Drug Detox

A Detox Program as Foundation for Recovery

Addiction is a serious issue that affects millions of people around the world. It can destroy families, ruin careers, and lead to premature death through crime or overdose.

According to, The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), more than 90,000 people in The United States died from drug overdoses in 2020.

Despite its well-known risks, addiction to opioids and other drug abuse continues to be a major problem in society. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, it’s important to get help as soon as possible. Drug rehab and detox can be a difficult and emotional process, but it’s often essential for recovering from addiction. With the right help, recovery is possible.

Keep reading for an overview of drug rehab treatment, the drug detox process, and how it can help you overcome addiction. Icarus Behavioral Health in Nevada offers all types of drug and alcohol treatment – there’s a program for everyone.

Drug Addiction: The Basics

Drug abuse is a widespread problem in the United States. According to the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration, more than 20 million people suffer from some form of substance use disorder in the United States. While there are many different types of drug addiction, they all share certain commonalities.

 What is Drug Addiction?

Drug addiction is a chronic disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. Sufferers of severe addictions often feel as though they cannot control their drug use and are powerless to stop. While initial use may be voluntary, continued use can lead to changes in brain function that result in the compulsion to seek out and use drugs despite negative consequences. Over time, these changes can become so severe that stopping the specific drug becomes very difficult—even if the person using wants to do quit.

What Causes Drug Addiction?

There is no single cause of drug addiction, but there are certain risk factors that can increase an individual’s chance of developing an addiction. These include things like genetics (addiction tends to run in families), mental illness (individuals with certain mental disorders are more likely than the general population to develop an addiction), and trauma (a history of trauma or abuse can make someone more likely to develop an addiction).

Additionally, social factors like peer pressure and access to drugs can also influence whether or not someone develops an addiction.

Signs and Symptoms of Drug Addiction

If you suspect that someone you know may be struggling with an addiction, there are some signs and symptoms you can look out for. These include things like changes in appearance (e.g., weight loss or gain, poor hygiene), changes in behavior (e.g., lying or stealing, skipping school or work), changes in mood (e.g., irritability, sadness, anxiety), and withdrawal from friends and activities that were previously enjoyed.

If you notice any of these changes in someone you know, it’s important to reach out and offer your support.

What is Detox?

When you abuse drugs or alcohol, these substances build up in your system and can lead to serious health problems. Drug detox helps to rid your body of these toxins so that you can start fresh and begin the healing process.

Do You Need Drug a Detox Program?

If you’re struggling with addiction, chances are you will need to go through drug detox. Substance use disorder alter the way your brain functions. Because of this, it’s often very difficult to quit drugs and alcohol on your own. In fact, trying to quit without professional help can even be dangerous. A drug and alcohol detoxification program can help.

When you’re addicted to drugs or alcohol, your body becomes dependent on these substances. This means that if you suddenly stop using, you may experience alcohol withdrawal, opioid withdrawal, or other withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild (such as headaches and nausea) to severe (such as seizures and hallucinations).

Because withdrawal symptoms can be so severe, it’s important that you detox under the care of a professional. At a detox center, a team of professionals will be there to monitor you and make sure that you’re as comfortable as possible during the detox process and in the event that medical intervention is necessary. They will also be able to provide common medications to help ease any withdrawal symptoms you may experience.

Why Inpatient Detox Programs Are the Best Way to Start Your Long Term Recovery Journey

There are many reasons why inpatient detox is the best way to start your recovery journey. First and foremost, inpatient detox programs will provide an assessment from a clinical professional before detoxification takes place. Additionally, being in inpatient detoxification provides around-the-clock care from experienced professionals. This ensures that you’re never alone during withdrawal and that any complications that arise can be quickly addressed.

Inpatient detox also offers structure and support during a time when you may be feeling vulnerable. You’ll have access to support groups, group therapy, individual counseling, and other helpful mental health services that will set you up for success in early recovery.

Finally, inpatient detox gives you the chance to focus on your recovery without distractions. You’ll be away from work, family, and other obligations so that you can truly focus on yourself.

Drug detox programs are one of the most essential components of recovering from substance use disorders.

How To Prepare for Detox Programs

If you’re like most people struggling with drug abuse, the thought of detox programs can be quite daunting. After all, detoxification is often seen as the first step in a long and difficult journey to recovery. However, it doesn’t have to be as scary as it seems. With a little preparation, you can make the detox process much easier on yourself.

Choose The Right Drug Detoxification Center

One of the most important things you can do to prepare for detox is to choose a reputable and experienced drug detox center. Not every detox treatment center is created equal. Some are better equipped to handle certain types of drugs than others. Additionally, some detox centers offer more amenities and comforts than others.

Doing your research ahead of time will help you find a drug detox center that’s right for you and your unique needs. At Icarus in Nevada, we make sure we take into account the substance abuse and mental health history of our clients to craft the right approaches for your needs.

Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Vary During the Detoxification Process

Another important thing to keep in mind is that withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on the type of drug you’re addicted to. Benzodiazepine withdrawal, for example, can cause potentially life-threatening symptoms such as seizures, whereas withdrawal and detox from drugs like marijuana may only cause relatively mild symptoms like anxiety and insomnia.

