Alcohol withdrawals can be life-threatening if not handled with proper medical care. For heavy drinkers and alcoholics, withdrawal symptoms may begin shortly after discontinuing a session, typically within eight hours of the last drink, although it may take longer in some cases.

During this period, the alcoholic may experience feelings of discomfort and strong cravings that can make time feel like it’s slowing down for them. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms usually peak within 24 to 72 hours after the last consumption.

Alcohol Detox Timeline

A detox timeline of alcohol is mainly determined by the severity of the disease, the worse the addiction, the more severe the withdrawal symptoms will be, and the more likely it’s that they will stick around for longer.

During an alcohol detox a patient can expect to:

• Receive a medical examination
• Experience withdrawal symptoms
• Take medication for symptoms
• Receive around-the-clock support 

While some symptoms can last for weeks, the alcohol detox process is but a short journey, usually lasting between 7 and 10 days.

6 to 12 Hours After Discontinuing Consumption

Most alcohol withdrawal subjects will start experiencing discomfort between six to twelve hours after cessation, although severe addiction patients could begin to experience withdrawal symptoms as early as two hours after consuming their last drink. 

The first withdrawal symptoms will appear to be mild and progress as time passes without further consumption.

During the emergence period, the patient can expect to receive a medical examination if he or she has checked into a detox center, which will help the medical staff determine the conditions of their health and if there are any other issues present that may endanger the life of the patient.

After the examination is completed, the patient will be placed on medications that will help in managing the withdrawal symptoms.

The first symptoms that can be observed during the emergence phase of withdrawal include:

• Tremors
• Irritability
• Sweating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Hypertension and hyperventilation
• Elevated heart rate
• High body temperature
• Alcohol cravings
• Anxiety

12 to 24 Hours After Discontinuing Consumption

After the first symptoms develop and time progresses, the alcoholic will commence experiencing increasingly severe and dangerous symptoms of alcohol withdrawal such as:

• Hallucinations
• disorientation 
• Seizures
• Feeling pins and needles
• Panic attacks
• Depression

24 to 48 Hours After Discontinuing Consumption

With the arrival of the second-day hallucinations, panic attacks, and seizures tend to be more common. This is a sensible period where the patient enters a delicate medical condition. 

At this point, patients should be under constant supervision and can expect to have around-the-clock medical support from the detox staff.

3 to 7 Days After Discontinuing Consumption

Days three to seven tend to be the most severe and risky for the health of the recovering alcoholic. This is not only a debilitating period for their mental health but also for their physical health, risking the highest possibility of mortality.

During this period, delirium tremens, a life-threatening symptom, could lead to cardiac collapse. Statistics show that patients have a whopping 37% risk of mortality rate when the proper treatment is not provided.

8 Days After Discontinuing Consumption

The end of the detox timeline of alcohol brings with it a new window of opportunity, as seeing that many of the withdrawal symptoms start to fade away. In some cases, mild symptoms may persist for longer, but most of them can be treated with medication.

Where to Get Help

If you or a loved one is suffering from alcoholism then you can’t overestimate the need to get help! 

As data shows, detoxing with severe withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening. Signing up for a detox program will shelter the alcoholic from the health risks that come with alcohol withdrawal, offering the protection and care of competent medical staff.

Now that you know what the detox timeline of alcohol is like, it’s time to take action.

Veritas Detox offers alcohol detox programs to help you or your loved ones get sober and stay that way.

Help is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week at no cost or obligation. Speak to one of Veritas recovery experts, to seek the help you and your loved ones need. Contact Veritas Detox today!

When a substance with a high potential for dependency is abused it causes a physical dependence on the addict, and he or she may experience withdrawal symptoms after abruptly cutting down or stopping its consumption. The symptoms of withdrawal are not only unpleasant but could also be dangerous.

Alcohol is no exemption, like other drugs, alcohol can cause mild to severe withdrawal symptoms, charging a heavy toll on the body. The length of which it can vary depends on many factors, such as how much and how often alcohol is consumed.

What is Alcohol Withdrawal?

Alcohol can develop dependency after prolonged use, which leads heavy drinkers to experience withdrawal symptoms when consumption is stopped abruptly. 

