When you become addicted to drugs or alcohol, oftentimes the body needs to rid itself of the substance before treatment for underlying causes can begin. This is known as detoxification, or “detox,” for short. If you or a loved one are in this situation a Santa Ana detox center can help.
What Is Detox?
In the context of substance abuse, detox specifically refers to the process of removing toxins from the body while abstaining from any drugs or alcohol. For this reason, detox is often seen as the first step in addiction treatment. However, be difficult for those who are physically and psychologically dependent on drugs and alcohol, especially without help.
To help people successfully recover from Santa Ana detox center will incorporate around-the-clock clinical care and guidance. With a team of trained and experienced medical professionals, these detox centers can provide the help you need to stay sober.
When undergoing treatment at a Santa Ana detox center, the process is known as a “medical detox” or “medically-assisted detox.” A medical detox typically involves the use of evidence-based medications and therapy to manage a client’s withdrawal symptoms. As a result, these programs can provide relief for even the worst acute physical symptoms of withdrawal.
The History of Detox
Detox in the United States begins all the way back at the founding. Benjamin Rush, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and the nation’s first Surgeon General, suggested that the only cure for alcoholism was to completely abstain from alcohol for life. In 1857, the nation’s first “inebriate homes” were opened in Boston. There, guests could stay and receive care while they underwent detoxes for alcohol.
These lodging homes also offered them companionship with the other guests and a safe environment removed from the distractions and temptations back home, making them a cross between a detox center and a sober living home.
In the late 1800’s, professionals recommended the use of cocaine to treat alcoholism, marking the birth of medically-assisted detox. In the early 1900’s the first morphine clinics opened to treat morphine addiction. Alcoholics Anonymous began in 1935, becoming famous for its 12-steps program and insistence on total abstinence from alcohol.
In 1948, disulfiram was introduced. Designed to induce feelings of nausea in those who drink alcohol, it becomes a mainstay of detox and overall treatment.
As the 20th century goes on, various new drugs and treatment modalities are introduced, including drugs for opioid, methamphetamine, and alcohol addiction treatment. Many of these treatments can still be found at a Santa Ana detox center today.
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Call 866-881-1184What Substances Can a Santa Ana Detox Center Help With?
A Santa Ana detox center like South Coast can help individuals struggling with addiction to a variety of substances.
These typically include:
- Alcohol Addiction
- Meth Addiction
- Cocaine Addiction
- Prescription Drug Addiction
- Benzodiazepine Addiction
- Opioid Addiction
- Heroin Addiction
- Codeine Addiction
- Fentanyl Addiction
- Hydromorphone Addiction
- Hydrocodone Addiction
Alcohol Addiction
Treatment for alcohol addiction involves a medical detox, followed by inpatient and outpatient therapy and the use of support groups. Drugs used during the detox process may include benzodiazepines, disulfiram, and gabapentin, to manage seizures, delirium tremens, and to maintain abstinence by blocking alcohol’s euphoric effects.
Meth Addiction
Treatment for meth addiction involves detoxification, behavioral therapies, and support groups. Methamphetamine is highly addictive, and treatment focuses on managing the psychological aspects of addiction and rebuilding a healthy lifestyle. Modafinil and bupropion may be used in an off-label capacity to treat withdrawal symptoms.
Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine addiction treatment includes behavioral therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and contingency management, along with group therapy sessions, to address the psychological dependency. A Santa Ana detox center may offer modafinil and bupropion to treat associated fatigue or depression.
Prescription Drug Addiction
This encompasses addiction to prescription medications like painkillers, sedatives, and stimulants. Prescription drug addiction treatment involves managing withdrawal symptoms, therapy to address the reasons for misuse, and strategies to avoid relapse. Benzodiazepines or anticonvulsants may be used to treat withdrawal seizures.
Benzodiazepine Addiction
Treatment for benzodiazepine addiction typically includes a gradual tapering process to safely reduce dependence, coupled with counseling and therapy to address the underlying issues that led to addiction. Some anticonvulsants may be used to mitigate seizures.
Opioid Addiction
This includes addiction to prescription opioids and illegal opioids like heroin. Treatment for opioid addiction may involve medication-assisted treatment (MAT), behavioral therapies, and support groups.
Heroin Addiction
Heroin addiction treatment often combines MAT with other therapies like CBT and group therapy. The focus is on managing withdrawal symptoms and addressing the psychological aspects of addiction.