It’s important to know what to expect so that you can be prepared both mentally and physically for whatever mild or severe withdrawal symptoms detox throws your way.

Have a Substance Abuse Treatment Aftercare Plan

Last but not least, be sure to have a solid individualized treatment plan in place for after completing detox. Detox is only the first step on the road to recovery. Once it’s over, you’ll need to find an addiction treatment program that can help you stay sober in the long term. If you don’t have a plan for what comes next, it’ll be all too easy to slip back into old patterns of drug or alcohol use.

What Are the Benefits of an Inpatient Detox Program?

Inpatient detox provides many benefits that are essential for early recovery. These benefits include:

• 24/7 access to experienced medical professionals and mental health services
• Structure and support during a difficult time for your drug and alcohol detox
• A safe and comfortable environment
• The opportunity to focus on your substance abuse and mental health without distractions

If you’re considering getting help for your substance abuse, inpatient detox is the best way to start your journey toward sobriety. With around-the-clock care and support, you’ll be on your way to a better future.

Drug Withdrawal Symptoms and What to Expect

When an individual struggling with addiction decides to get help, one of the biggest questions on their mind is what to expect during drug withdrawal. It is normal to feel apprehensive and even scared about what the detox and withdrawal process entails.

Understanding drug withdrawal symptoms and drug detox timelines are critical for anyone struggling with drug abuse. They can be uncomfortable and even dangerous, so it’s important to know what to expect and how to get through them safely.

What Happens During Drug Withdrawal?

Drug withdrawal occurs when a person dependent on substances suddenly stops using. Depending on the drug, length of abuse, method of abuse, underlying mental health conditions, and other factors, withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe during drug detox. Withdrawal symptoms typically reach their peak within 24-48 hours after quitting and can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Some of the most common drug withdrawal symptoms include:

• Muscle aches and pains
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Sweating
• Restlessness
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Shakiness
• Tremors
• Increased heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Cravings
• Anxiety
• Agitation
• Depression
• Suicidal Ideation

It is important to keep in mind that everyone experiences drug withdrawal differently. Just as each person’s experience with addiction is unique, so too is each person’s experience during detox programs and rehabilitation.

Tapering vs Quitting Drugs Cold Turkey

When someone decides to quit drinking alcohol or using drugs, they may opt to go “cold turkey,” meaning they stop immediately and completely.

Tapering Benzos or Other Drugs

Tapering is a gradual process of reducing your substance intake over time. The idea is to slowly wean your body off the substance, giving it time to adjust to the changes. Tapering can be done with the help of a doctor or addiction specialist who will prescribe decreasing dosages of the substance over time.

The main advantage of tapering is that it tends to be less difficult than quitting cold turkey because you’re not making such a drastic change all at once. However, it can still be challenging, and it’s important to have a strong support system in place when you’re tapering.

Cold Turkey Detox

Quitting cold turkey means giving up your substance use immediately, without tapering or slowly reducing your intake first.

When done under medical supervision in a medical detox setting, suddenly stopping can be safe and effective. However, it’s important to have a solid support system in place before you try this method so that you can lean on loved ones for emotional support during tough times.

Does Everyone Really Need an Inpatient Detoxification?

If you’re dealing with opioid dependence and opioid withdrawal, your physical symptoms from opiate drugs may not require a medically supervised detox. That said, at-home detox is less structured and more prone to relapse, and if you are using drinks or detox kits, they will increase withdrawal onset without providing any relief from symptoms.

However, if you’re detoxing from other drugs that can have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, like benzodiazepines, a medical drug detox setting might be necessary. Speaking with a professional treatment provider before deciding which route to go is important. There’s no harm in inpatient detoxification and it often is recommended no matter the substance of abuse.

What is Medically Assisted Detox?

A medical alcohol and drug detox is a process of ridding the body of drugs or alcohol under medical supervision. This type of medically supervised detoxification usually takes place in hospital detox centers where patients can receive around-the-clock care and supervision. You will also receive detox medications to help reduce your withdrawal symptoms.

Medically assisted detox can be an important first step in overcoming drug abuse because it helps to rid the body of harmful substances while also managing withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal can be difficult and uncomfortable, but with medical detox, patients can receive medication to help manage symptoms and make the process more tolerable.

Medical detox can also provide an opportunity for patients to get started on their journey to recovery with the support of a team of professionals. In many cases, patients will transition from medical detox to an addiction treatment program after they have safely and effectively completed detox.

What Happens During Medical Detox?

The exact process of medical alcohol and drug detox will vary depending on the individual situation and the type of substance being abused. However, there are some general steps that most patients will go through during this process.

The first step is usually an evaluation by a medical professional who will assess the patient’s overall health and determine if they are physically able to undergo detox. Once it has been determined that the patient is healthy enough for detox, they will be admitted to the facility and placed under observation.

During this time, doctors and nurses will closely monitor the patient to ensure that they are stable and to identify any potential complications that may arise. Patients will also be given medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms and keep them comfortable during this difficult time. You may also be able to meet with substance abuse counselors.

