What A First Responder Can Expect During The “Detox” Process

Posted on by armorupnow

By Safe Call Now Admin Staff

If you are dependent on alcohol or other drugs, it doesn’t take long for your body to notice you’ve stopped consuming that substance. Once you’ve become both mentally and physically reliant on something, it takes some time to adjust to its absence in your system. This period of adjustment is commonly referred to as detox (or detoxification).

Withdrawal symptoms often surface during the detox process and range in severity. But if you do experience them, it’s important to remember they’re temporary. They’re an unpleasant but sometimes necessary part of the recovery process.

It’s also important to keep in mind that everyone responds to detox and withdrawal differently. There are a number of factors that influence how you respond including length of addiction, severity of addiction and availability of home and social support (among others).

Detoxing from Alcohol

Alcohol withdrawal (which usually lasts between 5-7 days) can be a life-threatening condition that can cause some serious problems. It’s recommended that individuals addicted to alcohol get the help of a qualified treatment center. By engaging the help of professionals, those seeking assistance can gain access to a number of prescription medications that can help minimize the severity of the following side effects associated with detoxing from alcohol.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Headache
  • Trembling
  • Cravings
  • Sweating
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Problems sleeping

Some individuals (about 1 in 20 who experience withdrawal) will experience delirium tremens (DTs), a more severe reaction to giving up alcohol. Symptoms include:

  • Agitation
  • Confusion
  • Delirium (seeing/hearing things that aren’t really there)
  • Disorientation
  • Extreme anxiety
  • Convulsions
  • Dehydration

Medical Alcohol Detox versus Sub-Acute Alcohol Detox

Before detoxing from alcohol, you should see a medical doctor to help determine what level of detox is needed. In severe cases, people who are struggling with addiction to alcohol may be referred to a medically-supervised detoxification process. In less severe cases, it could be possible to detox from alcohol at a rehab center like Cycles of Change, which is licensed by the state of California to provide sub-acute detoxification.

Detoxing from Other Drugs

Medical or sub-acute detox is recommended for several other types of drug addiction as well. If you or a loved one abuses barbiturates, or opioid drugs such as oxycodone, Vicodin or heroin, professional help is suggested. But why these drugs specifically?

  • Barbiturates: medications like Amytal and Seconal that are known to have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Related withdrawal symptoms include tremors, insomnia, agitation and hallucinations.
  • Opioids: medications like oxycodone, Vicodin and heroin. Detox and withdrawal symptoms associated with these drugs are not usually life-threatening but many (95%) fail to complete detox successfully on their own. Related withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, rapid breathing, vomiting, confusion and tremors.

If you, someone you love or someone you know needs help, call:

Safe Call Now:  24 Hour Confidential Hotline:  206-459-3020

For more information on the First Responders program:  Click here

Or call Shannon Clairemont at 661-466-6352 or Vanessa Stapleton at 304-651-3008

 

Published by armorupnow

Sean Riley is the Founder and President of Safe Call Now, a confidential, comprehensive, 24-hour crisis referral service for public safety employees, all emergency services personnel and their family members nationwide. Safe Call Now was started in 2009 after legislation was passed guaranteeing confidentiality nationwide for all who call the Safe Call Now crisis line that is staffed by current and former first responders. Sean played baseball for San Diego State University and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration. He started his law enforcement career as a San Diego County Deputy Sheriff in 1987 and later relocated to Washington State in 1990. Sean spent over 16 years with the Kirkland Police Department. His many accomplishments include being a member of the International Homicide Investigator's Association, Homicide and Sexual Assault Detective, Interview and Interrogation Specialist, D.A.R.E. Officer, Gang Officer and Certified Training Officer. Riley is also credited with solving one of the first ever elder abuse homicide cases in the nation. Sean's prominent career in law enforcement ended in 2005 when he could no longer hide his "secret" behind the badge. Sean threw away his almost 20-year stellar police career due to alcohol and drug addiction and was headed towards suicide to become just another unknown statistic. In addition to attending college for substance abuse counseling, Sean worked as a supervisor at a local treatment center where he witnessed many public safety employees coming in and out of treatment. Riley decided to do something about it. From his own experience, he knew that first responders wanted to come forward to help, but due to the stigma attached, they would not. Admitting to a substance abuse or mental health problem is perceived as a sign of weakness and could result in the termination from a noble career. By creating a safe and confidential place to reach out for help, first responders are now coming forward in droves from around the nation to better their lives, better their families and better their careers. Recognized as a dynamic national keynote speaker, Sean travels throughout the country to share his inspirational story. Coupled with cutting edge, interactive training, Riley hits those once thought of as "taboo" or "controversial" topics head-on. "Safe Call Now provides education, healthy alternatives, resources and a complete continuum of care to save lives and put families back together. Through a collaborative effort, Safe Call Now has discovered when you provide an opportunity for an individual to get their life and their family back, you get one great employee back out serving the public." - Sean Riley, Founder/President