Drug addiction takes a heavy toll on one’s body. When abused, drugs begin to alter the body’s chemistry. These changes register throughout the system – especially in the brain. Over time, chronic substance abuse can change the brain’s structure and rewire its neural circuitry.
As these physiological changes progress, having ever-increasing amounts of drugs in their system becomes the addict’s new normal. The addict develops a tolerance to the drug they are abusing and begins to crave ever-greater quantities of it to achieve the desired effect. The first step on the road to recovery is to eliminate these substances from the body in order for it to again function normally. This process is known as detox.
Detox – short for “detoxification” – can produce any number of painful side effects as one’s system goes through withdrawal from drugs and again adapts to functioning without them. The pain and discomfort that come when an addict tries to quit are a primary reason why individuals continue abusing drugs and alcohol. In some cases, withdrawal can permanently damage the body and even be fatal, depending on the substance.
Withdrawal symptoms differ depending on the abused substance and the quantities used over a given period of time. Symptoms usually start within hours of abstinence, and peak over the first few days. They may last a week or more. Symptoms of alcohol or drug withdrawal can include:
- Anxiety and depression
- Agitation
- Racing thoughts
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Diaphoresis (sweating)
- Tremor, shaking
- Heart palpitations
- Muscle tension, pain, spasms
Withdrawal from alcohol and benzodiazepines (a class of drugs that includes Xanax, Valium, Ativan and Klonopin) can be particularly dangerous. Side effects include psychotic episodes and life-threatening seizures.
Because of the risks associated with withdrawal, detox needs to be done under careful medical supervision. A patient’s stay at detox and drug addiction treatment centers of Texas begins with a thorough medical evaluation. This enables our staff to design the approach that allows patients to be treated in the safest and most comfortable way possible.
Program Description
Evidence-based treatments mark our mental health, addiction and other programs.
All our locations treat addiction and dual diagnosis, while some offer additional specialized programs.
Patients Treated/Levels of Care
We offer adults and adolescents residential, outpatient and other levels of care.
Treatment Team
A multidisciplinary team works together to provide the best care for every diagnosis.
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Admission Process
A streamlined admissions process ensures patients receive the treatment they need quickly.
Our effective network of detox treatment facilities in Texas provides detox on an inpatient basis in which patients reside at our facility dedicated to medically assisted detox. This allows staff to monitor and treat them on an around the clock basis. This approach has a number of additional advantages including:
Patients do not have access to drugs or alcohol. Living in a controlled environment allows them to avoid the influences or triggers that can lead to a relapse.
The patient is in a communal setting with other patients who are confronting the same challenges. Having a chance to relate to others can help ease the stress of the detox process.
Patients have access to other treatment options, such as crisis management, suicide prevention, counseling, education, proper nutrition and other evidenced-based therapies.
Patients remain focused on recovery, and aren’t interrupted by day-to-day distractions that might occur in outpatient care.
For most people, medically assisted detox is the first step in the recovery process. Get a range of treatment options to help patients achieve lasting recovery. We design a program tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient we treat. Our treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy, equine therapy, art, yoga, meditation, exercise and nutritional counseling to ensure long-lasting recovery.
For more information about detox or any other addiction treatment options, please contact our 24/7 helpline.