We can’t understand what an alcohol withdrawal is without first examining how alcohol acts in the body. Alcohol acts as a depressant in the central nervous system, and after prolonged use, your nervous system starts getting used to having it around all the time. Because alcohol acts as a depressant, your body works overtime in keeping your brain sharp. After prolonged drinking, it becomes sort of a habit for your body to keep your brain ‘pumped up’. When alcoholics stop drinking, the brain and nervous system stay in this heightened state which is what causes the withdrawal.

This condition is known as ‘alcohol withdrawal syndrome’ and can be life threatening for the alcoholic. It’s symptoms range from mild to severe

What Are the Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal?

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms could start showing up in as little as a few hours after the last drink, depending on the level of dependency of the alcoholic. Mild symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are rarely dangerous, but can certainly be unpleasant and bothersome. 

The most common mild symptoms include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headaches
• Agitation
• Sweating
• Visual and Auditory disturbances
• Anxiety

On the other hand, more severe symptoms should not be ignored as these can lead to complications and even death. When these begin to appear, it’s important to seek the help of a medical professional.

Severe and life threatening symptoms may include – 

• Delirium tremens
• Seizures
• Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
• Anxiety
• Depression and suicidal thoughts
• Sleep disturbances
• Hallucinations
• Cardiovascular complications

Available Treatments

Understanding what is alcohol withdrawal, is but the first step, once the symptoms are noticed, is time to seek treatment. The best way to treat severe alcohol withdrawals is with the help of a healthcare professional. Detox and rehab centers assist alcoholics and treat their withdrawals with medications that alleviate their symptoms while maintaining 24/7 monitoring of patients.

Pharmacotherapy can be used to manage withdrawal symptoms, and meds such as benzodiazepines may be employed to help with anxiety, seizures, and insomnia. Other antipsychotics and anti-seizure meds are also available as part of the detox.

After the treatment is concluded, the patient should be referred to a support group such as AA, which can provide ongoing support that will be needed through the rest of an alcoholic’s life. Attending 12-step or other support programs during sobriety is an important step for maintenance to avoid relapses. In many cases, detox centers will also offer alumni groups and aftercare programs that will support the addict. Therapy during and after may also be a good option for those who have other underlying behavioral and cognitive issues that could allure them back to a bottle.

How to Get Help

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can hinder recovery by keeping alcoholics from wanting to stop drinking, they can be dangerous and life-threatening if not dealt with adequately.

If you or one of your loved ones is suffering from alcohol withdrawals then you must act now!

Veritas Detox offers alcohol detox programs to help you or your loved ones get sober and stay that way.

Help is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week at no cost or obligation. Speak to one of Veritas recovery experts, to seek the help you and your loved ones need. Contact Veritas Detox today!

Cocaine is an illegal drug with a high potency that resembles a white powder. The drug acts quickly on the body, releasing an excess of chemicals in the brain that produce feelings of euphoria, which eventually leads to addiction and physical dependence. A cocaine withdrawal occurs when the addict stops consuming after a prolonged period of cocaine abuse. 

Understanding what are the withdrawal symptoms of cocaine and how to treat them is the first step in helping our loved ones achieve sobriety.

What Are the Health Risks Associated with Cocaine Addiction?

Using drugs is bad, we all know that – if they weren’t, they’d probably be legal. When it comes to cocaine, we are talking bad-bad, end-up-homeless or dead kind of bad. Cocaine’s-claws grip the ego and create a physical and psychological dependency that the addict can’t control.

One could point out countless tragedies that are caused by cocaine addiction; losing a job, having poor relations, being involved in accidents, becoming broke financially – all of which are considered to be “repairable” with sobriety; however, the point of main concern is the irreparable health damages that can be caused by cocaine abuse.

The most common health risks long-term cocaine exposure causes include:

• Nose bleeds
• Irreparable damage to nose cartilages
• Respiratory infections 
• Risk of dementia
• Heart problems
• Seizures
• Stroke
• Overdose and death

So if it’s not all fun and games and cocaine is so harmful then why is it abused so much?

The answer may be found in understanding what are the withdrawal symptoms of cocaine.

What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms of Cocaine?

Withdrawal symptoms occur when prolonged users stop taking cocaine abruptly. Symptoms of withdrawal from cocaine may last for days and can also be experienced in between doses. 

