Best Employee Assistance Drug Detox Program in Richardson
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use disorder, getting help as soon as possible is important. Many drug users are worried about stopping their intake due to the horror stories of withdrawal they’ve heard. Or they may be worried that they’ll lose their jobs if they go to detox and rehab.
However, a supervised detox can help you through all the stages of withdrawal, so that you’re comfortable and don’t feel that you need to use it again because the pain is too great. It’s also entirely within your power to get sober without losing your job, and your company will be happy to have you back when you’re in recovery.
Table of Contents
- What is Detox Like?
- What to Expect During Drug Detox?
- Symptoms of Detox by Drug Type
- Benzos
- Opioids
- Stimulants
- Bath Salts
- Marijuana
- DXM / Cough Syrup
- Ecstasy / Molly / MDMA
- Fentanyl
- Hallucinogens
- Oxycodone
- Prescription Drugs
- Acute Detox
- Sub-Acute Detox
- Union First Helps Our Clients Keep Their Job While Undergoing Behavioral Health
- Why Choose Union First for Drug Detox?
What is Detox Like?
Drug detox refers to the process of cleansing and restoring the body’s natural balance of chemicals, which can cause physical and emotional distress. Drug detox is usually performed in a hospital or rehab facility under close supervision with the help of addiction professionals. Here, patients may receive medications to ease discomfort caused by withdrawal symptoms. Doctors may also prescribe medications to treat other health problems that are common among those recovering from drug addiction.
What to Expect During Drug Detox?
Drug detox is a process that helps the body return to normal metabolism. As the drugs leave the body’s system, the body will have to adjust, which can cause flu-like symptoms. These symptoms are temporary and will subside as the body readjusts itself. It’s also common for withdrawal symptoms to increase at night or during times of stress due to changes in hormone levels. The length of time it takes to heal depends on how long and how much drugs were used in the past. The longer and more frequently drugs were used, the more severe withdrawal symptoms maybe when you stop using drugs.
Symptoms of Detox by Drug Type
Drug withdrawal, also called drug detox, is a process that causes unpleasant side effects when someone changes their drug intake. Drug withdrawal occurs when someone takes or uses drugs for an extended time, and then abruptly stops taking them. Drug withdrawal is experienced as a specific sequence that starts with initial exhilaration from the drug, followed by physical dependence, and then unpleasant symptoms upon not taking them. The symptoms of drug detox can differ based on drug type. Here are some commonly misused drugs and their withdrawal symptoms.
Benzos
Benzos are a class of psychoactive drugs that affect the flow of electricity inside the brain and can be used to treat anxiety or depression. Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms can occur within three to 10 days of stopping the drug. Common side effects of withdrawal include:
- Nausea
- Panic attacks
- Tremors
- Anxiety
- Sweating
- Headaches
- Heart palpitations
- Muscle pain
- Seizures
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth
The symptoms of benzo withdrawal may vary depending on the specific drug used. Benzodiazepines such as diazepam, alprazolam, and clonazepam induce a high that can include euphoria and relaxation. Additionally, when individuals have abused these medications for a long period, they can experience slurred speech, confusion, and memory loss.
Opioids
Opioid withdrawal is a medical condition that can occur in people who use opioid drugs, such as heroin. Opioids are frequently used as recreational drugs and some of the side effects experienced during withdrawal are similar to other withdrawal symptoms, such as tremors and sweating. Other symptoms of withdrawal may include:
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Muscle aches
- Increased tearing
- Insomnia
- Runny nose
- Sweating
- Yawning
- Abdominal cramping
- Diarrhea
- Dilated pupils
- Goosebumps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Stimulants
Stimulant drugs are used in the treatment of narcolepsy, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and obesity. These drugs are also prescribed to improve alertness, concentration, and mental focus. When used as directed by a physician, stimulants can be an effective treatment. However, abusing or using them without a doctor’s prescription can lead to addiction and other serious health issues. Withdrawal from stimulant drugs can induce:
- Jittery reactions
- Anxiety
- Chills
- Dehydration
- Dulled senses
- Slowed speech
- Loss of interest
- Slowed movements
- Slow heart rate
- Irritability
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Increased appetite
- Impaired memory
- Weight loss
- Insomnia
- Body aches
- Drug cravings
Bath Salts
Bath salts are a form of synthetic cathinone that can cause an intense stimulant effect. People are using it to get high by smoking or snorting them like cocaine, but some have been known to mix them with alcohol and drink it. These kinds of drugs can also be injected intravenously because they mimic the effects of adrenaline-like substances in the brain. Abuse of this substance can bring about many psychological and physical effects that may include:
- Stomach cramps
- Fatigue
- Trouble sleeping
- Severe drug cravings
- Violent or erratic behavior
- Psychotic behavior
- Nasal congestion
- Increased anxiety
- Irritability
- Lack of focus
- Depression
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Decreased memory
Marijuana
