DETOXIFICATION
Detox can be a scary time. Images of screaming in bed and seeing bugs crawling on your skin makes for good movies, but does not reflect professional detoxification. The detox experience can be broken down into three categories based on the substance(s) used:
LIFE THREATENING: Untreated detox from alcohol and benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax, Klonopin...) can lead to life threatening complications such as seizures, brain injuries, and death. The severity can vary depending upon the person, the substance abused, the amount abused, and the frequency of abuse. Stepworks utilizes a standard detoxification protocol that includes structured monitoring and, where appropriate, medications to minimize withdrawal symptoms (nervousness, shakiness, sweating, vomiting). Detox usually lasts two to three days. When detoxing from these substances there will always be a risk of seizures. This risk can be lowered by professional detoxification protocols but cannot be eliminated entirely.
VERY UNCOMFORTABLE: Detoxification from opiates (Oxycontin, Vicodin, Methadone, Morphine, Heroin...) is not life threatening but can be very uncomfortable with muscle cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and cravings. While not life threatening, detox usually requires residential treatment due to the many severe symptoms and the high risk of relapse during the detox phase. Stepworks utilizes a number of medications including clonidine and Suboxone® for opiate detoxification. Detox usually lasts three to five days with 95+% satisfied with the experience.
UNCOMFORTABLE: Substances such as cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, GHB, coricidin, adderall and sleeping pills will cause withdrawal symptoms such as sleepiness, nervousness, insomnia, and cravings. These symptoms are relatively mild and absolutely not life threatening. Loving support and symptomatic treatment is the main form of treatment.
At Stepworks, all detoxification protocols are supervised by our medical director, Thomas Ingram, MD, who is board-certified in Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine. Dr. Ingram is an approved prescriber of Suboxone® and has over ten years experience in the treatment of chemical dependency