Drug Withdrawal in San Juan, TX

The process of drug withdrawal in San Juan is also known as detox and involves ridding the body of the effects of drugs or alcohol. Drug withdrawal treatment programs are designed to make the detox process smoother by alleviating the worst of any withdrawal symptoms that may emerge.

It's common for many people to assume they can simply quit taking drugs or alcohol at home by simply stopping use. They assume they need to exert a bit of willpower and learn to ‘just say no' to drugs. After a few uncomfortable days, they also assume they'll be automatically cured of their addiction.

In reality, detox is just the first stage in a comprehensive addiction treatment program. Medical detox in San Juan on its own won't do anything to address the psychological side of addictive behaviors. The key to remaining clean and sober after completing the process for drug withdrawal in San Juan is to enter into a specialized drug and alcohol rehab center for professional treatment.

What is Drug Withdrawal?

Drug withdrawal is the process of eliminating the effects of drugs or alcohol from the system. If a person has developed a dependency on a substance and then tries to quit usage by going ‘cold turkey', it's likely they may experience withdrawal symptoms. Cold turkey is also referred to as natural detox, and can result in unpleasant symptoms of withdrawal that could potentially be dangerous or even life-threatening in some situations.

Drug withdrawal treatment programs in San Juan conducted in a drug and alcohol rehab center can provide medical monitoring and supervision that can help to make the process smoother to get through for the recovering person.

What Causes Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal?

Taking drugs or drinking alcohol can cause changes within the brain's chemistry that interfere with the brain's normal communication pathways.

For example, when a person takes opiate drugs, the brain responds to the usage as an artificial trigger to release a flood of dopamine and serotonin into the body. The user interprets the action and subsequent ‘feel-good' sensation as a reward response that is stored into long-term memory.

After abusing opiates for a period of time, the brain begins to adapt to the presence of the substance in the system. The person may feel the need to take larger doses to achieve the same effects that used to be achieved with smaller doses. This is known as tolerance.

The brain adapts to the continued input of the substance so that it needs the continued stimulus from more drugs in order to release hormones and neurotransmitters that were once naturally-occurring. At this point the person is considered physically dependent, or addicted.

If the person tries to stop using, the brain can't adapt to the sudden lack of the substance and can't cope, which can cause a range of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Many people may continue to use drugs in an effort to avoid the onset of symptoms.

How Long Does Drug Withdrawal Take?

The withdrawal process can begin within a few hours of taking the last dose or taking the last drink. However, the length of time the process can take may depend on a number of factors. The length and frequency of use, the dosage being taken, and the severity of the addiction will play a part in how long the process may take and how severe the symptoms might be.

For most people, withdrawal symptoms should peak 3 or 4 days after the last dose. The worst of any physical symptoms associated with withdrawal usually subside within a week.

However, while the physical symptoms may have abated, many people completely underestimate how severe some of the psychological symptoms can be. Most people should notice the psychological symptoms become easier to manage a week or two after stopping use, although some people may find their symptoms can extend for weeks or even months.

Drug Withdrawal Treatment Options

There are two primary options for treating drug or alcohol addiction: inpatient and outpatient.

Inpatient drug rehab centers provide a safe, substance-free environment to begin the recovery process, starting with drug withdrawal. In San Juan, drug withdrawal treatment programs can provide prescription medications designed to reduce the severity of any symptoms of withdrawal that may emerge. As the person must reside at the residential treatment facility for the duration of treatment, they have the advantage of around-the-clock supervision and monitoring.

An inpatient drug and alcohol rehab center also integrates a combination of therapies and treatments designed to address the psychological aspect of addictive behavior. By the time the recovering person completes rehab, they should have learned a range of recovery tools and skills designed to help them stay clean and sober over the long term.

By comparison, outpatient drug rehab programs don't require the person to live at the facility, but there is still a significant time commitment required. The person still needs to check in with addiction specialists at the drug and alcohol rehab center each day to receive medication and to attend counseling sessions and group meetings. Call now at (877) 804-1531 to learn more about the process of drug withdrawal in San Juan.