, you will be finished with the most challenging part of the detox process within a few days to a week. After that, you will begin to work on learning how to manage your addiction so that you can stay sober once you finish the program. The benefit of going to a detox center rather than trying to get sober on the street is that you also receive personalized treatment that includes management of your withdrawal symptoms. Feeling comfortable and supported makes it easier to stay strong as your body adjusts to living without drugs or alcohol.

Get Help for Your Mental Health

The detox process is only the first step toward managing your addiction. You will also need to learn how to take care of your mental health. There are many mental health conditions that can lead to someone using drugs as a method for coping such as PTSD and depression. You may also have developed a mental health condition such as anxiety after you became homeless. Once again, this is an area where you benefit from seeking professional care.

In a drug and alcohol treatment program, you gain the ability to work with professionals who can help you figure out what causes you to drink or do drugs. You can also receive services that include intensive counseling to help you begin to feel better mentally. If you have family nearby, then your rehab program can also help you to begin healing those relationships through family counseling. Group therapy is another type of treatment that helps you to not feel so alone, and you can even participate in recreational activities that help you feel normal and healthy again.

Find Hope for the Future

Both homelessness and addiction can make the future feel bleak. Getting sober turns this completely around, and you will find that your stay at a detox center helps you to start rebuilding your belief that life is good. Your counseling team will help you to begin to put together a plan for how you can live safely and sober after treatment.

When you enter rehab as a homeless person, you are connected to resources that can help you to begin to find a job, a home and renew your family relationships. While it will not be easy, you can expect to continue to improve your life after your treatment is complete by continuing to follow the plan that your team helps you put together for getting your life back on track.

Are you ready to regain control over your life by ending your addiction? We can help you get into a detox center that changes your life. Give us a call today at 800-737-0933!

Will A Rehab In Florida Admit Me If I’ve Relapsed Before?

Reclaiming your life from drug or alcohol addiction can be a very complex and challenging process. In fact, many people try and fail in recovery multiple times before finally achieving sobriety. This is why relapse is considered a common and ultimately normal part of the recovery process. Although caving to stress, temptation, and cravings can leave you feeling like you’re incapable of getting well, it can actually mean that you’re on the path to getting better and that you just have more to learn and experience throughout treatment than you’d originally expected. Your willingness to rise above relapse and strive for sobriety again is a very positive sign. To ensure your success, you need to look for a rehab in Florida that’s capable of meeting your unique range of needs.

Each time that you try and fail in recovery, you become more knowledgeable of the different triggers and environments that have the ability to best your willpower. You also gain a better understanding of the best treatment types for your circumstances. For instance, if your first effort in recovery took place in a large outpatient program, it may be time to consider your options in long-term, inpatient treatment. With several months away from the relationships, stressors, and triggers of your current life and lifestyle, you’ll have ample time to:

  • Learn new and better coping strategies
  • Identify and address any co-occurring disorders
  • Establish long-term plans for keeping your health and sobriety on the right track

Relapse is also something that you can discuss at length with counselors, peers, and others who are present within the treatment environment. What many patients find is that each relapse is incredibly humbling. It reminds them that seeking ongoing help and support, particularly post-rehab, can be necessary for avoiding past mistakes and for maintaining the right life habits and relationships after formal treatment has ended.

You’ll Be Surrounded By Like-Minded People In Florida Rehab

One of the major benefits of enrolling in a Florida rehab post-relapse is being surrounded by people with similar goals, similar life experiences, and similar histories with relapse. Group therapy is a large part of the drug and alcohol treatment process as it teaches patients proper socialization skills, boundary setting, and strategies for safely and successfully besting cravings. You can share your relapse experiences during group therapy sessions to help others overcome the shame and self-doubt that they’re experiencing. You will also have the opportunity to glean valuable information from the experiences of those around you.