Codeine Addiction
Treatment for codeine addiction involves a combination of detoxification at a Santa Ana detox center, counseling, and support groups. Since codeine is an opioid, MAT may also be used as part of the treatment.
Fentanyl Addiction
Given its potency, treatment for fentanyl addiction often requires a carefully managed detox process, followed by long-term therapy and support to address the high risk of relapse.
Hydromorphone Addiction
Hydromorphone addiction treatment includes medical detoxification and therapy. The drug Hydromorphone is an opioid, and treatment may include MAT along with individual and group therapies.
Hydrocodone Addiction
Another opioid, treatment for hydrocodone addiction typically involves a combination of detoxification, MAT, behavioral therapy, and counseling. It focuses on managing withdrawal symptoms and preventing relapse.
The reason these drugs cause addiction varies but generally involves changes in brain chemistry. Most addictive substances alter the brain’s reward system by flooding it with dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward.
Over time, the brain adapts to the excess dopamine, leading to tolerance (needing more of the substance to achieve the same effect) and dependence (needing the substance to feel normal). This cycle perpetuates the addiction, making professional help at a Santa Ana detox center vital for recovery.
Why Do People Benefit From Treatment at a Santa Ana Detox Center?
The most common reason people need help during the detox process is to manage the painful, potentially life-threatening symptoms of withdrawal. These side effects can vary in level of severity, and often keep people from seeking help.
When someone abuses drugs or alcohol, their body and brain undergo various changes. Substance abuse can alter brain chemistry by affecting their mood, decision-making ability, and behavior. Long-term substance abuse can result in psychological dependence, which is where people think they need to drink or do drugs to function. At this point in a person’s addiction, they will center their life around drinking or getting high.
Following this stage of addiction, people may develop a physical dependence. When this happens, the body becomes dependent on these substances to function normally, leading to withdrawal symptoms soon after the last high. Withdrawal symptoms can be incredibly unpleasant, which is why a Santa Ana detox center provides around-the-clock medical care.
What Are Detox Withdrawal Symptoms?
The most common reason you might need help is to do with the withdrawal process. When someone abuses substances, their body and brain undergo various changes. Physically, the body becomes dependent on these substances to function normally, leading to withdrawal symptoms when the substance is not present.
Physical withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on the person, and commonly include:
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Shakiness
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Appetite changes
- Digestive issues
- Cramps
Withdrawal may also cause psychological symptoms such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
These symptoms can make it challenging for individuals to function in their daily lives, which is another reason why seeking support from trained professionals is crucial.
When experiencing withdrawal, it is common for individuals to also experience intense cravings for the substance they are addicted to. These cravings can be difficult to resist and often lead to relapse if not managed properly. This highlights the importance of seeking professional help at a Santa Ana detox center during the withdrawal process.
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Check Your CoverageWhat To Expect at a Santa Ana Detox Center?
Write content that explains the evidence-based treatments offered at a Santa Ana detox center (MAT, therapy, psychoeducation, nutrition, expressive therapy, holistic practices etc / end with a transition into medications for substance abuse)
Detox Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)
During treatment at a Santa Ana detox center, clients recovering from opioid drugs like heroin, codeine, fentanyl, hydromorphone, and hydrocodone often receive medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT uses FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) to alleviate symptoms of opioid withdrawal.
Detox drugs for opioid addiction include:
- Methadone: An opioid agonist, methadone is used to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms by acting on the brain’s opioid receptors.
- Buprenorphine: This has a “ceiling effect” which means higher dosages do not lead to euphoria, so it cannot be abused. It’s often then combined with naloxone to further prevent misuse. Buprenorphine reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Clonidine: This is primarily used to manage withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, muscle aches, and sweating.
- Naltrexone: This blocks the euphoric effects of opioids. It’s primarily used after detox to prevent relapse.
These medications should only be used under the guidance and supervision of a professional. Speak to someone at a Santa Ana detox center to learn more.
Detox Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder (MAUD)
There are several medications that have strong evidentiary support for treating AUD.
These evidence-based AUD medications include:
- Naltrexone: This drug blocks the reward centers in the brain from being activated when drinking alcohol, thus decreasing the risk of relapse and ensuring detox can continue.
- Acamprosate: This drug can reduce feelings of anxiety and treat insomnia.