It is important to note that patients should not expect to feel “cured” after completing medical detox. Instead, this process should be viewed as the first step on the road to recovery. After completing medical detox, patients will often transition into a residential addiction treatment and detox program where they can continue working on their sobriety with the support of professionals.

How Long Does Detox Last?

The acute phase of drug and alcohol detox usually lasts anywhere between a few days and two weeks. The length of time may differ depending on the severity of the substance abuse and mental health issues present, how long the person has been using the substance, and what drug was being used.

The first stage of detoxification usually starts within 6 to 12 hours after the last drug intake. During this stage, people usually experience withdrawal symptoms such as shaking, vomiting, and diarrhea. This is caused by the sudden lack of drugs in the system. These symptoms can be very uncomfortable which is why most people who try to detox on their own generally fail.

A few days after the last drug intake, more symptoms present themselves. During this stage, people usually experience mood swings, anxiety, and depression in addition to the other symptoms mentioned above. These symptoms are caused by the lack of drugs in the system as well as the changes that happen in brain chemistry when one stops using substances.

Toward the end of detoxification – which could be after as little as 3 days or as long as 14 days – people usually experience cravings for drugs and uncomfortable thoughts about using again. These symptoms can be very strong which is why many people who try to detox on their own generally fail.

Generally, most people stay in detox for 5-7 days, although some people may need to stay for longer depending on the severity of their addiction. During your stay, you’ll be closely monitored by medical staff who will help keep you comfortable and safe. You may also receive medication to help manage any withdrawal symptoms you experience.

What Happens After Detox? The Approaches to Addiction Treatment at Icarus

If you’re struggling with addiction, you may be considering detox as the first step in your recovery journey. But what happens after you detox?

Inpatient Rehab

For many people, the best option after detox is to go to an inpatient addiction treatment facility. Inpatient rehab can last anywhere from 30 days to 90 days, depending on your needs. During your stay at an inpatient addiction treatment facility, you’ll receive around-the-clock care from medical professionals. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in therapy and other addiction treatment programs designed to help you recover from addiction.

One of the main benefits of inpatient rehab is that it removes you from your day-to-day environment and allows you to focus solely on your recovery. This can be one of the best treatment options if you don’t have a solid support system at home or if home is a trigger for your addiction.

Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment

Outpatient treatment is another option for people who are looking for help after detoxing from drugs or alcohol. With outpatient treatment, you’ll live at home and go to a treatment center for therapy and other treatments during the day. Then, you’ll return home at night.

Outpatient treatment is also one of the best treatment options in some cases, particularly for people who have a strong support system at home or who have already completed an inpatient addiction treatment program. It can also be a good option for people who need more flexibility because they have work or family obligations that they can’t miss.

The Importance of Aftercare Following Detox

After you finish your detox program and complete your outpatient or inpatient treatment program, it’s important to have a solid plan in place for your ongoing care. This is where aftercare planning comes in. Aftercare can take many different forms, but it typically includes some combination of individual and family therapy, 12-step meetings, and medication-assisted treatment (if necessary).

The goal of aftercare is to help you transition back into your everyday life while remaining sober. It’s important to find an aftercare plan that works for you and that you’re comfortable with. This will help prevent relapse.

No matter what route you choose after detoxing from drugs or alcohol, it’s important to remember that recovery is a journey, not a destination. There will be ups and downs along the way, but as long as you keep moving forward, anything is possible.

Get Help with Substance Abuse at Icarus Nevada Today

The drug detox process is only the first step on the road to recovery from your substance use disorder, but it is an important one. The process of detox can be difficult and uncomfortable, but it is a necessary step in order to break the addiction.

All phone calls to our detox centers and treatment facilities are confidential. This means that any information you share with us during a phone call will not be shared with anyone outside of our facility without your consent.

With professional help and support, clients can overcome the physical challenges of detox and start on the path to a new life. Contact Icarus Behavioral Health in Nevada today to start medical drug detox and live the life you deserve!

FAQs on Drug Detox in Nevada

Why are Opioid Detox and Addiction so Dangerous?

Opioid detoxification is dangerous as a result of several factors, but the primary reason is that it has severe withdrawal symptoms. This leads to a desire to alleviate them, which causes cravings and leads people to relapse into heroin or other dangerous opioid drugs.

If you use heroin or other opiates after you haven’t used them in a few days, you’re at a high risk of overdose because your body can’t handle the same amount of drugs that it could before you started detoxification. While detoxification from opioids and withdrawal from opioids isn’t usually fatal in and of itself, it’s imperative to reduce cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms to avoid relapse and a dangerous overdose.

What is Ultra Rapid Detox?

Rapid detox is a type of treatment that allows patients to detox from opioids in a matter of days, as opposed to the traditional method of withdrawal, which can take weeks or even months. Rapid drug detox is usually performed under general anesthesia, and patients are monitored closely by medical staff during the procedure.

At our facilities, we don’t offer ultra-rapid detox as part of our addiction medicine treatment plan. It is not part of our medical model and is considered less effective in establishing lasting recovery from substances.