Short-Term Symptoms of Withdrawal From Cocaine

Cocaine acts quickly on the body releasing feelings of euphoria, the feelings, however, are short-lived. Shortly after dosing, the user experiences cravings which prompt him or her to take more cocaine, each time delivering less potency and requiring higher doses to reach the same high. With each passing dose, the cravings become more and more unmanageable, making it very difficult for an addict to stop. 

Short-term withdrawal symptoms such as the one described above are one of the main reasons why addicts have such a difficult time stopping, and why it’s recommended that detox from cocaine be managed by a recovery expert.

Aside from strong cravings, insomnia and anxiety are also frequent short-term withdrawal symptoms of cocaine use. Left to their own devices, cocaine addicts tend to resort to heavy drinking, or taking other depressants such as sleep aids to help them combat the short-term withdrawal symptoms of cocaine.

Long-Term Symptoms of Withdrawal From Cocaine

Symptoms of withdrawal from cocaine may last anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of days. Understanding what are the withdrawal symptoms of cocaine can help us better gauge when it’s time to seek professional help.

Symptoms of a cocaine withdrawal include:

• Agitation
• Depression and suicidal thoughts
• Fatigue
• Feelings of discomfort (Uncomfortable in one’s own skin)
•  Increase in appetite
• Anxiety
• Vivid and unpleasant dreams
• Slowing of activity

Given some of these symptoms may be life-threatening, its best to get professional help as soon as they are noticed.

Where To Get Help

If a loved one is experiencing short or long-term symptoms of cocaine withdrawal then it’s important to get them into a drug treatment center to prevent severe health risks from developing. 

Now that you know what are the withdrawal symptoms of cocaine, it’s time to take action.

Veritas Detox offers cocaine detox programs to help you or your loved ones get sober and stay that way.

Help is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week at no cost or obligation. Speak to one of Veritas recovery experts, to seek the help you and your loved ones need. 

Contact Veritas Detox today!

The relationship between genetics and addiction is not fully understood. If you suffer from addiction, you might be asking, “Is drug addiction genetic?” for your child. If you have a parent who’s addicted, you might be asking the same question for yourself.

Unfortunately, this is a bit of a loaded question. Studies have found that at least 50% of a person’s susceptibility to addiction is linked to genetic factors. However, environmental factors are also a factor and account for at least the other 50% of a person’s susceptibility.

In other words, there is no one, easy answer to the question, “Is drug addiction genetic?” though genetics play a part, your genetic makeup doesn’t doom you or your children to a life of addiction. For a full answer to this question, keep reading.

Is Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Genetically Inherited? 

Yes, to some degree. Alcohol and drug addiction have links to genetic predisposition. The American Psychological Association even goes as far as to say that at least 50% of an individual’s susceptibility to drug and alcohol addiction is linked to their genes. Likewise, the NIH notes that a person’s genes represent about 40% to 60% of that person’s risk of addiction.

That being said, there is no one gene that is definitively linked to alcoholism and drug addiction. Furthermore, just because a parent is an addict does not mean the child will come out an addict as well. Conversely, individuals can become addicts, even if they are not genetically predisposed to addiction.

In fact, some medical experts believe that the vast majority of children belonging to parents with addiction problems never develop substance use disorders in their life. This proves that addiction is not directly caused by genetics.

Is Drug Addiction Genetic or Environmental? 

Both. A person’s susceptibility to addiction is often determined by both genetic predisposition and environmental factors. That begs the question, what are some environmental factors that lead to addiction?

• Early Influences. A person’s early interactions as a child often contribute to a person’s susceptibility to addiction. For example, children who are exposed to harmful situations, family drug misuse, or other behavioral problems often lead to experimentation later on in life. 

• Social Circles. Who you hang out with can encourage you to either use substances or avoid substances. Peers and friends are especially strong influencers for teens looking to fit in.

• Trauma. Trauma is a leading environmental factor that leads to addiction. Unless properly treated, a person’s trauma is often self-medicated with substances and leads to other problems down the line.

How to Stop the Cycle 

If a parent suffers from substance abuse, that addiction directly impacts the rest of the family. The children may be predisposed to addiction, and they may find themselves in traumatic environments that may cause them to use down the line. For these reasons, it’s important to stop the addiction cycle head-on through addiction treatment. 

Any individual in the family who suffers from addiction should get treatment. Additionally, the rest of the family should get treatment to ensure there are healthy relationships and boundaries in place. Treating addiction as a family disease helps to stop the cycle from repeating itself.

