DETOX AT SERENITY PARK

At Serenity Park, detox is offered as

(1) a stand-alone service or

(2) as the first phase of ongoing treatment

Detox is the process of allowing the body to rid itself of a drug while managing the symptoms of withdrawal. It is a necessary first step since true recovery cannot begin until mental and physical stabilization has been achieved.

Our team is prepared to treat withdrawal symptoms that result from the body’s chemical dependencies. At Serenity Park, licensed nurses, counselors, and Detox Specialists can help recovering addicts manage those harmful symptoms using a combination of medication, counseling, and closely monitored care.

WHAT TYPES OF DETOX DOES SERENITY PARK OFFER?

WHAT ARE WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS THAT INDICATE A NEED FOR DETOX?

• "The shakes" or tremors

• Irritability

• Nervousness or paranoia• Intense mood swings

• Depression

• Nightmares

• Excessive sweating

• Vomiting and nausea

• Lost appetite

• Stomach cramps

• Headaches

NOTE: Detoxing from a physical dependence on alcohol or benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax, Klonopin Ativan) is potentially fatal. As a licensed detox center, Serenity Park can help you navigate detox safely and with minimal discomfort.

DETOX AND THE SCIENCE OF DETOX

Drug detox is the process of letting the body flush all illicit substances and toxins out of the system while offering care for the resulting withdrawal symptoms. Medically supervised detox is a highly effective treatment that is proven to help boost recovery and help prevent future relapse. According to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the substances most often responsible for detox admissions include:

• Alcohol – 39%

• Heroin – 16%

• Other opiates (e.g., morphine or opioid painkillers) – 10%

• Cocaine – 11.7%

• Marijuana – 17%

• Stimulants (e.g., methamphetamines, amphetamines, cocaine) – 7%

• Other (e.g., tranquilizers, hallucinogens, sedatives and hypnotics, PCP, over-the-counter medications, and inhalants – 1%

Drug detox is necessary because over time, substance use alters brain function. Regular abuse of substances changes the way the brain processes important chemicals and may even impact your ability to process emotions, thoughts, or sensations, even when the substance is no longer being actively consumed. Drugs and alcohol interfere with the brain’s communication system, disrupting the way nerve cells use neurotransmitters to control brain function. Some drugs do this by mimicking natural neurotransmitters while others disrupt function by blocking the normal flow of these chemicals in the brain.

Most addictive behaviors or substances trigger the release of a large amount of brain chemicals associated with pleasure, like dopamine. They also block the natural recycling mechanism in the brain that reabsorbs those chemicals. As a result, those who are under the influence of drugs often experience a brief flood of “happy” emotions during the high associated with drug use. Addiction develops once a person seeks repeat experiences of that high, even as a tolerance to substance builds with each use. Over time, the changes caused by acute drug abuse can become long-lasting. The ability to self-regulate mood and fight pain naturally can be diminished, leaving addicted individuals unable to find happiness or pain relief without substances. Additionally, the person using the substance may also be unable to control certain impulsive behaviors associated with drug use, such as angry outbursts, emotional reactions, or paranoia. The very best way to address these changes is through addiction treatment that starts with a solid detox program. Quality treatment and dedicated effort make it possible for individuals to return to more positive mental and emotional states.

Drug detoxification is a difficult time for anyone in recovery. This time period is vital, because the temptation to use again is at peak strength. For this reason, a medically-supervised detox is recommended. Anyone who struggles with substance use can benefit greatly from a supportive medical team, a safe and comfortable environment, and some dedicated time away from the people, places, and things that were once associated with substance use or process addictions.  

Once detoxification is complete, dedicated residential or outpatient treatment can help the wellness process and insure against relapse. Rehab treatment offers the benefits of a number of therapies that address the mind, body and spirit. By addressing the causes behind substance use, people in recovery can build effective coping skills for handling similar emotional struggles in the future while they move past physical dependence – without turning to alcohol or drugs of any kind.

BENEFITS OF ADDICTION DETOX SERVICES

Detox plays several key roles in the early part of recovery, including:

Physical stabilization

The primary goal of detox is to break the physiological cycle of addiction by purging your body of harmful chemicals that build up during substance abuse. Clients should pay special attention to nutrition and hydration during this time, and the Serenity Park staff will assist with this.

Emotional & psychological preparation

Beyond physical discomfort, clients begin to experience mental and emotional upheaval during detox. Serenity Park’s therapists and staff are here to support you during this time, and we will walk with you as you prepare and motivate yourself for the next phase of your sobriety journey.