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Drug Detox Center in Maryland

What is Drug Detox?

The recovery journey begins with detox, where the body expels residual toxins from the substance. Once an individual abstains, withdrawal symptoms typically emerge within hours, reflecting the brain and central nervous system adjusting to the absence of the substance.

Addiction develops as the brain associates the substance with pleasure, reinforcing a cycle of use. As tolerance builds, the brain alters its pathways and dopamine production, leading to dependence. Thus, when the substance is suddenly stopped, withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable or painful.

Detox consists of three stages: emerging symptoms, peak symptoms, and subsiding symptoms, usually lasting from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the severity of the substance use disorder.

What Are Common Drug Detox Symptoms?

The early days of detox programs are the hardest. In order to get through these early struggles, it’s important to come into treatment with a positive attitude. The best facilities will have compassionate staff members on hand throughout detox to provide support.

Only a few hours after entering detox, patients’ bodies start going through withdrawal. While withdrawal symptoms vary in severity, they often include:

  • Sweating, muscle aches, and watery eyes
  • Excessive yawning and insomnia
  • Anxiety, agitation, and depression
  • Headache and flu-like symptoms
  • Nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting
  • Hot flashes, fever, and cold chills
  • Hallucinations, tremors, and seizures

While these symptoms won’t be life-threatening under the proper care, they can be uncomfortable making help of a qualified drug or alcohol detox programs. Under medical supervision, professionals will ensure your safety and act accordingly if complications arise.

How Long Do Symptoms Last?

As the body eliminates the substance, you will go through three stages of detoxification: emerging withdrawal symptoms, peak withdrawal symptoms and subsiding withdrawal symptoms. The specific symptoms you experience will vary depending on:

  • The specific substance involved
  • The severity of the substance use disorder
  • The duration of the substance use disorder
  • The presence of a co-occurring mental health disorder
  • The state of the your overall health

Withdrawal symptoms begin to surface within hours of the last exposure to the substance — usually about 6-12 hours. In many cases, withdrawal symptoms peak around day two or three, and then subside over the new few days. However, for substances, like benzodiazepines or opioids, detox may take two weeks to complete.

What Happens After Detox

Once you have completed the detox process, it is time to address the root cause of the substance use disorder by enrolling in a comprehensive treatment program. Treatment is multi-faceted, involving a combination of therapeutic exercises to help you on your recovery journey.

Treatment for substance use disorder includes:

    Psychotherapy

    Individual therapy with a licensed therapist is a central treatment component for substance use recovery. Therapists utilize cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy and contingency management to guide you toward healthy thought patterns and coping mechanisms.

    Process Group

    Process group sessions involve participation of your peers in recovery. During these group sessions, a therapist or addiction specialist leads the group in discussions pertaining to recovery.

    Education

    Classes can also teach you about the science behind substance use disorder. Classes can also teach you new coping skills to use while in recovery, and assist you in creating your own unique relapse prevention plan.

    12 Step Meetings

    Alcoholics Anonymous is integrated into the treatment program, including your attendance at 12 Step meetings.

    Holistic

    Complementary holistic activities that enhance the clinical effects of treatment round out the program, and include meditation, yoga, mindfulness, art therapy, acupuncture and massage.

    What is Medical Detox?

    A medical detox may or may not involve medication. Some facilities just use the term “medical” to refer to your stay in a clinical setting. For centers that do administer medication, this is usually done to ease withdrawal symptoms.

    What is Inpatient Detox?

    You’ll stay in a facility, where you’ll have constant supervision. This is the safest way to go through detox. You may or may not have medical options. Your facility will choose the best course of treatment, depending on the severity of your addiction.

    What is Outpatient Detox?

    Outpatient detox refers to a treatment program for individuals looking to safely withdraw from drugs or alcohol while living at home or in a supportive environment rather than in a hospital or residential facility. Outpatient detox can be effective for those with a mild to moderate substance use disorder and a strong support system at home. However, it may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with severe dependence or complicated medical issues..

    Supporting Your Entire Recovery

    Being in a detox facility gives you access to 24-hour supervision and medical care when you need it. At Ashley Addiction Treatment in Havre de Grace, Maryland, our on-site detox program keeps you comfortable, well-cared for, nourished and supported throughout your detox. After finishing the detox process, you’ll transition into one of our core substance abuse programs.

    They include:

    • Inpatient Care for adults
    • Extended Care for individuals seeking a second chance for strong recovery after relapse
    • Emerging Adult program for men and women ages 18–25

    With the right treatment, you or someone you love can fully recover from drug or alcohol addiction. If you’re ready for your best chance of lasting recovery, call Ashley Addiction Treatment at 1-800-799-HOPE (4673), or contact us here for more information on how we can help.