Success In Rehab After Relapse

Countless recovered drug and alcohol users have relapsed before. In fact, many of these individuals have multiple tales of relapse. It can take a while to find out which treatment style is right for you, and which treatment environments will be most conducive to your success. More importantly, for some people, it can also take several tries to fully commit to getting well. Relapsing, however, never means that you’re incapable of succeeding. It is instead an opportunity to learn, further your growth, refine your recovery plan, and build your resolve. Florida rehab centers understand that all of these things can be a normal part of the recovery process.

Inpatient treatment centers strive to provide all of their patients with safe, secure environments. With little to no cell phone use, carefully monitored facilities, and limited access to the outside world, clients have the opportunity to focus completely on getting well. These centers effectively remove drug and alcohol users from unhealthy relationships, circumstances, and other triggers that are impeding their progress. With individual and group therapy, access to treatment for co-morbidity, and many other treatments and support services, Florida rehabs are equipped to provide all that people need for successfully dealing with substance use disorder.

Identifying Needs That May Have Been Overlooked

Some people relapse simply because they aren’t ready for the rigors of recovery. Others relapse because critical needs weren’t met. For instance, if you believe that you are suffering from co-morbidity or a co-occurring disorder, dual diagnosis treatment could be an essential part of your recovery plan. This will address both substance use disorder and any chronic anxiety, chronic depression, or other mental health issues that exist. Dual diagnosis treatments eliminate the need for patients to self-medicate their pain with harmful drugs or alcohol, by treating their discomfort at its actual source.

Your Journey To Good Health Can Start Today

Relapsing shouldn’t prevent you from pursuing happiness, wholeness, and good health. All of the benefits of recovery are still await. You simply need to secure the right support services and help. From intensive, inpatient programs to flexible outpatient plans, there are many different options in Florida rehab available. If you want to find the perfect treatment center for your needs, we can help. Call us today at 800-737-0933.

Is There a Way to Do an Alcoholism Detox Safely at Home?

Alcohol can be a subtle foe. It causes both a mental obsession in the mind of an alcoholic, plus an often insatiable physical craving. Alcoholism is a disease that will try to convince us that there’s nothing wrong with us.

This frightful combination of mental and physical effects makes for potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Here’s a list of four dangerous symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, plus an explanation of why the benefits of supervised detox make it the smart choice.

Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal

If there were no inherent dangerous withdrawal symptoms associated with alcoholism, then it probably would be safe to detox at home. However, that is not reality. The truth is that there are a number of dangerous things that can happen during alcohol detox.

When we suddenly try to stop drinking after prolonged or heavy periods of drinking, changes are going to happen in our bodies and brains. The adjustment from drinking to complete abstinence creates often painful side effects. Here are some symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

  • Insomnia – This is one of the more frequent side effects of alcohol withdrawal. The problem with losing sleep because your mind is craving alcohol isn’t the worst problem. However, lack of good sleep is what triggers dozens of other dangerous mental conditions.
  • Anxiety – Another one of the mental side effects of suddenly stopping your drinking is uncontrollable anxiety. Many alcoholics experience anxiety in normal everyday situations. When you abruptly remove alcohol, the level of anxiety can become emotionally dangerous.
  • Nausea – This is one of the common physical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. When you get sick after a night of drinking, it may seem like an innocent and necessary evil of having had too much to drink.

However, it is not normal to vomit excessively without some virus or ailment to cause such. What happens during alcohol withdrawal is that your body is already dehydrated from drinking. Vomiting makes the problem even worse. Falling too far down the scale of dehydration can put you at serious medical risk.

  • Shaking – They are known as delirium tremens. When the body suddenly does not have a normal dose of alcohol, it can react violently. Delirium tremens is the uncontrollable shakes that we see happen in cinematic depictions of alcoholism.

The problem is that they happen in real-life as well. Delirium tremens can be so violent that they steal your ability to think rationally. Combined with insomnia and anxiety, hundreds of alcoholics who tried to detox themselves have made attempts to take their own lives.

