Drug and alcohol detox can be both physically and mentally challenging. Going through the detoxification process can also be dangerous if not done properly. Searching for “detox San Mateo” is a great first step to getting the help you need to safely get clean.
What is Detoxification?
Detoxification is the process of clearing toxins from the body. The process typically occurs when your body becomes dependent on a substance and has become used to that substance being present in the system.1
Results of Substance Dependence
When drug or alcohol misuse occurs, it can lead to dependence. Dependence on drugs and/or alcohol results in:2
- Needing an increased amount of the substance to get an effect
- Continuing to use the substance despite the negative consequences of use
- Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from the drug or alcohol use
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when cutting down or stopping use
The body becomes accustomed to having drugs or alcohol in the system. When you stop using, your body will attempt to flush out the leftover chemicals. The process can cause severe discomfort and may even be unsafe. This is why the search for “detox San Mateo” is important.
Symptoms of Drug and Alcohol Detox
When searching for “detox San Mateo,” it’s important to be aware of withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms of detox can vary depending on the type of substance used, the amount used, and the length of time one has been using.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Alcohol withdrawal can start anywhere from six to twenty-four hours after you stop prolonged use. From there, symptoms can become worse within two to three days. Some common alcohol detox symptoms are:
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Sweating
- Hand tremors
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Alcohol withdrawal can be potentially life-threatening. Alcohol is the substance that is the most dangerous to withdraw from due to the high potential for severe symptoms. Without a safe detox plan, it can result in seizures, delirium tremens, hallucinations, and in some cases, death.3
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms from benzodiazepines, commonly known as anti-anxiety medications like Xanax, can appear several hours after stopping use and last for up to a week. Detox symptoms can include:4
- Increased anxiety
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Muscle aches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Agitation or irritability
- Seizures
- Rapid heart rate
Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
Opioids include substances like prescription pain medication and illicit substances like heroin. Symptoms of opioid withdrawal typically start to occur within twenty-four hours after stopping use. These symptoms can last several days to weeks, with some symptoms lingering for months. These detox symptoms often include:5
- Muscle aches
- Runny nose
- Sweats/chills
- Anxiety
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramping
- High blood pressure
- Nausea and vomiting
Stimulant Detox Symptoms
Stimulants that are commonly misused are cocaine, methamphetamine, and ADHD medication (such as Adderall). The withdrawal symptoms may start almost immediately after stopping use. Around twelve hours after use, a person will experience the initial “crash” phase. These symptoms may include:6
- Increased feelings of anxiety and/or agitation
- Intense cravings for the substance
- Feelings of sadness or depression
- Difficulty sleeping
- Mental and physical fatigue
Many other substances can also cause various detox symptoms. To get the best results, it may be important to detox in a safe environment. An online search for “detox San Mateo” can point you in the right direction of a facility near you.
A Safe Detox Environment
Why is searching for “detox San Mateo” so important? Detoxing can cause some high-risk concerns, which is why it is crucial to detox in a safe environment. Going through detox in an unsafe environment can lead to:
- An increased rate of relapse
- Extreme physical discomfort
- Unaddressed mental health concerns like depression and anxiety
- Life-threatening conditions like seizures, abnormal heart rate and blood pressure, and comas
The Importance of a Safe Detox Environment
People who detox at home or in an unsafe environment often have higher rates of relapse due to the physical discomfort, lack of support, and possible availability of the substance. Facilities you find in your search for “detox San Mateo” can:7
- Provide 24/7 medically monitored care
- Provide medication assistance to alleviate symptoms
- Offer care and support
- Provide education and counseling
- Treat mental health conditions as well as substance use disorder
- Offer a drug and alcohol-free environment
Finding a safe environment for “detox San Mateo” can help to improve recovery success and decrease the potential for relapse.
How to Detox Safely
Whether you go to a facility to detox or decide to attempt detoxification at home, there are some ways to make sure you are doing so safely. A safe detox often requires medical advice, a clean environment, and ongoing support.
Medical Advice
If you opt to detox at home, it is important to seek medical advice and keep in contact with your healthcare provider for the first few days. Your medical provider may prescribe medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms, so it is important to be able to get to a pharmacy or have your medications delivered.8
Clean Environment
Another step to detoxing safely is to make sure your environment is cleared of all temptations for relapse. This means getting rid of any of the substances that may still be around. It also means not being around people who may be actively using.
Ongoing Support
The final important necessity to detoxing safely is to have a good support system. While detoxing alone is not impossible, it is extremely difficult. It is important to have a support system that can help take care when you are feeling physically unwell. The support can also mentally help you get through difficult times.
How Horizon Treatment Services Can Help
Are you or a loved one researching your “detox San Mateo” options? Horizon Treatment Services is here to help. We can provide a caring sobering and detox center for those struggling with addiction and mental health disorders.
Our comprehensive and effective detox centers programs offer a safe and supportive atmosphere for those withdrawing from drugs or alcohol. We center our treatment on evidence-based solutions for the individual.
Our Services
The staff at Horizon Treatment Services is highly trained, compassionate, and caring. We will work with you every step of the way in your detox and recovery journey to make sure you feel safe, supported, and successful. We also will help provide any education or support necessary for those who have undergone Adverse Childhood Experiences, along with how these may have impacted their substance use disorder.
Contact Horizon Services Today
To end your search for “detox San Mateo” and for more information about Horizon’s detox programs, contact us at 650.513.6500 or https://www.horizonservices.org/contact-us/.
Resources
1https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64119/
2https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/substance-abuse-chemical-dependency
3https://drugabuse.com/treatment/withdrawal/
5https://drugabuse.com/stimulants/detox-withdrawal/
7https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/alcohol-use-disorder/alcohol-detox-at-home
