For those suffering with addiction, detox is the first step to recovery. However, coping with the withdrawal symptoms of detox, specifically from alcohol, can be an incredibly difficult process on the body. Such symptoms, if not monitored by a medical professional, can cause great pain and, in extreme cases, be fatal.
alcohol detox
You can break the cycle of addiction. The GenPsych Ambulatory Detox Program will allow you to call and be seen immediately. Many times, those that are struggling with addiction may want to stop using, but the thought of facing withdrawal gets in their way. It doesn’t have to. You can call 1-855-436-7792 or click here to schedule an assessment and be seen the same day. You will speak to someone in central admissions, they will collect a little information and then we will arrange to pick you up from wherever you are in NJ. You will receive medication to assist you with your withdrawal symptoms and return to your home that same evening. Find out more about our Ambulatory Detox Program below.
Withdrawal Symptoms of Alcohol Detox
Alcohol abuse affects each individual differently, and the withdrawal symptoms of alcohol detox vary based upon the amount of use, frequency of use, and length of abuse. About 90 percent of individuals struggling with alcohol abuse suffer mild withdrawal symptoms.
However, in the other 10 percent of alcohol detox cases, individuals will experience severe withdrawal symptoms. While it is always recommended that alcohol detox take place under medical supervision, it is imperative that an individual seek medical attention if severe symptoms occur.
Examples of Mild Withdrawal Symptoms:
Headache
Nausea/Vomiting
Sweating
Difficulty sleeping
Loss of appetite
Rapid heart rate
Tremors
Restlessness
Shakiness
Irritability
Anxiety
Depression
Fatigue
Examples of Severe Withdrawal Symptoms:
Hallucinations, known as delirium tremens (DT)
Fever
Convulsions
Seizures (occur in about 5 percent of untreated alcohol withdrawal cases)
Why Withdrawal Occurs during Alcohol Detox
Excessive or long-term use of alcohol causes an alteration of the chemicals in the brain. Alcohol works as a depressant, while also increasing dopamine (or pleasure chemicals) levels in the body. This combination of activity is what makes drinking seem appealing despite its depressing nature. GABA receptors, which are responsible for making the body less sensitive to pain, are increased by alcohol, slowing functioning and producing an intoxicating effect. Multiple other chemicals are involved and affected when alcohol is consumed, and, as is the case with long-term abuse of any substance, tolerance is gradually built. When the body begins to tolerate a foreign substance such as alcohol, it accepts and adapts to the changes occurring and operates around them.
When alcohol detox takes place, these changes that have been accepted by the brain stop suddenly. The adding of chemicals and alteration of existing chemicals ceases, and the body must adjust once again. Withdrawal occurs while this adjustment is taking place. GABA receptors, which inhibit pain, become extremely low without alcohol consumption, making the body more susceptible to the pain of the aforementioned symptoms.
Coping with Withdrawal Symptoms from Alcohol Detox
When going through alcohol detox at a medical facility, doctors will provide both supportive care and medication to help an individual cope with withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol withdrawal may be treated with a pharmacologic agent that exhibits cross-tolerance with alcohol. Agents that are commonly recommended include diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxeme), and phenobarbital. In general, longer-acting preparations such as diazepam or chlordiazepoxide provide a smoother and safer withdrawal than other preparations. Shorter-acting preparations such as lorazepam are indicated when elimination time for benzodiazepines is prolonged, such as in patients with significant liver disease. Medications such as disulfiram (Antabuse), Naltrexone (Vivitrol, ReVia), Acamprosate (Campral), and topiramate (Topamax) are sometimes used to help a person stay sober and resist drinking urges. In addition to medication, group therapy, counseling, and alcohol education is also strongly recommended during recovery.
At GenPsych, our Ambulatory Detox Program is trained to help individuals cope with the withdrawal symptoms of alcohol detox. As an outpatient facility, GenPsych will provide transportation to and from our detox program, so that those struggling with addiction can receive medication and support during the day, and return to their lives that same evening. Alcohol detox is difficult and painful, and no one should have to go through it alone. For more information on GenPsych’s Ambulatory Detox Program or to begin your path to recovery, click here.
Call 1-855-436-7792 or Click Here to Schedule an Assessment
About GenPsych’s NJ Ambulatory Detox Program
The GenPsych Ambulatory Detox Program offers a unique opportunity for individuals suffering from chemical dependency. Not only are our clients safely and comfortably detoxed with the assistance of medication under the care of our medical team, but they are also offered therapeutic programming to learn more about their addiction, as well as relapse prevention skills to help manage and sustain their recovery. Our educated, experienced, and compassionate staff provides support and understanding as individuals enter this initial stage of treatment. Our staff also has the knowledge and ability to engage and motivate clients during this difficult and delicate stage in the journey of their recovery. Our program allows clients to immediately put into practice the skills they learn as clients are able to return to their home environment nightly, which is where they will need to be able to implement their newly learned skills.
What to expect when scheduling an assessment
When you call 1-855-436-7792 and you will reach one of our staff in central admissions. They will collect your information and schedule an appointment and transportation to and from our facility that same day. Callers after 5pm will be asked to press option 2 for Detox appointments, which will redirect them to our 24/7 admissions line to speak to a live after hours representative.
A nurse from our program will contact you to gather any relevant medical information (medical history, substance used, last use etc…) She will answer any questions you may have and discuss the types of medications that will be used to assist you with your withdrawal symptoms.
Transportation will pick you up at the time of your scheduled appointment from anywhere in New Jersey and transport you to our facility.
Upon arriving at our facility, you will be assessed and immediately provided with medication to assist you with your withdrawal symptoms.
Hours of operation:
Our program is open every day. Program hours from Monday through Friday are 8am to 5pm, and weekend hours are 8am to 2pm. Clients are initially screened for appropriateness by our nursing staff. Upon admission to the program an individualized but safe and conservative detox protocol is used to ensure the medical safety and comfort of each client. It is our goal that each client has a comfortable and therapeutic experience, and is ready to move on to the next phase of their recovery.
Call 1-855-436-7792 or click to schedule an appointment
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