Recovering alcoholics also tell tales of having horrible hallucinations during the period they were experiencing alcohol withdrawal. The medical bottom line is that when you deprive your body of alcohol after intense use, you are at risk both mentally and physically. Now let’s talk about the benefits of supervised alcohol detox.

Benefits of Supervised Alcohol Detox

The benefits of supervised alcohol detox are simple. They provide you with a medically safe environment surrounded by a professional staff that can help you handle the painful withdrawal phase safely.

  • Supervision – This is one key benefit to admitting yourself to a detox facility. The entire process is under the supervision of trained professionals.
  • Medical Safety – Every alcohol detox will have medical professionals to watch over you. As you experience withdrawal symptoms, they will be on-hand to provide trained medical assistance.
  • Counseling – The road to recovery from alcoholism often begins during the detox period. You will have caring people to talk to about your alcohol problems. There will be a chance for you to chart a course of action after you are out of danger.
  • Program Referral – Along with guided counsel, detox centers are frequently associated with treatment facilities. Even if they are not, there will be an opportunity for you to get a referral to a treatment program that could change your life.

There is nothing that can guarantee that alcohol detox is going to be easy. However, with proper supervision, the dangerous risks associated with alcohol withdrawal can be addressed. Basically, you remove the life-threatening risks from a potential life-threatening situation.

Trying to detox at home is a poor choice. First of all, it’s just not safe. There are too many unknown variables, some of which are potentially life-threatening. Why would you put yourself in such peril?

Detox facilities are staffed with medical professionals to make certain you’re safe. If you even think you have a problem with alcohol, get help today. Most importantly, if you’re trying to stop drinking, don’t try to detox yourself. It is not safe. Contact a detox center to help you at 800-737-0933.

Why Does Detox From Benzos Make You More Anxious?

Benzodiazepine withdrawal (frequently shortened to benzo withdrawal) is a group of symptoms that emerge when a patient decreases or stops their use of these medications. Whether prescribed or used recreationally, once tolerance has developed and physical and psychological dependence has been established, the patient will most likely experience some of these symptoms, some of which may last longer than others and vary in intensity depending on the patient’s length of use and the amount they have been using. One of the most common symptoms is rebound anxiety, which means that their anxiety feels much worse than it did prior to starting the medication. So, why does detox from benzos make you more anxious?

How do Benzos Work?

Benzos work by “amping up” the patient’s GABA, a brain chemical that blocks certain communication between nerve cells and the brain. Because low GABA levels are linked to anxiety and mood disorders, many people start using benzos for anxiety relief. In fact, about 5% of adults have been prescribed benzos in the last year, usually as a short-term bandaid during a stressful life event (death of a loved one, divorce, or other traumatic occurrences). Benzos are also often prescribed in people with chronic anxiety for short periods (generally a couple of weeks) while the patient undergoes therapy to learn healthy ways to cope with their symptoms.

However, they also produce compelling “feel-good” and sedative effects that are very appealing to many people, particularly those who struggle with anxiety. Additionally, benzos create tolerance very quickly, especially shorter-acting benzos like Xanax, the result of which is the need to take increasingly higher doses to produce these same effects. This combination creates a perfect storm for dependence to develop.

What Happens During Benzo Withdrawal?

Most benzo withdrawal symptoms begin to manifest within 24 hours of the last dose. They can last from a few days to several months, depending on the strength and quantity of the drug and the length of time it has been used. Early withdrawal symptoms, experienced within a few hours of cessation of the drug, include the swift return of anxiety.

As time away from the drug increases, more symptoms appear, including:

  • intense anxiety
  • panic
  • insomnia
  • muscle spasms or tension
  • nausea, vomiting, and other gastric upset
  • mood swings, trouble concentrating, and cloudy thinking

This list is by no means all-inclusive, and every patient is different. However, because of the uncertainty and unpredictability of the number and severity of withdrawal symptoms, it is important to seek treatment when making the decision to stop using benzos.

What is Rebound Anxiety?

