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Detox in Orange County, California

Bright Futures Begin with Detox: The Transformative Power of New Directions For Women

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Conducted under medical supervision, a medication-assisted treatment (MAT), also known as a drug detox program, is the first step toward successful addiction recovery. However, while detoxification helps rid the body of harmful substances, it is not a quick fix. Instead, it is the beginning of a long journey.

Substance addiction is a chronic condition that affects people both physically and psychologically. These persons will benefit from detox programs that target their substance use disorders (SUD) and address the major health changes and complications in their brain chemistry that resorts to using drugs.

New Directions for Women is a drug rehab center in California that provides a safe environment for women to recover. We understand that each patient’s addiction and medical background are unique. Our holistic treatment and patient-specific programs help us meet all patient needs for the best outcome.

Our goal is to ensure our patients go through detox safely and effectively.

Detox in Orange County, California

New Directions for Women - Detox

What is a Detox?

The body undergoes withdrawal when an addict stops using a drug, whether slowly or abruptly. The body needs a detox period to completely get it out of the system. Long-term dependence on a drug or alcohol changes the patient’s brain chemistry, making it dependent on that substance to get a high, euphoric, or relaxed state. Once a person starts using a drug, it creates a dependency on it, especially with continued use.

Medical detox is the process of safely ridding the body of abused substances. Depending on the patient’s dependency level, mental state, and other co-occurring medical conditions, it can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

Professional medical detox gives recovering addicts a safe space to rid their system of their preferred substance. They can start healing under the constant supervision of a qualified and compassionate medical team. Therefore, doctors can always diagnose and treat any complications that may arise during the detox program, such as severe withdrawal symptoms.

At New Directions for Women, we use evidence-based addiction treatments and therapies for detoxification from substance use. We understand how difficult it is for addicts to stop substance abuse independently. We offer the support and safety needed to ensure a safe medically-assisted detox program.

Detox vs Rehab

Detox and rehab refer to different phases and aspects of the recovery process. 

In many cases, individuals will progress from detox to rehab as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Detox ensures that they are physically stable and free from the influence of substances, while rehab provides the tools and support necessary to prevent relapse and promote sustained recovery. Here’s a breakdown:

Detox (Detoxification):

Purpose: Detox is the process by which the body rids itself of a drug or alcohol. It primarily addresses the physical effects of withdrawal from substances.

Duration: This is typically a short-term process, ranging from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the substance and the severity of the dependence.

Setting: Detox can be done on an outpatient basis, but in cases where withdrawal symptoms might be severe or dangerous (e.g., from alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids), it’s often done in an inpatient setting.

Methods: Medical supervision is common, especially for substances with potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. In these settings, medications might be used to manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure safety.

Limitation: While detox addresses the physical dependence on a substance, it does not typically address the psychological, social, and behavioral aspects of addiction. Without further treatment, relapse rates after detox alone are high.

Rehab (Rehabilitation):

Purpose: Rehabilitation focuses on long-term treatment and recovery from substance use disorders. It aims to address the underlying causes of addiction, provide coping strategies, and foster behavioral change.

Duration: Rehab programs can vary widely in length, from several weeks to several months or even longer.

Setting: Rehab can be inpatient (residential) or outpatient. Inpatient rehab provides a structured environment away from the usual triggers and stresses, while outpatient rehab allows individuals to remain in their communities and often maintain some daily routines.

Methods: Rehab usually involves a combination of individual therapy, group therapy, educational sessions, skill-building activities, and sometimes complementary therapies like art therapy, yoga, or meditation. Many programs also incorporate 12-step or other mutual aid group participation.

Comprehensive Approach: Rehab addresses the emotional, psychological, social, and sometimes even spiritual components of addiction. It aims to help individuals build a foundation for long-term recovery.

Drugs Needing a Medical Detox

Medical detoxification can be a challenging time, even for well-supported patients. But it is the most effective treatment method that provides structure and accountability to help doctors and patients navigate complex situations.

While some drugs may require slow, controlled weaning to reduce and stop their dependency, others require patients to use medications during detox to manage their withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

1. Alcohol

Alcohol is a mind-altering, mood-changing “drug.” If consumed excessively over time, it can cause severe withdrawal symptoms when the addict suddenly ceases its use. This is because the addict’s central nervous system (CNS) gets used to releasing endorphins (feel-good hormones) in the brain.

Drinking heavily for years and then stopping consuming alcohol suddenly may cause severe withdrawal symptoms, such as:

  • Headaches
  • Bodily shaking
  • Intense restlessness, irritability
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
  • High fever or excess sweating
  • Severe fatigue

In some cases, patients undergoing alcohol withdrawal can have even more intense, life-threatening symptoms, such as:

  • Delirium
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures

Abrupt cessation of high alcohol consumption can be dangerous, possibly life-threatening, and must only be done under medical supervision.

2. Drugs

Chronic and heavy use of drugs, particularly certain classes like opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants, can lead to a strong physical and psychological dependence. Over time, the body adjusts its internal balance in response to the drug’s presence, often leading to changes in the central nervous system (CNS) and the release patterns of neurotransmitters.

