Experiencing withdrawal symptoms is an unavoidable part of overcoming drug or alcohol addiction. Individuals with mild substance abuse issues can often quit on their own with little to no withdrawal symptoms except for a hangover. These individuals can find support to stay sober from an outpatient drug rehab center. Individuals who suffer from moderate to severe substance use disorder (SUD) require assistance from a drug and alcohol detox center to manage withdrawal symptoms and successfully detox without relapsing. A top-rated drug rehab center in Los Angeles offers a full spectrum of substance use and mental health treatment.
Can You Shorten the Process of Drug or Alcohol Withdrawal?
Drugs and alcohol change the brain’s chemistry, and heavy or prolonged use leads to physical and psychological dependence. In the absence of substances, the brain will try to regulate, causing the symptoms of withdrawal. The duration, intensity, and type of withdrawal symptoms an individual will experience depends on factors that include:
- The types of substances used
- Length of use and methods of use
- Level of dependency
- Co-occurring disorders
- Whether or not you have been through detox before
- Overall health
- Amount of substances in your system when you arrive at detox
Fear of the physical and psychological discomfort of withdrawal frequently perpetuates substance abuse and addiction. The best way to have the shortest, safest, and most comfortable detox is to attend a medically supervised drug and alcohol detox center where professionally administered medications can decrease the severity of withdrawal symptoms and shorten the time it takes to detox. A medically supervised detox also provides the following, which can shorten the withdrawal process:
- Clinical support
- Complementary treatments like massage, acupuncture, or yoga
- Healthy nutrition
- A comfortable, safe, and private environment
- Proper hydration
- Around-the-clock access to care
Going through withdrawal is a challenging and uncomfortable experience, but it is also the quickest part of the recovery process. Getting over this hurdle prepares you to receive the treatment needed to improve your life for the long term. At a drug detox center in Los Angeles, the staff’s expertise in helping you detox from alcohol, opioids, or other drugs safely and as comfortably as possible increases the chances of you fully engaging in treatment.
Signs You Need a Medically Supervised Drug or Alcohol Detox
If you suffer from addiction, there are physical, mental or psychological, and social signs that you need drug or alcohol detox. Here is a look at the three:
Physical Signs
- Increased tolerance
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Significant weight changes or lack of personal hygiene
- Withdrawal symptoms
Mental Signs
- Inability to stop using drugs or alcohol despite repeated attempts to do so
- Continued drug and alcohol use despite negative consequences.
- Reliance on drugs, alcohol, or both to alleviate anxiety, depression, or stress
- Engaging in risk-taking behaviors to acquire drugs or alcohol
- Obsessing over when you can next get and use drugs or alcohol
Social signs
- Relationship issues
- Withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities
- Legal problems
- Avoiding responsibilities
- Changing friend groups
- Job insecurity
Most individuals suffering from a substance use disorder also struggle with mental health issues. Sometimes drug or alcohol addiction leads to mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. Frequently, substance abuse and addiction are symptoms of underlying and undiagnosed mental health disorders. Following detox, it is best to enroll in an addiction treatment program that meets your treatment needs.
Find Substance Abuse Treatment in Los Angeles
Do not let the fear of withdrawal prevent you from getting the SUD treatment you need and deserve. Medically supervised detox is not a cure for addiction. Still, it provides freedom from physical dependence, clearing the way to discover and work through the underlying factors that contributed to your SUD. Depending upon your needs, you can move on to an inpatient drug rehab center, outpatient drug rehab center, or sober living program following detox.