During the early stages of benzo withdrawal, the patient can experience any number and combination of the symptoms listed. Even those who have been taking benzos as prescribed can, and often will, suffer from rebound anxiety along with other symptoms.

The “rebound effect” in benzo withdrawal occurs when a medication that had an effect on the symptoms it was being used to treat (whether diagnosed by a physician or as a form of self-soothing or self-medicating) is discontinued. It is characterized by intense waves of anxiety, irritability, panic, insomnia, and other mood disturbances. It can be frightening for patients who have been taking benzos for anxiety, even as exactly prescribed, to be overcome with anxiety and panic. Indeed, rebound anxiety during benzo withdrawal can lead to relapse very quickly. This is why it is important that the patient gets proper treatment and support during withdrawal.

The good news is that help is available, along with support. The need for support and healthy coping skills cannot be stressed enough when it comes to combatting dependence on benzos. As with any other recovery process, the knowledge that they are not alone, that there are people who understand and are willing and able to help, is pivotal to a successful detox and long-term recovery. There are many different treatment options available, and even the most hopeless-seeming cases can and do have successful recoveries. Life after benzos is not only possible, it can be fulfilling and rewarding.

If you’re ready to make a start, you can reach a counselor 24-hours a day by calling 800-737-0933. We’re ready to provide you with the knowledge you need to take the first steps on your path to recovery.

What Are Some Ways to Weather the 48 to 72 Hour Period of Alcohol Withdrawal?

Making the decision to check into a rehab center is one you will be grateful for the rest of your life. Whether you are addicted to alcohol or some type of substance, you’ll find the help that you need from reputable rehab personnel who only have your best interests in mind. You’ll be given personalized, one-on-one treatment that will help you get through your addiction while you move on to a better you, one step at a time.

However, you may be worried about what will happen if you go into rehab when you are addicted to alcohol. Alcohol withdrawal can be difficult, if not fatal, if you are not under the care of a professional doctor while you are going through it. Read on to learn some important ways you can weather the 48 to 72 hour period of alcohol withdrawal so that you can go on to learn how to lead a sober and fulfilling life.

Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal

First, you will want to understand what symptoms you may experience so that you know what to expect once you stop drinking. If you have been drinking alcohol heavily for even just a few weeks, you could experience physical problems when you decide to stop. This is known as alcohol withdrawal, and the symptoms can easily range from very mild to very serious. The symptoms you experience will depend on the amount of alcohol you have indulged in, for how long, and your level of health.

After six hours of not drinking, you may experience anxiety, nausea, insomnia, vertigo, headaches, vomiting, shaky hands, irritability, anger, sweating, and more. More serious side effects can include mild hallucinations. About 5% of men and women who experience alcohol withdrawal will have delirium tremors, or “DTs”. The DTs are serious symptoms that include very vivid hallucinations and seizures. They can also cause a fever, high blood pressure, intense sweating, confusion, and a racing heart.

Getting Through Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcohol withdrawal may be easier or harder than you think. It takes time and patience to allow the alcohol to completely disappear from your body. However, you can expect the first 24 to 48 hours to be the hardest. Read on for some tips that will help you get through the worst of your alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Take a cold shower- Taking a cold shower can help clear your mind of your racing thoughts and the urge to drink. It can also help if you are sweating and uncomfortable. Plus, a cold shower has many other health benefits!

Avoid anyone who drinks- You must always stay away from the people or even places that will cause you to want to pick up a drink. Stay far away from anyone who will enable you during this period of withdrawal. You may even want to announce a break from people over social media so that you have a reason to ignore calls and messages from those who do not have your best interests at heart.

Eat healthy- It’s easy to go for junk food when you are in withdrawal because your body will be craving the sugar it used to get from alcohol. Balance out the sugar levels by consuming lots of healthy fruits and vegetables during the first few days of withdrawal while leaving the sugary snacks behind.

Drink plenty of water- Alcohol quickly causes dehydration to occur. During withdrawal you may feel nauseated, so make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids. While water is important, you should also drink fluids that contain plenty of electrolytes, such as sports drinks.

