Medical Detox Centers in Concord, NH

When a person is addicted to drugs and/or alcohol, they are not only mentally addicted to the way a drug makes them feel, they are also physically addicted. When a person stops using the drug, they will experience withdrawal symptoms that can range from mild to severe. Because drugs (both prescription and illegal) work on different receptors in the brain and body, the symptoms associated with withdrawal can vary. As a means to make the withdrawal process easier and ideally increase the chances of success in a person wishing to overcome drug addiction, a person may choose medical detox centers in Concord. These centers specialize in helping a person overcome their addiction to drugs and/or alcohol in a safe and medically supervised environment.

Medical detox for addiction is usually the first and very important step toward a lifetime of sobriety. Following completion of a program, facility professionals can refer a person to further services that can help them maintain their sobriety and navigate the unique challenges that often arise as they navigate their sobriety.

Withdrawal Symptoms Associated With Medical Detox

One of the benefits of seeking addiction treatment in Concord is that the professionals at a treatment program specialize in understanding the varying symptoms that can occur with detox. Whenever possible, they are also well-versed in the treatments that can help minimize symptoms. Because each drug type works on different receptors and neurotransmitters in the body, different classes of drugs can result in varying detox symptoms. Examples can include:

Heroin/Opiates

Heroin and other opiates (oxycodone, morphine, and fentanyl) can cause withdrawal symptoms that range from mild to severe. However, withdrawal symptoms are rarely deadly. Examples of symptoms can include:

  • Muscle aches and pains
  • Diarrhea
  • Appetite loss
  • Insomnia/difficulty sleeping
  • Stomach cramping
  • Nausea/vomiting

Methamphetamines

While heroin is a central nervous system depressant, methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant. This means that the symptoms associated with withdrawal from methamphetamine are often different from what a person feels when they are using the drug. Examples include:

  • Increase appetite
  • Sleepiness
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Depression/feelings of overwhelming sadness
  • Suicidal thoughts

In addition to these symptoms, strong cravings for a particular drug or drugs can also occur. By seeking medical detox programs, a person can ideally receive support and encouragement that causes them to push forward and continue in pursuing their sobriety. Professionals at medical detox centers in Concord can help a person identify a potential timeline for withdrawal and what symptoms to expect. However, as a general rule, most people have navigated the most severe symptoms after about a week of withdrawals. A person may still experience milder symptoms known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome for months to a year after they stop using drugs.

Why Is It Dangerous to Detox at Home?

While not all drug withdrawal symptoms are potentially deadly, there are a few exceptions. This includes for alcohol withdrawals. Withdrawal from alcohol can cause a syndrome known as the delirium tremens or DTs. This syndrome can cause a person to experience hallucinations, seizures, rapid heart rate, and high body temperatures. Although only a small percentage of people going through alcohol detox go through DTs, the risks without medical treatment are severe enough that most doctors recommend all people go through medical detox treatment.

Another drug type that is particularly dangerous to withdraw from is benzodiazepines. These are drugs that promote relaxation but also can increase a person's seizure threshold, making it less likely that a person will experience a seizure. If a person is addicted to these medications, they can experience very harmful withdrawal symptoms that could include seizures. As a result, a doctor may recommend medical detox treatment that involves tapering the medications down.

Why Should I Enter a Medical Detox Center?

A medical detox center can help to ease the drug detox process by providing medications to reduce withdrawal effects whenever possible. For example, a doctor can prescribe a medication called Zofran to reduce nausea associated with withdrawals. Other medications can reduce the risks for seizures and lessen the incidence of anxiety and/or depression. While medical detox programs cannot take away every symptom associated with medical detox, they can ease the process. Ideally, this means a person can move forward in their sobriety and continue with counseling and potentially 12-step programs to help them stay sober.

Medical detox programs can be the first step to helping a person stay sober for a lifetime. For more information on medical detox centers in Concord, call Concord Drug Rehab Centers. (877) 804-1531

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