Detox in South Florida
One of the roadblocks to recovery for individuals who need detox for substance abuse is the concern about withdrawal symptoms. Midwest Detox at Ambrosia in West Palm Beach, FL specializes in treating drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms at our South Florida detox center.
Ambrosia, located in West Palm Beach, Florida, provides comprehensive and evidence-based mental health and addiction treatment services for adults and teens. One of our key offerings is a detoxification program, which serves as the initial step in the recovery process for individuals struggling with substance abuse.
Midwest Detox’s drug and alcohol detox center at Ambrosia is designed to help our clients safely manage withdrawal symptoms that occur when they stop using drugs or alcohol. This process is medically supervised, ensuring the safety and well-being of the patient.
It’s important to note that detoxification is just the first step in the recovery journey and must be followed by appropriate therapy and treatment to address the underlying causes of addiction. We provide several behavioral therapies, including family therapy, individual therapy, group therapy, and many more.
What is Detox?
Many individuals starting alcohol addiction treatment and treatment for drug addiction often begin with detox. However, not everyone needs medical detox. After you explain what’s going on, we’ll make a personal recommendation. With alcohol or prescription drug abuse (Xanax, Klonopin, Methadone, Suboxone, etc.), you will need medical detox because withdrawal symptoms can be deadly.
Detox programs typically last 3-10 days. The beginning is typically the most intense. You don’t have to have the drugs out of your system to move on, but you need to feel good enough to focus on therapy.
For most substances, withdrawal symptoms begin within 8-12 hours after the last usage. For the majority of prescription opiates, symptoms peak within 12-48 hours and last 5-10 days. However, these timelines can differ depending on the individual and the specific substance used.
It’s important to note that detox is the first step in recovery. While it helps manage the physical symptoms of withdrawal, it does not address the psychological, behavioral, and social issues related to addiction. Therefore, detox should be followed by appropriate therapy and treatment to ensure long-term recovery.
Many people picture a hospital, but medical detox often looks more like a private bedroom. Nurses and therapists check in regularly to ensure you feel as good as possible — including managing your medications, food, hydration, and comfort.
If you had a bad experience detoxing on your own before, know that medical detox is not like that. The medications counteract any severe symptoms. You’re more likely to describe the worst part as a “fog.”
You’re also surrounded by people going through the same thing. As cliché as it sounds, realizing you’re not alone in the struggle and having someone to talk to makes a big difference.
You may have forgotten what it’s like to feel okay without using or drinking. Once you start to feel better physically, it’s much easier to imagine a life without addiction holding you back. With medical detox, you leave wanting to continue the process of treatment to stay sober for good.
Florida Addiction Statistics
Alcoholism and other addictions negatively affect individuals and families all over the country; the disease doesn’t discriminate based on age, gender, income, or occupation. The following statistics about deaths from alcoholism nationwide demonstrate the pressing need for individuals to seek the help of our West Palm Beach detox center.
- 3,504 Americans under the age of 21 years old die from excessive drinking – 77.5% of those people are male
- 7% of people who die from alcohol are middle age – 50 and 64 years old
- 1% of people who die from alcohol are under the age of 35
- Teenagers who die from alcohol are over 50 times more likely to die from acute causes, such as suicide or car accidents than from chronic conditions such as liver disease.
In Florida, the most recent statistics of alcohol-related deaths is 6903 in one year; with 3% of those deaths being young people under the age of 21. The statistics speak for themselves. Alcohol and addiction are widespread problems across the entire United States.
In the state of Florida:
- The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates 188,713 years of total potential life lost to alcohol.
- Florida averages one alcohol-related death for every 2,498 adults over 18 or 4.0 deaths for every 10,000 adults.
- Florida has an elevated alcohol-related death rate but one of the lowest rates of under-21 deaths.
- 5% of deaths are due to chronic causes like long-term alcohol abuse.
- 5% of acute alcohol-related deaths are due to suicide.
