Which substance or substances are involved
Detox From Alcohol
Approaching the recovery process for a substance use disorder starts with the detox phase of treatment. During the detox and withdrawal process the body will expel the associated toxins and begin to adjust to the absence of the substance. A medical detox refers to a detox that occurs under the supervision and guidance of medically trained detox professionals. At LifeSync Malibu, each individual entering recovery will be safely guided through the detox process by our expert medical detox team.
What Happens During Detox?
You may be wondering ‘what happens in detox?’ After someone has developed a prolonged substance dependence or addiction the brain will have experienced some alterations. As the brain had become accustomed to the consistent intake of the psychoactive substance, adaptations were made. As the substance took over dopamine production, the brain reduced its natural dopamine production. Over time, the brain’s reward system became dependent on the substance and neural pathways were eventually altered.
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When an individual has entered treatment they have ceased taking the substance. This causes the brain to become destabilized as it attempts to function without the daily intake. This response then plays out over a period of several days as the body exhibits the outward signs of related distress. In most instances, by day 5 of the detox process, most withdrawal symptoms will subside.
Alcohol Withdrawal Help
What Withdrawal Symptoms will I Experience?
Each and every detox experience will vary between individuals. Even those with the same substance use disorder may have completely different detox experiences. The severity of the withdrawal symptoms depends on a host of factors, including:
However, there are some general withdrawal symptoms experienced by individuals with specific substances:
Alcohol Detox
Opiate Detox
Stimulants Detox
Benzo Detox
For certain substances a tapering schedule will be designed by the medical detox physician to slowly reduce exposure to the drug. This helps to avoid serious health risks during the detox process.
Effects of Detox
How Will the Effects of Detox be Controlled?
The importance of having a medically supervised detox cannot be overstated. Individuals going through detox and withdrawal may experience sudden and unpredicted symptoms that require immediate medical intervention by the detox team. This is why there is a need for constant monitoring of vital signs and withdrawal symptoms by addiction experts.
As someone goes through the detox process they will begin to experience emerging withdrawal symptoms. These begin about 8 hours after the last exposure to the substance, although the onset of symptoms varies between them.
The medical detox team will administer appropriate medications to help relieve symptoms and reduce the chance of a seizure occurring. Medications commonly used in detox include benzodiazepines, such as Valium and Librium, which can assist with reducing seizure risk and anxiety. Antidepressants may be provided, as well as clonidine and beta-blockers. Over-the-counter medications help relieve such symptoms as gastrointestinal distress, fever and headache, and muscle and joint pain.
Is Emotional Support Provided During Alcohol Detox?
While a medical detox team is overseeing the physical symptoms they will also be assisting with the psychological effects of detox. Many withdrawal symptoms are associated with mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and mood swings. These professionals will address these symptoms and the coexisting emotional effects that could otherwise derail the detox entirely. One of the key roles of a detox team is to safely guide the individual through the rough patches of detox. Without this support they may not be able to endure the process, and might just give up.
After Detox
What Happens After Detox?
Completing the detox is only the first step on the road to recovery from a substance use disorder or chemical dependency. It is a mistake to believe that detox is all that is needed to enter recovery. Without the psychotherapy to help change behavior patterns the addictive response to stressors or triggers will return.
Immediately following the medical detox the individual should enroll in a comprehensive treatment program. These rehab programs vary in scope and services, but should include the fundamental interventions of evidence-based treatment:
LifeSync Malibu provides alcohol detox services as well as all these treatment elements, and more.
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In Our Hands
LifeSync is the culmination of Dr. Geoffrey Booth’s dream of bringing the most effective detox and residential treatment to the people of Malibu and worldwide. In his prestigious medical career, Dr. Booth has treated thousands of patients. LifeSync’s mission is to provide safe and comfortable drug and alcohol detoxification, dual diagnosis in a residential healing in a discreet, confidential and compassionate environment. We have a special program for Dual Diagnosis and will make sure that you receive the correct treatment you need for co-occurring disorders. Located on an exclusive and private estate in the heart of Malibu, Dr. Booth has put together a hand-picked team that will help you overcome your addiction.
Tour Our Private Facilities
Located on an exclusive and private estate in the heart of Malibu, Dr. Booth has assembled a hand-picked team of highly trained professionals that will help you overcome your addiction. There are many choices for treatment, but none have a Board-Certified Addiction Medicine Specialist at their center full-time.
LifeSync Programs
Medical Detox
LifeSync offers a medical detox under the supervision of the Founder and C.E.O., Dr. Geoffrey Booth. We offer a safe detoxification in a private and healing environment. Each client is closely monitored and prescribed the appropriate medication to help reduce any potential for seizures and to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
Residential Treatment
LifeSync offers customized residential programs that utilize evidence-based and holistic modalities. The length of stay is unique for each client and will be based on your specific history, underlying conditions, and unique needs. Treatment plans include psychiatric evaluations and testing, individual therapy, group therapy, exercise, nutrition, and experiential therapies.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
LifeSync offers specialized treatment for those who are struggling with co-occurring addiction and mental health conditions. Our treatment team focused on the entire person, including any outstanding mental health conditions, trauma, or emotional issues. Treating a dual diagnosis is imperative to the recovery process.
