Drug & Alcohol
Detox Treatment Center
in Florida
More than 67,300 Americans died from drug-involved overdose in 2018, including illicit drugs and prescription opioids.
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Drug & Alcohol Detox Treatment Center in Florida
Detox is the initial phase of recovery when the body eliminates toxic substances that have caused physical dependence. It’s the highest level of medical care and involves the critical first hours and days as the body rids itself of these toxins. According to ASAM criteria, this phase requires 24-hour nursing care with physician visits as needed. This level of care is also known as Medically Monitored Inpatient Withdrawal Management.
The detox period can be particularly vulnerable for the patient because acute withdrawal from drugs and alcohol can be fatal. Beachway monitors each patient individually and may provide a drug taper to safely detox the body while alleviating withdrawal symptoms. This stage of recovery can last from a few days to several weeks. Potential symptoms include cravings, body aches, irritability, insomnia, nausea, increased sleeping, and other physical side effects.
Detoxification is most successful under the supervision of medical staff and clinicians who can oversee the process and provide motivational support in a structured 24-hour setting.
Detox treatment centers have licensed medical professionals available to supervise patients during the withdrawal process. If an individual experiences withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches and nausea, these medical professionals can prescribe medications and other treatments to increase comfort.
Licensed health care professionals also monitor each patient’s vital signs, including heart rate and blood pressure, to ensure their bodies tolerate the detox. If an individual shows signs of physical distress, trained professionals are there to help.
Going through detox in a controlled environment also benefits individuals with co-occurring disorders. An individual with co-occurring disorders has a substance use disorder with at least one other mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder. In a rehab detox treatment center, patients have access to mental health professionals capable of diagnosing co-occurring disorders and identifying potential treatment options.
The Drug and Alcohol Detox Process
The first step in any detox protocol is the evaluation and assessment. Medical providers gather a patient’s drug and alcohol use history. Combined with the patient’s reported symptoms, this information informs a personalized detox or withdrawal management plan. Within this plan, a physician may prescribe medications when medically appropriate. An addiction specialist may use evidence-based approaches to select the appropriate pharmacological agents, dosages, and routes of administration.
While the healing and recovery process is a lifelong journey, detox typically lasts for a shorter period, averaging 3-7 days. Not every patient requires a detox protocol; this step is only necessary when the severity of a patient’s symptoms requires it. The focus is to safely taper off drugs while an experienced medical team monitors the patient.
Not all drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms are fatal, but detox can still be uncomfortable. We try to manage the detox process in the most beneficial way for the patient. We address all concerns transparently to provide support and guidance, ensuring the success of the detox process.
What Is Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome?
The World Health Organization estimates that 400 million people worldwide have an alcohol use disorder. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a condition that results when a person struggling with an AUD intentionally or unintentionally stops their alcohol consumption. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal typically begin within 1-3 days after a person’s last alcoholic drink.
Several factors influence the severity of an individual’s withdrawal symptoms:
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- Type of substance used: Some drugs exit the body faster than others. For example, alcohol typically stays in the body for 12-24 hours. In contrast, ecstasy remains detectable in urine for up to 5 days.
- History of alcohol use: Over time, excessive alcohol use leads to physical dependence. Someone who’s been drinking for over a decade may have a stronger dependence on alcohol than someone who’s been drinking for 1 year. An individual’s history of alcohol use plays an important role in determining the severity of their withdrawal symptoms.
- Overall health: Several health problems affect the body’s ability to process alcohol. Therefore, an individual’s overall health significantly impacts how their body responds to withdrawal.
- Use of other substances: People who combine alcohol with marijuana, cocaine, or other substances may experience more severe withdrawal symptoms than individuals who only use alcohol.
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome may cause the following symptoms:
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- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Altered mental status
- Loss of balance
- Poor coordination
Some individuals also experience alcohol withdrawal delirium, formerly known as delirium tremens. Alcohol withdrawal delirium occurs due to sudden changes in the nervous system.
An individual is more likely to develop alcohol withdrawal delirium if they have any of the following alcohol consumption patterns:
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- 1 pint of hard liquor daily for several months
- 7-8 pints of beer daily for several months
- 4-5 pints of wine daily for several months
In addition to seizures, alcohol withdrawal delirium may cause these symptoms:
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- Irritability
- Agitation
- Restlessness
- Sudden bursts of energy
- Body tremors
- Severe confusion
- Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
- Hallucinations
- Sudden mood changes
- Seizures
- Sensitivity to sound
Alcohol withdrawal delirium also causes physical symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pale skin, and sweating.
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome include:
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- Elevated blood pressure
- Raised body temperature
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Hand/body tremors
- Seizures
- Difficulty sleeping
- Increased irritability and agitation
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
Drug Withdrawals and Symptoms
The abuse of drugs, such as benzos and opioids, can also lead to serious and often life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Drug withdrawal refers to the body’s physiological response to a sudden stop or decrease in a drug it has become dependent on. The body attempts to reach a new state of homeostasis by purging any remaining chemicals left by the drug, which can lead to various mental, emotional, and physical symptoms.
Symptoms of drug withdrawals include:
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- Elevated blood pressure
- Rapid pulse
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Hand/body tremors
- Anxiety
- Increased irritability and agitation
- Headaches
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
How to Safely Detox and Ensure Success on Your Road to Recovery
Detoxification from drugs or alcohol requires extensive care and medical attention. Attempting detox unsupervised or at home can be extremely dangerous, uncomfortable, and fatal in severe cases. Unsupervised detoxification may also reduce a patient’s chances of success or willingness to try again.