Abruptly discontinuing or significantly reducing intake of such drugs after prolonged use, can trigger a host of withdrawal symptoms, including:

  • Muscle pain and stiffness
  • Agitation and anxiety
  • Flu-like symptoms, such as runny nose and yawning
  • Intense drug cravings
  • Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
  • Tremors or twitching
  • Digestive issues, including diarrhea and vomiting

For those deeply addicted, suddenly stopping certain drugs can produce even more severe, potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, such as:

  • Intense depression or suicidal thoughts
  • Respiratory depression (in the case of opioids)
  • Seizures (especially with abrupt cessation of benzodiazepines)
  • Severe confusion or psychosis
  • Elevated blood pressure or heart rate, which can be dangerous

Like alcohol, the abrupt cessation of certain drugs, especially after heavy or prolonged use, can be hazardous and even fatal. It’s crucial that anyone seeking to stop drug use, especially if they have been using heavily or for an extended period, do so under medical supervision to ensure safety and manage withdrawal symptoms.

How Women Differ in Inpatient Detox

Women differ from men in many ways, even dealing with SUD. Addiction in women exposes them to completely different difficulties and experiences, prompting the need to accord them an appropriate detox and treatment plan tailor-fitted to their recovery needs.

These include:

  • Physical and medical issues: women addicts are often exposed to more severe medical and health complications from their addictions. Some common issues may include memory problems, cancer, and organ or system failure.
  • Mental health disorders: women are also more likely to suffer from co-occurring mental disorders than men, as their addictions are often linked with mental illnesses like anxiety disorders, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Family issues and social stigma: women who suffer from substance abuse disorder are often viewed more negatively than men with the same addiction problem (whether society admits it or not)
  • Pregnancy and fertility issues: female detox specialists must carefully handle the detoxification of pregnant women by providing round-the-clock monitoring, supervision, and excellent medical care. Medical personnel must take all necessary precautions to protect the mother and unborn child.
Detox for Women in Costa Mesa, California
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Screening and Assessment

New Directions for Women takes extra attention and care when screening and assessing women patients with substance addiction. Our capable and compassionate team performs detailed interviews, observations, and medical testing to accurately diagnose each patient’s (woman’s) substance abuse disorder.

Perspective

Women have different roles, responsibilities, and relationships in society, their immediate and extended family, and friends. Our medical detoxing staff considers these roles, responsibilities, and relationships when creating a unique detoxification plan for women.

Women’s Detox Center in Orange County

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New Directions for Women uses a holistic, patient-focused addiction treatment program for all women. The staff at our treatment center are experienced and caring healthcare professionals. Women ready to detox from drugs and alcohol should seek medical assistance based on medical evidence.

Other patient-specific addiction treatment programs and therapies we offer include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy
  • Experiential Therapies
  • Family Therapy
  • Group Therapy
  • Individual Therapy
  • Trauma-Informed Care
  • And many more.

Our specialized addiction treatment team aims to help all patients know the gift of recovery from substance addiction. If you or a loved one are struggling with substance addiction, reach out to New Directions for Women today. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Detox in Orange County for Women 

Many women seek drug and alcohol detox in Orange County due to struggles with addiction, often stemming from a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental factors, personal trauma, or societal pressures. The desire to improve their health, regain control over their lives, reconnect with families, and avoid legal or career repercussions are some common motivations.

Gender-specific detox programs like ours, provide tailored treatment that considers the physiological, psychological, and social differences and challenges women face. This might include addressing concerns related to trauma, domestic violence, childcare responsibilities, or societal stigma. This environment is often more understanding and supportive of issues specific to women.

Very few detox programs in Orange County cater to pregnant women or mothers with young children. At New Directions for Women, we provide additional medical care for the expectant mother, counseling related to parenting and child rearing, and sometimes even childcare services.

At New Directions for women, we offer medically supervised withdrawal, where medications are used to manage and reduce withdrawal symptoms. This is often supplemented by therapy sessions, both individual and group-based, to address psychological aspects of addiction; nutritional guidance; and complementary therapies like yoga, meditation, and art therapy tailored to women’s needs.

Undergoing detox while pregnant can be risky, but continuing substance abuse during pregnancy is often more dangerous to both the mother and the child. Medically supervised detox is essential for pregnant women. Special precautions and monitoring are necessary to ensure the safety of both the mother and the unborn child.

The length of a drug and alcohol detox program varies depending on the substance of abuse and the individual’s usage pattern. Typically, detox programs in Orange County might last anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks. However, comprehensive treatment usually extends beyond just the detox phase.

After completing detox, women are usually encouraged to continue with further treatment. This might include inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation, therapy sessions, joining support groups, and ongoing medical monitoring. Many facilities will have a structured aftercare program to support women in their ongoing recovery journey and help prevent relapses.

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Clinically Reviewed By:

Heather Black-Coyne, LMFT, CADC II, Chief Clinical Officer

Heather Black-Coyne, LMFT, CADC II, Chief Clinical Officer

Heather most recently served as the Clinical Director of a gender-specific treatment center in Huntington Beach. She is trained in both Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which serve the needs of our patients, many of whom have experienced both complex trauma and substance use disorder.

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