Detox

Heroin today is regarded as a deadly drug which is contributing to the growing number of opioid overdose deaths happening every day in Canada, the US, and other countries around the world. Most people understand that heroin is an illegal drug bought on the black market and primarily comes from either China or Mexico. However, few are aware of the curious history of heroin, like when it was an over the counter drug.

Cocaine is highly mentally and physically addictive, and crack cocaine is an especially menacing form of cocaine. Smoking crack brings on an intense feeling of exhilaration because it causes the release of excess dopamine that is picked up by neurotransmitters. The high becomes so desirable to the pleasure centers, it is believed the brain begins rewiring itself even after the very first hit. Someone using crack will typically have an elevated heart rate, dilated pupils, dry mouth, rapid breathing and tense muscles. They may sweat a lot. Someone experiencing crack addiction will be hyperactive and overconfident, talking a lot and not sleeping. The effects of crack are not as long lasting as with powder cocaine, and therefore the need for another hit, and then another, will mean the user is often disappearing, going off to get high. The intensity of the addiction will make the person uncharacteristically irresponsible, and sometimes paranoid or aggressive. Little bags with off-white rocks or residue may be found in places the crack addict frequents. There may be crack pipes of metal or glass found around. Crack addiction may lead to burns on fingertips from holding onto the pipe as it heats up, and smoking from a hot pipe can lead to cracked or blistered lips. Work performance suffers from the restlessness of the crack addict, and because work tasks cannot compete with the allure of the high. Driving under the influence of crack is very dangerous as crack addiction may make a person feel invincible, or they may experience paranoia and hallucinations. A crack user may think there are bugs crawling on or under their skin. The contents in crack are not always the same, which adds to the danger for users. Stroke, seizures, heart failure and severe breathing problems can result from crack use. Funding the extreme pull of crack addiction can lead some to theft or prostitution. Over the long term crack addiction will typically lead to depression. Damage to the body’s vital organs such as the liver, kidney and heart lead to signs of premature aging, and possibly a compromised immune system. Crack addiction is a dramatic example of life out of balance. The elation and agitation the drug causes are far outside of the more normal range of human ups and downs. While a body and a life are severely impacted by crack addiction, compassionate treatment is available and recovery is possible.

Many people decide to complete an at-home detox or a “body cleanse” at home in attempt to remedy their “problem” of eating or drinking too much. Detoxification is a process by which the body naturally dispels any toxic or unhealthy substances. When it comes to healthy living, there are natural ways to ensure toxins are released. Dr. Edward Group tells the Global Healing Center several ways to detox the body in a natural and healthy way: eating the right foods, exercising and meditating, purifying the air you breathe, and drinking plenty of water. There are ways to detox that are completely bad for a person’s health, however. If you choose to detox, here is what NOT to do:

The first step in recovery is detoxification, a process in which the body naturally dispels any toxins that were inhibited from addiction. Detox can seem daunting, especially if you are unsure of what you will be experiencing. Knowing what to expect can provide you with a sense of relief, and knowing that you will have a team of health care professionals that support you means that you will be provided with optimal care. Rehab International, an online treatment center directory, has noted that detox care begins with completing assessment paperwork. With this intake assessment, you will inform your healthcare team of your health issues, addiction history, and more. Transparency is incredibly important to ensure you receive the best care possible. From there, a brief physical assessment may take place as well as a tour to help you feel more comfortable. Many people who enter recovery fear the pain of detox. However, the detox process is designed to be a painless as possible. WebMD notes that you may be given medication to assist with any unwanted withdrawal symptoms as you go through detox. There are several symptoms that you may experience from detox:

Methamphetamine, most popularly known as “crystal meth” or “ice” is a powerful synthetic stimulant drug. Addiction to meth can have a serious effect on the mind and body, making detox a fragile time period during someone’s recovery from drugs and alcohol. Most of the symptoms of meth detox are directly opposite to the symptoms of being under the influence of meth. Addiction to meth can be identified through symptoms like:

The first step in overcoming an addiction to drugs or alcohol is to break any chemical dependency. To accomplish this, individuals dealing with addiction must go through a detoxification process.

At Avalon Malibu we offer our clients a supportive, medically supervised detox program. Since no two people who come to us for help are alike, no two programs are absolutely identical. When helping people who are in the initial stages of dealing with a substance abuse issue, the goal is to rid the body of the influence of all chemicals. We understand that for many people, the fear of going through detox is a deterrent to seeking treatment. For that reason, we take the time necessary to help our clients overcome the fear they may have about the process. Our clients are evaluated before any medically supervised detox program is begun. Once the process is started, they are carefully monitored to ensure that they are safe and comfortable, and that their withdrawal symptoms are being managed appropriately.