What to Expect During Withdrawal Treatment

Some individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) may avoid participating in rehabilitation out of fear about what they might experience during withdrawal treatment. Studies have shown that “withdrawal management is an important first step before a patient commences psychosocial treatment.” Withdrawal management makes it easier for clients to successfully manage symptoms during detox. The type of substance a person misuses and other factors impact the symptoms and side effects of withdrawal. West Coast Recovery Centers offers comprehensive detox services, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT), to support clients through withdrawal treatment and early recovery. 

Professional Withdrawal Treatment

Withdrawal from alcohol or drugs comes with multiple side effects and symptoms. Some people may hesitate to get help because they worry about the pain or discomfort they might experience during withdrawal. Addiction recovery programs provide clients with essential support services to reduce the symptoms and side effects of withdrawal. The clinical team at West Coast Recovery Centers has decades of combined experience providing effective care to individuals undergoing detox. 

Fear of the unknown is a common reason people avoid making necessary life changes. Knowing what to expect during withdrawal treatment makes it easier for some people to enter rehabilitation programs. During detox programs, clients have access to the following supports: 

• 24/7 access to medical care
• Evidence-based and holistic therapies 
• Medication management 
• Case management 

The care team prioritizes personalized care to ensure every client has access to the tools and resources they need to manage withdrawal successfully. Professional detox programs educate clients to ensure they make informed decisions about their health and recovery. Everyone should be treated with compassion and empathy. West Coast Recovery Centers meets people where they are today and guides them through detox, reducing the risk of relapse. 

The Dangers of Going “Cold Turkey" or Detoxing at Home

Professional addiction treatment allows people to heal under the supervision of addiction recovery experts. Some individuals may think they can quit addictive behaviors on their own without the support of a care team. However, going “cold turkey” or detoxing at home can lead to potentially life-threatening side effects, including relapse or overdose. 

Some of the primary dangers of quitting drugs and alcohol “cold turkey” include: 

• Dehydration or malnutrition due to loss of appetite or persistent nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea 
• Severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures
• Mental health symptoms, including anxiety, paranoia, or depression 
• Suicidal ideation or self-harming behaviors
• Medical emergencies caused by abrupt cessation of certain drugs, including heart attack or respiratory issues 
• Physical injuries or accidents due to sudden instability or mobility issues 
• Impaired judgment causing high-risk behaviors 

Detoxing at home with the support of an experienced care team increases a person's risk of experiencing severe illness, injury, or death. 

What to Expect During Withdrawal Treatment

Withdrawal treatment prioritizes client safety and comfort by utilizing a wide range of detox support services. Clients collaborate closely with the care team to ensure they feel confident maintaining sobriety and transitioning to the next level of treatment. Some clients have milder symptoms and participate in partial hospitalization (PHPs) or intensive outpatient detox programs (IOPs). Other individuals may need to be referred to residential detox programs before returning to West Coast Recovery Centers for outpatient care. 

During withdrawal treatment, people can expect to do the following: 

• Attend individual and group therapy sessions
• Confide in their care team if they experience changes in mood, thoughts, behavior, or physical health 
• Take medications to manage more severe or persistent withdrawal symptoms 
• Participate in relapse prevention education and skill development 
• Utilize additional evidence-based and alternative complementary medicines and therapies to manage withdrawal 

Clients have access to medical monitoring, supervision, and support for the duration of detox treatment. Physical and emotional stabilization is the primary goal of detox treatment programs. Clinicians carefully monitor clients to ensure they remain physically safe and emotionally supported throughout the withdrawal process. 

Medication-Assisted Treatment and Other Detox Support Services

Detox support services, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT), allow people to heal from the effects of withdrawal more quickly and with fewer or less severe side effects. MAT includes medications that do the following: 

• Reduce cravings and intrusive thoughts 
• Decrease mental health symptoms, including anxiety, paranoia, or depression 
• Reduce withdrawal symptoms causing physical discomfort 
• Stabilize brain chemistry to reduce mood swings and promote emotional stability 

MAT improves people's quality of life during the detox process by increasing treatment retention and ensuring people have healthy forms of support to rely on instead of falling back into maladaptive coping behaviors. 

Withdrawal Treatment at West Coast Recovery Centers

West Coast Recovery Centers understands that every client is unique and requires individualized support during detox and early recovery. The care team tailors every service to the client's needs and uses the client's feedback to monitor and adjust treatment as needed to ensure a positive outcome. 

The effects of withdrawal from drugs and alcohol vary significantly depending on many factors, including the type of substance, how long it was abused and at what dose, any co-occurring conditions, and the method of detox. Detoxing at home can be dangerous and sometimes deadly. People often have better outcomes if they participate in professional detox programs. West Coast Recovery Centers offers evidence-based and alternative holistic therapies for individuals going through detox and withdrawal. The clinical team provides clients with 24/7 medical support, medication-assisted treatment, and other detox services. Clinicians use a tailored approach to detox, ensuring clients access essential support services. To learn more about our programs and services, call our office today at (760) 492-6509.