Completing detox is an important first step for the individual suffering from a substance use disorder. The physical and mental urges to use drugs and alcohol can be so great that they are overwhelming to deal with alone. Detoxification should be done in a safe, secure environment such as a detox rehab center where medical staff is available to aid the individual if dangerous withdrawal symptoms occur.

This is one of the many reasons why we discourage attempting to detox at home. It is a very dangerous decision, and more often than not, life-threatening, in part due to the possibility of severe symptoms. We strongly recommend that individuals seek the help of medical professionals and do not attempt to detox cold turkey.

We believe in an individualized approach to detox that is fully comprehensive and understanding of all facets of the patient’s mental and physical well-being. As the process begins at our drug detox and rehab treatment center, our team will be there monitoring your health and overall comfort. We will also provide any necessary guidance and support as you focus on overcoming this very difficult experience.

Our approach at DreamLife Recovery includes around-the-clock support during a stay. We provide nutritious meals to assist the body and mind during the healing detoxification process. Our attentive counseling, risk assessments, and medical reviews can help the transition to the next level of care at our rehab and detox center in PA.

When searching for detox rehab centers in PA, many people look for programs that include medication to help with the withdrawal process. We utilize medications as part of our detox process as needed. Medication-assisted treatment helps offset the more dangerous side effects and reduce or eliminate the intensity of cravings during withdrawal. You can read about this in detail in our Medication-Assisted Treatment Section.

Many people believe detoxing is mainly about white-knuckling their way through cravings, but withdrawal symptoms can pose significant risks if not managed and observed in a medical facility with trained professionals. Medical professionals at our state-of-the-art Pennsylvania detox facility can help ease the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms with carefully administered medications. Suffering from fewer side effects can help reduce some of the urges to relapse. 

DreamLife Recovery utilizes modern medication detox treatment protocols to make the detox process more comfortable. In addition to trained oversight with a low client-to-staff ratio, detoxification is managed by trained professionals in a safe environment. Should withdrawal symptoms be encountered during opiate and other addiction treatment, the optimal setting for coping with and recovering from these is a comfortable location. At our detox and rehabilitation center, we want clients to feel safe and assured they can trust every staff member along the journey.

How long a person experiences withdrawal symptoms during detox depends on a few factors, including what substance addiction they have, how long they have had it, and the amounts they have used. Initial withdrawal is referred to as acute withdrawal, which can be difficult to get through, particularly without professional assistance.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms may begin several hours after the last time a person drank and peak between 24-48 hours. Some people develop delirium tremens, commonly known as DTs, which can cause seizures and require hospitalization.

Short-acting opioids, which include heroin and some prescription painkillers, withdrawal symptoms begin 8-24 hours after the last dosage and typically last from 4-10 days. With longer-acting opioids, withdrawal symptoms appear in 2-4 days and typically end after about 10 days. 

Stimulant withdrawal symptoms begin 1-3 days after the last usage. They peak after about one week. 

Benzodiazepines, which include prescription medications such as Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin, withdrawal symptoms start 1-4 days after the last dosage and peak within two weeks. 

After acute withdrawal, some people experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). PAWS refers to withdrawal symptoms that occur after the initial ones have run their courses. PAWS symptoms relate more to emotional and psychological reactions, such as depression and anxiety, rather than physical reactions. While the physical cravings for drugs and alcohol may have diminished or ended, PAWS symptoms can last for weeks or months and drive a person to relapse if they are not adequately addressed. 

Remember that detox is only the beginning of the recovery process. After a short stay in our detox program, the individual is ready to move into our residential rehabilitation programs. These programs help move the focus to doing the mental and emotional work of recovery that allows a person to understand all elements of their addiction and how to stop themselves from relapsing.

Our drug detox center outside of Pittsburgh, PA helps you take the first step towards sobriety. We want you to access quality, professional treatment regardless of the cost. Talk with our admissions team or your insurance provider to learn more about our in-network coverage. If you are interested in getting started with rehab detox treatment, we accept admissions 24/7/365. Call us at 844-402-3592 or connect with us online to get the help you deserve.