Exercise when you can- We know that you won’t feel like it during withdrawal, but we can assure you that exercise will help. Even a small amount of exercise will release the endorphins in your brain that create the happy and content feelings we are all chasing. You’ll also have a sense of accomplishment when you exercise- a big deal when you are struggling with addiction.

Ride out your cravings- Don’t fool yourself into thinking your cravings will immediately disappear- they won’t. You’ll think about drinking alcohol many times during the withdrawal period. Just remember, the cravings WILL go away. The first 48 hours are the hardest part of alcohol withdrawal, so keep reminding yourself that you are getting through the worst and that it will get better.

We Can Help

Remember, you never have to go through alcohol withdrawal alone. When you are ready to get started on the path to sobriety, let us pave the way. Give us a call at 800-737-0933 to learn more.

What Kinds of Alcohol Detox Programs Are Covered with Health Insurance?

Just a few short years ago, health insurance plans frequently neglected to cover alcohol detox programs. Despite the fact that alcoholism causes a tragic number of chronic health ailments and deaths each year, health insurances seemed all too willing to treat the effects of alcoholism but not very willing to cover services that would prevent those health outcomes from occurring. It is only in the past few years that health insurance providers have stepped up their responsibility and recognized that alcohol detox programs are a life-saving service. Today there are many alcohol detox programs that are covered by health insurance.

You will need to check with your specific health insurance provider to find out what facilities are covered within their network, but you should be pleased to discover that most of today’s detox programs are covered by health insurance. There are many different types of detoxes to choose from. Here are a few of the most commonly covered by insurance.

7-30 Day Medical Detox

The duration of a detox program is usually a week, and these medical detox programs are often provided in hospital settings that use medication to help ease the pain and anxiety of early withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol withdrawal has many dangerous medical complications that can occur, including seizures and delirium tremens. Many alcoholics choose to undergo medical detox, and health insurance is extremely likely to cover a medical detox that lasts between 7 and 30 days.

During a stay in medical detox, you will usually at some point also speak with a counselor who can help to ease the more psychological symptoms of detox. You’ll also have a caseworker who will help to direct you to services that might be more long-term. A medical detox treats alcoholism like any other disease, and you will likely have doctors and nurses to help you through the process.

Holistic Detox Centers

Holistic detox centers treat alcoholism with a “whole body” approach. Since your whole body suffers from alcoholism, then your whole body will benefit from healing. They will work with you to ease the symptoms of withdrawal using more natural methods. You will receive a variety of different treatments that might include:

  • Music therapy
  • Meditation
  • Nutrition guidance
  • Art therapy

Residential Programs

A residential program is more than just a period of detox, but you might be referred to a residential program after you’ve completed detox, so the residential program is an extension of the detox in many ways. These programs are long-term, and they can last for as little as 3 months to even a year or more in time. You’ll have more freedom in a long-term residential program, and you will likely be able to work outside the residential facility, have visitors, and go out and even have a normal life outside of the residential program. Drug testing and procedures to “sign-in” and “sign out” of the facility helps them to maintain a drug and alcohol-free environment.

Not every residential facility is covered by insurance, but there are other programs that often pay for these facilities and make them free for people who have limited income and resources. Even if your insurance doesn’t cover a residential program, please inquire about guidelines for receiving free entry into these programs. You’ll often find that they’re free to low-income clients or clients who meet other guidelines of the facility. As you can see, insurance covers more programs now than ever before, and your best bet is to research a program you are interested in and then contact your insurance or the program and see if insurance covers it. If you’re suffering from alcoholism, the first step is to get into a program. It can literally save your life. Over the past few years, health insurance has realized that alcohol detox programs prevent many of the severe and costly physical ailments that alcohol causes. Today they realize how important it is to pay for detoxes and get help before the consequences of alcoholism are even more costly and deadly, and their revelation about the importance of detox is your good fortune.

