Alcohol Detox - Saddleback Recovery Detox

Alcohol is a highly addictive substance. It changes how your brain works and creates powerful cravings that can overwhelm your behaviors and take hold of your daily life.

But it is socially acceptable to drink, so the stigma over getting help for alcohol addiction can be even more shameful. Or just put it off because it’s “not that big of a deal.” But alcohol use disorder is a real, life-threatening disease. And an alcohol detox in Orange County is the best option for finding the underlying causes of alcohol addiction and getting the tools to finally experience joyful, sustained sobriety. You can achieve a life free from addiction through our comprehensive detox addiction treatment programs.

What Is Alcohol Dependence?

Alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows down your body’s functions and reactions. When you drink alcohol regularly, your body builds up a tolerance to it. This means that you need more alcohol to feel the same effects as when you used to drink less. Over time, this can lead to dependence on alcohol. If you suddenly stop drinking or decrease the amount of alcohol you consume, your body will go into withdrawal as it tries to adjust itself back to normal function.

What Is Alcohol Detox?

Comprehensive treatment of substance abuse disorders is essential for a successful recovery, which starts with detox. If you are considering an Orange County drug or alcohol detox, it is important to understand the process.

Put simply, detox is the process of removing alcohol from the body of someone who has become physically dependent on it. This process typically involves a period of abstinence from alcohol. During that time, their body will through a series of withdrawal symptoms as it adjusts to functioning without the presence of alcohol.

Because alcohol detoxification can be a dangerous process, it should always happen in a safe, monitored environment with medical supervision. The withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening. Cold turkey quitting of alcohol can actually lead to dehydration, which can cause imbalances in electrolytes and potentially lead to seizures or cardiac arrhythmias.

Alcohol Detox: Withdrawal Side Effects

When someone stops drinking alcohol suddenly after heavy use over an extended period, they experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms, which are common in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. There are three main withdrawal symptoms: physical, mental, and emotional. These symptoms can make it difficult for people trying to quit drinking on their own to continue abstaining from alcohol.

These symptoms are usually caused by alcohol’s effects on neurotransmitters (chemicals in your brain that carry signals between nerves) and how they relate to mood regulation, sleep patterns, and pain tolerance.

Withdrawal symptoms that will likely occur in detoxification include:

• Anxiety or nervousness
• Depression
• Irritability or mood swings
• Tremors or shaking
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Sweating and clammy skin
• Insomnia or disturbed sleep
• Hallucinations or delirium tremens (DTs)
• Seizures
• Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
• Dehydration
• Confusion or disorientation

If someone stops drinking all at once, they will likely experience severe withdrawal symptoms. This is why quitting alcohol “cold turkey” is not recommended. Though these symptoms are due to the abrupt cessation of alcohol consumption, they can be alleviated by anti-nausea drugs, analgesics (pain relievers), and sedatives.

The Importance of Professional Detox

Professional detox is a crucial step in the recovery process for individuals struggling with addiction. Attempting to detox at home can be dangerous and even life-threatening, as withdrawal symptoms can be severe and unpredictable. A professional detox program provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals to manage withdrawal symptoms and begin their recovery journey towards sober living.

In a professional detox setting, individuals have access to medical care and supervision 24/7, which can help prevent complications and reduce the risk of relapse. Additionally, professional detox programs often include counseling and therapy to address underlying issues and provide individuals with the tools and support they need to maintain sobriety.

Medication Assisted Alcohol Detox in Orange County

Many people avoid detox because they are afraid that the discomfort will be too much to handle. They think the cravings will be too strong and the actual pain will be overwhelming.

While detox can be a difficult experience, a qualified alcohol detox center like Saddleback Recovery can offer medications to make the process as comfortable as possible—both physically and psychologically.

Here are some commonly used medications in medical detoxification for alcohol abuse:

Benzodiazepines

These drugs are often used to help manage anxiety, tremors, and seizures during detox. Examples include diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), and chlordiazepoxide (Librium).

Antipsychotics

For individuals experiencing severe hallucinations or delirium tremens (DTs), antipsychotic medications such as haloperidol (Haldol) may be used to manage symptoms.

Antidepressants

In some cases, antidepressant medications such as sertraline (Zoloft) or fluoxetine (Prozac) may be used to help manage depression and anxiety during detox.

Naltrexone

This medication can be used to help reduce alcohol cravings and prevent relapse once detox is complete. It works by blocking the effects of alcohol on the brain, and can be taken orally or via an injection.

Acamprosate

This medication can be used to help reduce alcohol cravings and prevent relapse by restoring the balance of chemicals in the brain that are disrupted by long-term alcohol use.

Alcohol Detox at Saddleback Recovery

At Saddleback Detox center, our clients are offered a full treatment detox. This means, during treatment clients receive more than just detoxification. The preparation phase includes finalizing all the aspects of the next level of care. During their stay, our clients participate in:

Psycho-Educational Groups

DBT, CBT, Anger Management, Communication, and Emotional Intelligence

Recovery Group Therapy

Relapse Prevention, Recovery Principles, Refusal Skills, and Practical Sobriety Tools

Experiential Therapies

Meditation, Mindfulness, Expressive Art Therapy, Yoga, Music Therapy, Life Skills, and Nutritional Cooking Classes, Holistic Healing

Addiction Treatment After Alcohol Detoxification

Once your symptoms have ended and you’ve been stable for a period of time, it’s time for rehabilitation—which can take place in an intensive outpatient program or residential treatment setting.

Depending on your condition, you may need to stay in a residential rehab facility and enroll in a rehab program after detox. Our team walks each client through that process to ensure the best possible outcome for anyone moving on from our program.

During your stay in an alcohol rehab center, you’ll learn how to cope with stress without turning to alcohol again, develop healthy eating habits and participate in group therapy sessions with others who have also struggled with addiction issues like yours.

You may also need mental health treatment in case you are struggling with co-occurring disorders like alcohol abuse and underlying mental health issues.

Many treatment centers will also offer comprehensive support and a holistic approach for you and your loved one. Remember that substance use disorder not only affects the individual but also significantly impacts their families and support systems.

Achieving Long-term Recovery

After detox, many people will enter a period of rehabilitation where they learn how to live without drugs or alcohol and develop coping skills for dealing with cravings and triggers that can lead them back into addiction.

Some people may experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety or insomnia. As long as these symptoms are managed by a healthcare professional, they should be temporary and not cause long-term damage.

Best Medical Detox Orange County, CA

The alcohol detoxification process is complex, but it can be done. The longer you stay sober, the more likely you will succeed in your recovery. You can maintain long term sobriety and achieve lasting recovery with the right support and a solid plan.

At Saddleback Recovery, we understand that addiction is a treatable condition, and we are committed to providing high-quality detox care and treatment to individuals struggling with addiction. Our team of experienced medical professionals and therapists work together to provide effective treatment services so you can safely detox, regain control of your life, and improve your well being.

We offer a range of alcohol and drug detox treatment programs, and aftercare support. Our detox treatment center is located in Orange County, CA, and we accept most insurance plans from major insurance providers.

What sets us apart from other detox treatment centers is our commitment to providing personalized care and attention to each individual. We understand that every person’s journey with addiction is unique, and we work with each individual to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets their specific needs and goals.

Our detox treatment center is also equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and amenities. We believe that a comfortable and supportive environment is essential for recovery, and we strive to provide a safe and welcoming space for individuals to heal and recover.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, we encourage you to reach out to us today. Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide support about your treatment options.