Individualized Treatment Plans at Ambrosia’s South Florida Rehab Facilities
In addition to detox, our drug and alcohol addiction treatment center also provides a range of other services, including residential treatment, outpatient rehab programs, dual diagnosis and trauma treatment programs, and intensive outpatient treatment. These programs are designed to treat substance abuse along with associated mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD.
Furthermore, Ambrosia Treatment Center emphasizes quality care, family involvement, and customized addiction treatment plans. Our location on Florida’s famous Intracoastal Waterway provides a comfortable and discreet setting for patients to focus on their recovery.
Benefits of Our South Florida Detox Center
Safe, comfortable, and medically supervised detoxification is the best way to quit using drugs or alcohol and begin your journey of recovery. Our addiction treatment centers utilize pharmaceutical therapies carefully to minimize withdrawal symptoms and ease you into detoxification. Our physicians will prescribe non-habit-forming, non-sedative drugs where possible, such as Suboxone, Librium, and Serax.
The process of detoxification may lead to distressing and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Consequently, it may be essential to administer specific prescription medications to alleviate these symptoms and diminish cravings. This procedure can be conducted safely within a rehabilitation facility, overseen by qualified medical professionals.
The process of detoxification can profoundly impact your mental and emotional health. Within a rehabilitation facility, you will benefit from extensive support, which encompasses counseling and therapeutic services. This assistance will enable you to navigate the emotional difficulties associated with detoxification, while also enhancing your understanding of your addiction and fostering the development of effective strategies for sustained recovery.
Engaging in detoxification within a rehabilitation facility offers a regulated, organized, and nurturing atmosphere that minimizes the likelihood of relapse. The availability of addictive substances is limited, and you will be in the presence of experts who can observe your progress and take action if necessary. This managed environment fosters a solid groundwork for ongoing recovery.
Detoxification serves as the initial phase in the extensive journey toward recovery. Following detox, individuals will move on to additional treatment options, which may include either inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation programs. Rehabilitation centers are adequately prepared to support this transition, ensuring a smooth progression. Residing in a structured setting that requires adherence to a daily schedule also equips individuals for the subsequent stage of their recovery.
Rehabilitation centers emphasize not only the physical aspects of detoxification but also the importance of education and skill development. Participants will gain insights into the nature of addiction, recognize triggers that may lead to relapse, and cultivate coping strategies to prevent future substance use. Additionally, family therapy sessions are available for both you and your family, providing a platform to work on rebuilding your relationships.
Detox and Withdrawal Symptoms
Detox is not generally considered a stand-alone treatment, rather it is the first step in addiction treatment. The process involves:
- Assessing the addict to determine the best course of treatment
- Preparing the addict for detoxification
- Getting support from the addict’s friends and family
- Preparing the addict for treatment after detox
The Process of Withdrawal
Substances That Require Detoxification
Not everyone will experience alcohol withdrawal the same way. That’s why alcohol rehab and professional help is so important. Symptoms will vary depending on several factors, including how much alcohol has been consumed and for how long. Symptoms can occur within hours of the last drink and may last several days. The first stages of withdrawal usually occur in three stages:
- 1st Stage (6-12 hours): Headaches, nausea, anxiety, upset stomach, and insomnia
- 2nd Stage (12-48 hours): Symptoms may intensify and may also include seizures and hallucinations.
- 3rd Stage (48-72 hours): Acute withdrawal symptoms may occur, and include fevers, sweating, chills, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, confusion, delirium tremens (DTs), and hallucinations.
For individuals who have struggled with alcohol use disorder for some time, there is an increased risk of more dangerous side effects, including alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). AWS is potentially life-threatening, which is why individuals at risk of alcohol withdrawal syndrome should enter into alcohol detox.
Codeine is a member of the opioid family that is used to treat mild to moderate pain. Like other opiate drugs, it can be highly addictive even when taken as a combination drug, like Tylenol with codeine. As with other opioid drugs, withdrawal symptoms can begin within hours of the last dose and can last up to a week or longer, depending on the length of use.
Detoxing from most opioid addictions should be done under a doctor’s supervision, to ensure that there are no adverse side effects during the withdrawal process.
