doctor explaining the Detox Admissions ProcessDrugs and alcohol can be both physically and psychologically addictive. During addiction, your brain chemistry changes. These changes, combined with physical withdrawal symptoms which can become life-threatening, make it difficult to recover from a substance abuse disorder without help. During the treatment and detox admissions process, you can begin recovery at a Jacksonville Florida detox center and learn the skills and tools you need to stay clean and sober.

Addiction and substance abuse disorders impact more than 1 out of every 7 Americans ages 12 and older. This makes it one of the most common mental and medical health problems in the country. Drug and alcohol can cause physical, financial and relationship problems. Drug overdoses are the leading cause of accidental death in the United States, with fatal overdoes reaching record levels in the past several years. In 2017, the United States declared a national public health emergency in response to rising overdoses and the opiate epidemic.

Addiction

Substance abuse disorders and addiction are progressive, chronic and potentially fatal diseases that change your brain chemistry. During addiction, you compulsively abuse and use drugs and alcohol despite negative consequences and a desire to stop. If addicted, you may need personalized addiction treatment to recover. Drugs and alcohol cause your brain to release more neurotransmitters than it should, creating a significant neurotransmitter imbalance. Neurotransmitters, like dopamine and serotonin, are chemicals released by your brain which cause pleasurable mood changes.

Common signs and symptoms of a substance abuse disorder include:

  • Isolating from others in order to abuse drugs or alcohol
  • Needing to increase your drug or alcohol use to feel the same positive effects
  • Denying you have a substance abuse problem
  • Using your substance of choice shortly after waking up
  • Experiencing cravings when you don’t use
  • Spending the majority of your time and money using or buying drugs or alcohol

Over time, your brain’s pleasure and reward center can change and begin to reward your drug and alcohol use. Your brain can also become completely dependent on drugs and alcohol. This makes it incapable of releasing certain neurotransmitter when you don’t use your substance of choice. When you have a substance abuse disorder or addiction, your brain and body become dependent on your substance of choice in order to function. When you suddenly stop using your substance of choice after developing a physical addiction, you can deal with overwhelming cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Detox and the Detox Admissions Process

During withdrawal, you can deal with painful and uncomfortable symptoms that make it difficult to get out of bed. Some withdrawal symptoms, like delirium tremors, can be life-threatening. This makes it important to attend a Jacksonville Florida Detox Center when you decide to quit using. A medical detox center ensures you remain safe and healthy during withdrawal, which makes the detox admissions process important to your recovery.

The Florida detox admissions process includes sharing your medical and mental health history, as well as details about your substance use. During the detox admissions process, it is important to be honest and open with your treatment team about your substance abuse and medical history to ensure that your symptoms are properly addressed. Withdrawal symptoms usually start within 24 hours of your last use. They can last for up to one week, depending on the severity of your addiction and your substance of choice. Detox centers may offer additional services, such as inpatient or outpatient programs. You can inquire about short-term and long-term programs during the detox admissions process.

Finding Help Today

If you or a loved one is struggling with a substance abuse disorder, alcoholism or addiction, reaching out to substance abuse and detox treatment center is the first step in your recovery journey. To find out more about our detox admissions process, or to learn more about your treatment options, call us today at 866.723.3127.