About Detox |

Addiction is much more than a psychological dependence on drugs. Over time, continued substance abuse alters the addict’s physiology producing an overwhelming compulsion to continue using in spite of the consequences. Addicts may try to quit, but when they do, they experience painful, sometimes dangerous withdrawal symptoms. At Sovereign Health of Texas we help addicts face these challenges and stop using through a process known as detoxification treatment. Our detoxification treatment centers are the addict’s first step on the road to recovery.

Over time, the addict’s body goes through changes as he chronically takes ever-greater quantities of a drug. The addict’s system adjusts in order to cope with the toxins building up in his tissues and organs as a result of continual drug use. No organ is more affected than the brain as its structure begins to change in reaction to the abused drug. As the brain continues to adapt, the addict builds up a tolerance to the drug. Over time he craves more and more of it to achieve the desired effect.

Once these physiological changes occur, the body begins to function based on the expectation that the addict will continue taking the abused drugs. Accordingly, it is a shock to the system when the addict abruptly stops using them. This shock produces painful, even life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the abused substance and the amounts taken over a given period of time. They include:

Anxiety, restlessness, agitation
Depression, irritability, lethargy
Tremors, shakiness, dizziness
Sweating, chills, hot flashes
Changes in heart rate, palpitations, shortness of breath

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Insomnia
Hallucinations

Extreme symptoms include:

Seizures
Heart attack

Stroke
Psychotic episodes

What is Detox Treatment?

Detoxification treatment – known more commonly as “detox” – is the process by which these symptoms are managed as the patient stops using drugs. Detox is done under medical supervision. Patients are carefully monitored as they taper off the abused drug. Withdrawal symptoms can last anywhere from several days to several months. In some cases, medications may be administered to ease the symptoms experienced by patients as the process unfolds. As the symptoms abate, the dosages of these medicines are gradually tapered.

The goal of detox treatment is to bring the patient through the process in the safest, most comfortable way possible. Sovereign Health of Texas offers detox treatment on both an inpatient and outpatient basis. During inpatient detox treatment, patients stay at a residential detox facility where they are monitored around the clock and have continuous access to other resources such as crisis management and suicide prevention. A particular benefit of residential detox is that it puts the patient in a communal setting with others who are coping with the same challenges. Having a chance to relate to others can help ease the stress of the detox process.

Detox at Sovereign Health of Texas

Detox treatment is the first step on the road to recovery. Once the physical symptoms have been dealt with, patients can engage in other therapies needed to overcome the psychological factors contributing to their addiction. Sovereign Health of Texas follows The Sovereign Way, a philosophy that recognizes each patient’s unique needs and circumstances by providing personalized treatment plans. We offer patients various evidence-based therapies to help them achieve lasting recovery. These include both individual and group therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, art, yoga, meditation, exercise and nutritional counseling.

Overcoming drug abuse may be one of the most physically stressful experiences anyone ever has to go through. At Sovereign Health of Texas we are dedicated to providing detox treatment in the safest, most comfortable way possible. To learn more about our detox treatment centers call our 24/7 helpline.

What is Detox Treatment?

Detox at Sovereign Health of Texas

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