Cocaine is a stimulant drug that induces feelings of euphoria and excitement. It is often used in conjunction with other drugs, like alcohol because it makes people feel alert and sociable. Prolonged cocaine use can have a detrimental effect on a person’s body and mental health, including:
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heart attacks
- Seizures
- Stroke
- Coma
Withdrawing from cocaine is primarily psychological, rather than physical, and can last from several hours to several days. However, addictive cravings may persist for weeks or months without proper treatment. Withdrawal symptoms can occur as quickly as an hour after the last use.
Physical symptoms of acute cocaine withdrawal include:
- Chills
- Tremors
- Muscle aches
- Nerve pain
- Increased appetite
- Sexual dysfunction
Psychological symptoms of acute cocaine withdrawal include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Memory lapses
- Slowed thinking
- Suicidal ideation
- Vivid dreams or nightmares
- Depression
- Anxiety
Fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid that is even more powerful than morphine or heroin. It is used in medical settings to treat chronic pain or after certain surgical procedures. Because it is relatively inexpensive to produce, drug cartels will often cut heroin with fentanyl.
Fentanyl is incredibly addictive, which may exacerbate withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, fentanyl’s potency makes it potentially lethal — even with just a small dose. Symptoms of opioid withdrawal begin between 12-30 hours after your last dose and can last for several days. Symptoms include:
- Early withdrawal symptoms: irritability, runny nose, watering eyes, muscle aches, fever, rapid heartbeat, yawning, and trouble sleeping.
- Later withdrawal symptoms: stomach upset, gastrointestinal issues, chills, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting.
- Advanced withdrawal symptoms: may include hallucinations, elevated blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and drug cravings.
Because of its particularly potent and highly addictive make-up, you should never attempt to stop using fentanyl cold turkey. Doing so is potentially life-threatening. Instead, you should seek treatment from qualified medical professionals at our West Palm Beach detox center to help you get through withdrawal and detox.
Heroin is a highly addictive opioid drug that acts as a central nervous system suppressant. When someone uses heroin, the central nervous system slows down, which decreases heart rate and respiration. Additionally, heroin attaches to opioid receptors in the brain, releasing feel-good chemicals. This is one of many reasons that heroin is particularly addictive.
Heroin withdrawal symptoms generally start between 6-12 hours after the last dose and peak around 1-3 days. However, withdrawal symptoms can last for up to a week or longer — especially drug cravings. For individuals who have used heroin for some time, acute withdrawal syndrome is a risk.
Because of the risk of acute withdrawal syndrome that is associated with heroin addiction, it is not recommended that individuals try to kick heroin on their own. Instead, medically assisted detox and treatment are recommended for the treatment of heroin addiction.
Morphine is a non-synthetic opioid drug that is used in medical settings after surgery, and to treat chronic and severe pain. It is considered a fast-acting drug and works by changing the way the brain responds to pain. Because of its euphoric effects, it is considered highly addictive — especially with prolonged use.
As soon as morphine has stopped being effective in a person’s bloodstream, withdrawal symptoms may start, usually within 6-12 hours of the last dose, usually subsiding after a week. Symptoms progress through two stages but may vary depending on how long someone has used morphine.
Stage 1 (12-24 hours): Watering eyes, excessive yawning, sweating, chills, runny nose, and other flu-like symptoms.
Stage 2: (24-72 hours): Chills, goosebumps, high blood pressure, elevated heart rate, irritability, insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, muscle pain, gastrointestinal distress, sneezing, tremors, loss of appetite, depression, and drug cravings.
As with other opioids, it is not recommended that individuals addicted to morphine quit cold turkey. Instead, medically supervised or assisted detox at our West Palm Beach detox center is recommended.
Oxycodone is a prescription opioid that is used to treat certain chronic health conditions or after certain surgical procedures. Tylenol combined with Oxycodone is also referred to by the brand name Vicodin. Because it is a member of the opioid family and acts on the opioid receptors in the brain, it is highly addictive — even if only taken for a short time.
