Detoxification in Los Angeles, Burbank, and Las Vegas

Detoxification, often shortened to “detox,” involves cleansing the body and mind from potentially harmful substances, whether they come from food, drugs, or other ingested materials. While numerous ‘detox diets’ emphasize eliminating toxins, detox treatments share a similar goal: to rid the body of harmful agents that compromise our well-being. Undergoing detox can be daunting, as it brings about significant bodily changes. However, it’s not the change itself that’s intimidating, but the journey from one state to another. At Psychiatry Unplugged, our mission is to ensure this journey is as seamless and comfortable as possible, allowing you to embrace the rejuvenated version of yourself.

How do you detox from drugs and alcohol?

To detox from drugs and alcohol, one must discontinue the intake of the substance in question. However, abruptly halting the use of addictive drugs can lead to severe physical and psychological consequences, including fatal outcomes. Physicians with board certification in addiction medicine are well-equipped to oversee the detox process, ensuring it’s conducted safely and addressing any potential complications that might emerge.

How long do withdrawal symptoms last?

It depends on the drug. Physical withdrawal symptoms for most abused drugs are roughly 7-14 days. The psychological symptoms of withdrawal, such as anxiety and cravings, can last much longer, from months to even years, in some cases. The longevity of withdrawal symptoms is different for each drug, including:

Short-Acting Opioids — Short-acting opioids, such as heroin and certain prescription pain-relievers, cause withdrawal symptoms that typically begin 8-24 hours after last use and last an average of 4-10 days.

Longer-Acting Opioids — For longer-acting opioids, such as methadone, it may take 2-4 days for withdrawal symptoms to begin, with symptoms that will likely fade within a period of 10 days.

Benzodiazepines — Withdrawal from benzodiazepines, including Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, Clonazepam, and Ativan, typically starts within 1-4 days after the last use, with symptoms that peak in severity in the first 2 weeks. Prolonged withdrawal can last months—or even years—without treatment in some cases.

Alcohol — The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can appear as early as several hours after the last drink and typically peak over the course of 24-48 hours. The risk of seizures may remain high for anywhere from 12 hours to 48 hours afterward, with certain other risks remaining a concern for as long as 3 days after the last drink, such as delirium tremens (DTs).

What’s the process of detoxification?

When they first come to us, most of our patients are terrified of detoxification and the management of severe withdrawal symptoms that they have experienced on their own. At Psychiatry Unplugged, our job is to keep you as comfortable as possible during this medical process. Most of our patients experience little to no physical withdrawal symptoms. We also manage symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, and depression to prevent further drug abuse and relapse. To us detox is easy, and preventing relapse is our mission.