If you want to find an alcohol detox that can help you today, please call us now at 800-737-0933. We accept many different types of insurances and strive to work with all of the people who come to us for help on solutions to treatment. We hope you will call us and begin your journey to recovery today.

How Can You Recognize the Delirium Tremens Stages Before It’s Too Late?

Delirium tremens is a dangerous symptom of alcohol withdrawal that requires immediate medical attention. It can lead to grand mal seizures and even death. If someone has been drinking continuously for years, their brain and the central nervous system adjusts to the presence of alcohol and becomes physically dependent on alcohol in order to function properly. When someone with severe alcoholism abruptly stops drinking, alcohol leaves the body very quickly, causing their nervous system and brain into a dangerous state. Here’s how to recognize delirium tremens symptoms before it’s too late.

Alcohol withdrawal has a few very distinct stages that you’ll want to be alert to. Most experts break the withdrawal process down into four stages, but there are others who might categorize it into more than four stages. Delirium tremens is a serious condition that about 3-5% of alcoholics will experience if they suddenly stop drinking. It’s not as common as other withdrawal symptoms, but it’s so serious that you should always be alert to its stages and signs.

Stages of Alcohol Withdrawal

Experts who break the withdrawal process into four stages define each stage by time since last drink. The withdrawal stages are:

  • 6-12 hours since last drink
  • 12-24 hours since last drink
  • 24-48 hours since last drink
  • 48-72 hours since last drink

Delirium Tremens is most likely to occur in stage four of the withdrawal process, approximately 48-72 hours after a person takes their final drink. Recognizing the symptoms of delirium tremens is crucial to getting medical help and possibly even saving someone’s life. Never ignore the symptoms of delirium tremens.

Symptoms of Delirium Tremens

When someone goes into delirium tremens, they frequently have a change in mental state that will be immediately noticeable to them. Their behavior may become noticeable to others around them as well, as they will be experiencing anxiety and signs of agitation. Body tremors will be extremely noticeable. Their hands and other limbs may shake uncontrollably, and they may have difficulty focusing on anything and become understandably out of control during this time.

Hallucinations are another hallmark of delirium tremens. When someone is going through alcohol withdrawal and begins to hallucinate, it’s time to seek medical attention immediately, as this is almost always a sign of DTs. Fear is a very common emotion for the alcoholic to experience when these symptoms are present during alcohol withdrawal. They may even scream or cry. Remember, this is a serious medical event and can be life threatening if left untreated. Anyone who is going through alcohol withdrawal who begins to experience these signs of delirium tremens should go to the emergency room or a doctor immediately.

A Sign to Get Help

Alcoholism is a serious medical condition, and withdrawal from alcohol is one of the most dangerous of all drug withdrawals. Because alcohol leaves the body so quickly, it can severely throw the brain and central nervous system out of whack, leaving the person vulnerable to a number of dangerous medical events. Delirium tremens is perhaps the most dangerous symptom of alcohol withdrawal, and it should always be treated with seriousness. If someone experiences DTs, it’s a sign of severe alcoholism. It’s also a sign that it’s time to get help in one of today’s alcohol treatment centers.

Medical detox is the wisest source of treatment for a condition like a delirium tremens. Anyone who is going to withdrawal from alcohol after a long period of use might experience this dangerous symptom of withdrawal, but if someone has already had a bout of DTs, it’s doubly imperative that they go through withdrawal in a medical setting where help is immediately available in the event of delirium tremens. Today’s detox centers are capable of helping you or a loved one cope with this distressing part of alcohol withdrawal. There are many treatment options that will ease the agitation, fear, and other unpleasant symptoms of delirium tremens. The comforting thing to remember is that you no longer have to go through this on your own. A compassionate treatment center staff can help you make it through and begin a full-fledged recovery.

If you’re seeking a treatment center that can treat you for delirium tremens, contact us at 800-737-0933. We’re fully capable of helping you during even the most serious symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, and we can help you during every single stage of recovery after that. You can get help today with a single phone call.