How long the onset of withdrawal symptoms takes depends on the formulation of and method used to take oxycodone. Extended-release pills may take 12 hours or more to wear off, especially if swallowed. When injected or snorted, the effects of oxycodone are felt more quickly but also wear off relatively fast.
Withdrawal symptoms usually start within 8-12 hours after last taking oxycodone and peak around 72 hours. Symptoms can last for up to a week or longer and may include:
- Agitation
- Depression
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Body aches
- Chills
- Fever
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Irregular heartbeat
- High blood pressure
Because oxycodone is an opioid, prolonged use can lead to acute withdrawal syndrome when someone attempts to quit. It is especially important for anyone who regularly abused Vicodin to undergo medically supervised oxycodone detox, so potential physical side effects can be monitored.
Xanax is a prescription anti-anxiety medication that is often used to treat symptoms of anxiety disorders, including panic attacks. It is a central nervous system depressant that slows down the heart rate and lowers blood pressure and body temperature. Xanax is considered highly addictive because, in addition to working on suppressing central nervous system responses, it also releases dopamine in the brain.
Withdrawal symptoms will vary, depending on how long the Xanax was used, and usually start within several hours after stopping the drug. Symptoms will peak between 1-4 days but can last for several days or weeks. Symptoms include:
- Agitation
- Nervousness
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Light sensitivity
- Muscle pain
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia
- Numb fingers
- Paranoia
- Panic attacks
- Anxiety
- Sweating
- Heart palpitations
Illicit drugs such as bath salts, methamphetamine, and opium pose severe health risks due to their highly addictive nature and detrimental effects on both the body and mind.
Medical detox is crucial for individuals addicted to these substances because it provides a safe and controlled environment where withdrawal symptoms can be managed effectively. The withdrawal process can be physically and psychologically taxing, often requiring medical intervention to prevent complications such as seizures, severe dehydration, or psychiatric episodes. In a medical detox setting, healthcare professionals can administer medications to ease withdrawal symptoms, monitor vital signs, and offer support, significantly increasing the chances of a successful recovery and reducing the risk of relapse.
What Happens After Detoxification and Medical Stabilization?
Mental Health Disorders and Substance Abuse
The prevalence of co-occurring substance use disorders and mental health conditions is often underestimated by the general public. In cases of co-occurring disorders, each condition—whether it be a mental health issue or substance addiction—presents distinct symptoms that can hinder an individual’s ability to perform effectively in professional or academic settings, maintain a stable home environment, cope with life’s challenges, and foster relationships with others.
The complexity of these disorders is further exacerbated by their interrelated nature; untreated mental health issues typically lead to a deterioration in substance abuse, while an escalation in substance use often exacerbates mental health conditions.
According to reports published in the Journal of the American Medical Association:
- Roughly 50% of individuals with severe mental disorders are affected by substance abuse.
- 37% of alcohol abusers and 53 percent of drug abusers also have at least one serious mental illness.
- Of all people diagnosed as mentally ill, 29% abuse alcohol or drugs.
Substance abuse and mental health challenges do not improve when overlooked; in fact, they often deteriorate significantly. It is crucial to understand that you need not endure these feelings alone. There are effective strategies available to help you confront your struggles, mend your relationships, and embark on a path toward recovery. With appropriate support, self-assistance, and professional treatment, it is possible to overcome a dual diagnosis, restore your identity, and realign your life.
Start Treatment at Our South Florida Drug and Alcohol Addiction Center
For more information about Ambrosia’s rehab center and our drug and alcohol detox in West Palm Beach, start the admissions process today. Your life is waiting; we’ll help you get there.
Dr. Alam is an internationally renowned psychiatrist with academic affiliations with Northwestern University and University of Illinois, Chicago where he completed his residency training. He has been a principal investigator for over forty studies and has been involved in research leading to the approval of most psychiatric medications currently on the market. He is the founder of the Neuroscience Research Institute which continues to conduct research on cutting edge medication and interventional psychiatry. Dr. Alam is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and the American Society of Addiction Medicine. He has won several awards and has been featured extensively on radio and television.