- Disulfiram: Also known as Antabuse, this induces nausea whenever alcohol is consumed.
A Santa Ana detox center may also use anticonvulsants or benzodiazepines for seizures, beta blockers for high blood pressure, and thiamine for thiamine deficiency.
Detox in Santa Ana
Detox in Santa Ana, or any similar location, typically follows a structured process designed to safely manage withdrawal symptoms and prepare individuals for further addiction treatment.
While the exact approach can vary depending on the facility and the individual’s needs, the general detox process often includes the following stages:
- Assessment: Upon entering a detox center in Santa Ana, individuals undergo a comprehensive assessment. This includes medical evaluations to determine physical health, mental health screenings, and substance use history. The purpose is to create a personalized detox plan that addresses all aspects of the individual’s addiction.
- Stabilization: This is the core phase of detox, where medical and psychological support is provided to help the individual withdraw from substances safely. Stabilization can include medical supervision, medication-assisted treatment (to ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings), and therapy. The aim is to achieve physical and mental stability. For instance, in the case of alcohol or opioid addiction, medications like benzodiazepines or methadone may be used.
- Medical Monitoring: Throughout detox, individuals are closely monitored for withdrawal symptoms and potential complications. This is crucial because withdrawal can sometimes lead to severe health issues, such as seizures or dehydration. Medical staff in Santa Ana detox centers are equipped to handle these situations, ensuring the safety and comfort of the individual.
- Therapeutic Support: Detox isn’t just about physical withdrawal; it also addresses the psychological aspects of addiction. Counseling and therapy sessions, both individual and group, may be part of the detox process. These sessions help individuals understand the root causes of their addiction and develop coping strategies.
- Preparation for Further Treatment: Detox is often the first step in a longer treatment journey. Therefore, part of the process involves preparing individuals for subsequent steps in their recovery. This might include discussions about rehabilitation options, therapy programs, and support groups. The goal is to ensure a seamless transition from detox to ongoing treatment.
- Aftercare Planning: Finally, a good detox program in Santa Ana will also focus on aftercare planning. This involves setting up a plan for what happens after detox, such as continuing therapy, entering a rehab program, and connecting with support groups. Aftercare is crucial for long-term recovery and relapse prevention.
It’s important to note that detox experiences can vary widely from person to person. Factors like the type of substance used, the duration of addiction, and individual health conditions all play a role in shaping the detox process. Detox centers in Santa Ana are equipped to handle these variations, providing tailored treatment to ensure the best possible outcomes for recovery.
Does Detox in Santa Ana Work?
Detox in Santa Ana not only works – it’s essential to ensuring the success of overall treatment. Without first purging addictive substances from the body, you’ll lack the clear mind needed to treat the underlying drivers of your addiction. According to a longitudinal study done by the California Department of Health on opioid detoxification, detox had a positive correlation with overall treatment success.
However, it should also be noted that detox alone is unlikely to be sufficient. According to the National Academy of Medicine, “Consistently, without subsequent treatment, researchers have found no effects from detoxification that are discernibly superior to those achieved by untreated withdrawal in terms of reducing subsequent drug-taking behavior and especially relapse to dependence.”
Detox in Santa Ana is a crucial step in your overall treatment – but it’s only a step. After detoxing, further treatment modalities are required.
Santa Ana Detox Center at South Coast Behavioral Health
At South Coast Behavioral Health, we offer a full spectrum of care to deal with addiction. After attending our Santa Ana detox center you’ll then take advantage of our residential treatment, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient treatment programs.
All along the way, you’ll be provided around-the-clock care to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while you go through the treatment process.
If you or a loved one are in need of a Santa Ana detox center, call us at 866-881-1184 or contact us here. Our highly qualified staff will be happy to help give you an idea on what to expect from your addiction recovery timeline, help verify your insurance, and assist with any other questions you may have.
REFERENCES:
- Utilization and outcomes of detoxification and maintenance treatment for opioid dependence in publicly-funded facilities in California, US: 1991-2012 – PMC (nih.gov)
- The Effectiveness of Treatment – Treating Drug Problems – NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)
- The Evolution of the Dark World of Alcoholism » General Service of Southeastern Michigan (aa-semi.org)
- Chapter 3—Disulfiram – Incorporating Alcohol Pharmacotherapies Into Medical Practice – NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)