When considering admission to an alcohol detox center, it’s advised to consult with a doctor or another medical professional. Chronic users of drugs or alcohol are at higher risk of complications during detox, making inpatient care often necessary.
Risk Factors
For people with extreme alcohol use disorder, certain withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous and sometimes life-threatening. Medical supervision is extremely important to monitor an individual’s health and vitals throughout the detox phase. This also ensures patients receive quick medical responses if any complications arise.
Some risk factors of withdrawals include:
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- Accidental injury to themselves (such as during a seizure)
- Severe anxiety or panic attacks
- Delirium tremens
- Lower chance of success
When detoxing from benzodiazepines, a class of prescription drugs, people may experience extreme withdrawal symptoms. When a person is detoxing from a combination of alcohol and benzodiazepines, it can be life-threatening if not supervised by a medical professional.
Examples of Benzodiazepines
More About Detox
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “The clinician should ensure that a treatment plan is developed cooperatively with the person seeking treatment, that the plan is followed, and that treatment expectations are clearly understood. Medical, psychiatric, and social services should also be available.”
High-quality detox treatment centers integrate psychiatric and social services to help patients succeed after they return home. Integrated treatment has several benefits for individuals recovering from alcohol use disorder:
- Convenience: Instead of traveling to multiple places for treatment, the patient receives the services they need in one place.
- Better outcomes: Research shows integrated treatment offers better outcomes than separate treatment plans.
- Increased understanding of alcohol use disorder: When patients have access to social workers as part of their treatment, they’re more likely to understand the root cause of their alcohol use. Social workers can also connect patients with community resources to help them avoid relapse.
- Access to medications: Social workers are an excellent resource for individuals recovering from alcohol use disorder, but they can’t prescribe medication. Integrating social work with psychiatric care ensures each individual has access to a licensed medical professional who can prescribe medications that treat co-occurring disorders.
- Ongoing support: Individuals recovering from alcohol use disorder need support after they finish rehab. Integrated treatment gives patients access to employment counseling, legal services, and other resources.
Established detox treatment centers also have nurses, counselors, and other professionals available to educate patients on several aspects of alcohol use. For example, patients need to know what triggers their alcohol consumption. When patients are aware of their triggers, they can work to avoid them.
Beachway ensures comprehensive care beyond the physical aspects of detox, giving patients the tools they need to succeed.
Withdrawal Symptoms
- Fatigue/apathy
- Depression
- Loss of appetite
- Drowsiness
- Intense sweating
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Bodily aches and pains
After Detox
Another benefit of inpatient medically supervised detox is effectiveness. Detox is considered the first step toward recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. However, detox alone doesn’t address the psychological and behavioral issues associated with addiction. It’s recommended that another extended treatment program immediately follows the detox phase.
Some examples of treatment recommendations are:
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- Inpatient Residential
- Outpatient
- Group Counseling
- Individual Counseling
- 12 Step Program/Peer Support Group
Patients Can Get Started on Their Path to Freedom at Beachway’s Florida Detox Center
Detox is the critical first step in overcoming drug or alcohol addiction. At Beachway Therapy Center, we take the time to create a personalized inpatient detox plan for each patient based on their unique circumstances. Our team of physicians and addiction specialists work together to ensure patients receive the professional medical attention needed to properly manage withdrawal symptoms.
Our on-site detox center offers a safe and drug-free environment for patients to focus on their road to recovery. In addition to traditional rehabilitation methods and counseling, we offer unique, patient-focused holistic therapies, such as equine and art therapy, and recreational activities designed to help patients adjust to a sober lifestyle.
Benefits of Medically Supervised Detox at Beachway
- Comprehensive care by medical professionals
- Personalized detox plans tailored to individual needs
- Safe, controlled environment to manage withdrawal symptoms
Detox Programs Offered at Beachway
Beachway offers inpatient and outpatient detox programs at its West Palm Beach drug and alcohol detox rehab center. Every program is tailored to the patient’s psychological and emotional needs, ensuring each person can withdraw safely.
Individuals enrolled in the outpatient alcohol detox program receive 1-2 hours of services per week. Beachway also has an intensive outpatient treatment program and a partial hospitalization program. The IOP program offers a minimum of 9 hours of services per week, while the PHP program includes at least 20 hours.
For individuals requiring more support, the inpatient program offers access to a relaxing environment, making it easier to focus on withdrawal and recovery. Beachway also has specialized programs for patients who need help recovering from addictions to heroin, opioids, benzodiazepines, and other substances.
Rapid Detox
Rapid detox involves using anesthesia to sedate an individual while medications flush the body of toxins. This process is designed to speed up the detox process while also eliminating any painful withdrawal side effects. This process can be dangerous, and unintended side effects and risks may result from rapid detox. For this reason, Beachway Therapy Center doesn’t offer or recommend rapid detox.
Start Your Recovery Journey With Beachway
Medically supervised detox offers access to licensed health care professionals, making it safer to withdraw from alcohol. Any individual struggling with an alcohol use disorder should take this important first step toward recovery. Contact Beachway to learn about its other treatment programs and the types of support available.