Marijuana withdrawal symptoms are primarily emotional and psychological, but somatic symptoms may occur as well. Withdrawal from marijuana can vary in intensity depending on the amount and duration of use, but common symptoms include:
- Anger, irritability, and aggression
- Feelings of nervousness and anxiety
- Restlessness
- Decreased appetite or weight loss
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Unsettling dreams
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Abdominal pain
- Tremors
DXM/Cough Syrup
Cough syrup stands for a cough medicine that can be bought over the counter. Depending on the specific ingredient and the individual user, its use can lead to addiction. This happens after a certain period when the user becomes used to taking it regularly. In this situation, the individual may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as:
- Runny nose
- Teary eyes
- Sweating
- Yawning
- Dysphoria
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
- Goosebumps
- Muscle and/or bone pain
- Fever
- Rapid heartbeat
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Ecstasy/Molly/MDMA
Ecstacy is an illegal drug that is used primarily as a recreational drug. It causes the brain to release large amounts of serotonin, which brings on feelings of euphoria and emotional warmth. Withdrawal from ecstasy can lead to symptoms such as:
- Depression
- Confusion
- Anxiety
- Cravings
- Agitation
- Paranoia
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of appetite
- Memory problems
- Changes in self-perception
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a prescription painkiller that can be used to relieve pain from certain medication conditions, such as cancer, end-of-life care, and surgery. It can also be used to manage pain during recovery from surgery. However, this drug is extremely addictive and can cause withdrawal symptoms when users stop taking the drug. Signs of fentanyl withdrawal can include:
- Agitation
- Drowsiness
- Constricted pupils
- Insomnia
- Impaired memory
- Impaired judgment
- Attention difficulties
- Drug cravings
- Depression
Hallucinogens
The most common hallucinogens include cannabis, LSD, and psilocybin. When used recreationally, these drugs can cause a wide range of side effects, including paranoia and hallucinations, as well as dependence and physical dependence. Withdrawal from hallucinogens can result in symptoms, such as:
- Panic attacks
- Speech problems
- Severe mood swings
- Seizures and tremors
- Elevated blood pressure and heart rate
Oxycodone
Oxycodone is a powerful opioid painkiller that’s typically prescribed to people dealing with chronic or severe pain. It works by binding to receptors in the brain and spinal cord, affecting both perception of and response to pain. Common withdrawal symptoms from oxycodone can include:
- Anxiety
- Hallucinations
- Body aches
- Stomach cramps
- Dilated pupils
- Excessive sweating
- Fever
- Goosebumps
- High blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Rapid breathing
- Fast heartbeat
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Seizures
- Shaking
- Restlessness
Prescription Drugs
Prescription painkiller addiction is a growing epidemic. The drugs work to alleviate the pain and discomfort of an injury or illness, but they can also suppress respiratory functions, slow heartbeat, and numb emotional response to pain. When addicted to prescription painkillers, one may experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the drugs. Side effects can include:
- Muscle aches
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Excessive sweating
- Insomnia
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramping
- Goosebumps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dilated pupils
- Rapid heart rate
- High blood pressure
Acute Detox
Acute detox describes life-threatening or critical conditions that occur during drug detox. Acute withdrawal is a period of detoxification from one drug or multiple drugs and alcohol. Withdrawal symptoms include sweating, nausea, vomiting, shaking, and restlessness, as well as more serious health conditions like seizures. The longer the drug is used, the more intense the withdrawal symptoms are likely to be.
Sub-Acute Detox
Sub-acute detox is for those undergoing recovery who have less severe withdrawal symptoms. This type of detox is supervised and provides individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to begin a life of recovery, and to remain free from the physical, psychological, and spiritual effects of their addiction.
Union First Helps Our Clients Keep Their Job While Undergoing Behavioral Health Treatment
If you or a loved one may benefit from drug rehab, contact Union First to ensure your job is protected while you’re in treatment. Union First will help clients keep their jobs while in drug rehab, helping to ease both economic and social pressures on their recovery. This employee assistance program (EAP) provides all of the resources needed for your treatment for the duration of your program.
Why Choose Union First for Drug Detox
Keeping your job and holding onto your source of income while dealing with life-long addictions can be a monumental task. Union First’s outstanding drug detox and rehab programs allow clients to focus on getting better while keeping their careers on track. Union First provides a full range of drug addiction treatment services to union members, public employees, and their families through evidence-based programs that are tailored to meet each individual’s needs and goals.
Here at Union First, we know how important it is for our clients to continue making money. That’s why we offer the best jobs during drug rehab programs available today. If you have questions about our treatment or would like to speak to someone about how we can help you keep your job while seeking rehabilitation, please contact us today!
