While Drug Detox can be uncomfortable, the removable of toxic chemicals from your system is an important and necessary stage during drug addiction treatment. At our Houston detox center, we have taken every possible measure to ensure that your detox experience is as comfortable as possible. You will have a customized medical detox program, 24-hour monitoring and the attention of compassionate professionals with a history of emergency, intensive and critical care.
Prescription drug abuse and dependence has reached epidemic proportions in many parts of the United States. It is a growing problem due to the ease of accessibility of these drugs. Physicians often struggle with managing patients with chronic pain and anxiety issues. As a result, this leads to overprescribing of medications that can lead to abuse and dependence. Patients become trapped in a vicious cycle of need, dependence, and addiction. Some of the more common prescription drugs of abuse are Oxycontin, Percocet, Vicodin, Valium, Xanax, and certain stimulants such as Ritalin, Adderall, and Dexadrine.
The following represents some of the common drug addiction areas:
Benzodiazepines (Anti-Anxiety Drugs)
Benzodiazepines, such as Valium and Xanax, are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, muscle spasms, or other disorders. Although benzodiazepines are generally considered safe, long-term use can cause dependency. Withdrawal from these drugs can manifest as depression, tremors, insomnia, fear, and anxiety. Like alcohol sudden withdrawal from these medications can lead to seizures and DT’s, which can be a life-threatening condition. An inpatient medical detox program is the first step in breaking this physical and psychological dependence. Some of the more commonly prescribed benzodiazepines are Xanax, Valium, Halcion, Buspar, Restoril, and Ativan.
Opiates
Our opiate detox program focuses on a variety of opiates, including natural and synthetic narcotics such as morphine, codeine, oxycodone, OxyContin, and hydrocodone. Opiates work by blocking pain receptors, and can often provide the patient with a sense of euphoria.
This strong euphoric sensation can be highly addictive. In addition, relief from pain is also a compelling reason that many become addicted to prescription pain drugs, which is why opiates are commonly abused drugs. When persons stop taking the opiate, they may experience physical and psychological withdrawal that can be extremely uncomfortable and at times physically intolerable.
Street Drugs
Street drug abuse can refer to a variety of different substance abuse problems. Street drugs are those that are sold illegally, such as crack cocaine, meth, and heroin. Professionals also call these ‘recreational drugs’. Use may initially begin as a random occurrence, but can often spiral into daily abuse.
Other common street drugs are hallucinogens, which are substances that alter visual, hearing, smell, and even touch perception. Drugs such as LSD, Mescaline, Ecstasy, and certain mushrooms containing Psilocybin can cause hallucinations.
Heroin and Opiate Addiction
Heroin addiction is one of the most challenging addictions to overcome. Because heroin withdrawal can be physically and emotionally demanding, having medical experts assist in heroin addiction treatment is imperative. Heroin, a morphine derivative, is a potent opiate from the opium poppy plant. Heroin is often referred to as smack, horse, black tar, brown sugar, mud, big H, or skag. Heroin addiction is often devastating to the addict causing social, financial, and emotional struggles. Without intervention, many heroin addicts never recover. Detox is the first step in recovery. Our heroin detox experts provide a medically supervised program, overseeing the withdrawal period. In most cases, heroin detox withdrawal has its peak from 36-72 hours after the last dose of heroin. Therefore, a supervised medical detox program is necessary to ensure appropriate measures are taken.
Opiates refer to a broader category than just heroin, including diamorphine (smack), and morphine. They include natural and synthetic narcotics such as morphine, codeine, oxycodone, oxycontin and hydrocodone. Opiate addiction (narcotic addiction) is often encountered when the patient becomes addicted after receiving opiates for pain control. Professionals seeking detox for opiates can receive expert opiate addiction treatment at our facility.
Marijuana
Marijuana, also referred to as grass or pot, is the most commonly abused illegal drug in the United States. The use of marijuana can impair judgment, dull perception, and reduce concentration.
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine use and addiction is one of the most rapidly growing problems across the United States. Methamphetamine(s), also referred to as “Meth” or “Crystal Meth”, are highly-addictive drugs that can cause a sense of euphoria. Methamphetamines are stimulants that increase brain activity for short periods of time, but as they are eliminated from the body, the person can feel irritable, tired and exhausted.