Get Help with Veritas Detox 

If you or someone in your family is suffering from addiction, it’s important to get help. Veritas Detox is a top-rated detox facility in Los Angeles. Our facility can help you overcome your addiction so you can be the family member you know you can be. We also offer family help to ensure your entire family has healthy and respectful dynamics.

Give Veritas Detox a call today to learn more about our addiction recovery program and family offerings.

Heroin is a dangerous drug that can devastate lives. Knowing heroin use signs and symptoms can allow you to help those you love who are suffering from heroin abuse. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to recognize the signs of heroin use because addicts are skilled at hiding their problems.

In this article, we are going to answer key questions relating to heroin use signs, such as what are the signs of heroin use. Keep reading to learn these signs and more.

What Are the Signs of Someone Using Heroin? 

Signs that someone is addicted to or using heroin differ from person to person. Factors such as frequency of abuse, amount of drug use, and the individual genetic makeup can impact the symptoms and signs. Nevertheless, the most common signs of heroin addiction include:

• Shortness of breath
• Slurred speech
• Decline in performance
• Anxiety
• Delusions
• Agitation and irritability
• Weight loss
• Possession of drug paraphernalia, including burned spoons, needles/syringes, shoelaces, glass pipes
• Decreased attention to personal hygiene
• Hostility toward others
• Stashing drugs in various places 
• Depression
• Track marks on arms and legs
• Nodding out during conversations
• Avoiding loved ones
• Extreme itching
• Dry mouth
• Lying about drug use
• Scabs or bruises from picking at skin
• Disorientation
• Euphoria
• Periods of hyperactivity that are followed by periods of exhaustion
• Mood swings
• Apathy and lack of motivation
• Wearing long pants and shirts to cover skin, even in warm weather
• Constricted pupils
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Warm, flushed skin
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Inability to fulfill responsibilities as before 
• Increased sleeping
• Forced, pressured speech

If your loved one is experiencing multiple of the symptoms above, they are likely using heroin or some other form of drug. It’s important to get them the help they need as a result. 

What Are the Obvious Signs of Heroin Use? 

Whenever you first suspect that your loved one is using heroin, it’s best to look for the most obvious signs. Certain physical changes and emotional changes are the easiest to spot. For example, severe mood swings, lack of interest in other activities, and changes in behavior often point to drug use. Likewise, track marks, scabs, and the wearing of long sleeves point to drug use as well.

Once you start noticing the obvious signs of heroin use, take a closer eye on their activities so you can look for the less obvious symptoms. Less obvious signs of heroin use include paranoia, increased sleeping, and hiding drugs. 

What to Do If Someone You Love is Suffering From Heroin Use 

If you notice that your loved one has many symptoms above and appears to be using heroin, it’s important to learn more about heroin, its addiction, and its symptoms. Just by being knowledgeable about heroin addiction can help you to help your loved one better.

Next, it’s important to encourage your loved one to seek help. Approach your loved one in a compassionate yet stern way to get to the bottom of their behavior. If it is found that they are using heroin, encourage them to seek medical treatment so that they can begin living a life of sobriety.

Unfortunately, many addicts will refuse treatment at first. If your loved one refuses treatment, make sure not to fall into a codependent cycle. Do not enable their addiction either by providing them with money or resources to continue using heroin.

If you or a loved one shows signs of heroin use and is suffering from heroin addiction, contact Veritas Detox. Veritas Detox is a top-rated Los Angeles drug and alcohol detox and rehab facility. Our compassionate team members can help determine if drug treatment is right for you or your loved one. Contact us today at 866-237-6297 for more information. 

Opioid withdrawal can be a life-threatening condition that occurs whenever opioid addicts suddenly reduce the amount of opioids in their system. If you are undergoing signs of opioid withdrawal, it’s important to seek out medical attention as a result.

So you know what to expect during this time, it’s important to know what are symptoms of opioid withdrawal. In this article, we are going to go over the signs of opioid withdrawal and walk you through what to do when you need medical attention. Keep reading to learn this and more. 

What Are the Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal? 

Each individual undergoes opioid withdrawal differently. Factors such as how much of the substances in the user system or how long they have been taking the drug impact the exact experience. Even so, there are some common symptoms to look out for during opioid withdrawals. 

Some of the most common signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal include:

• Increased body temperature.
• Diarrhea.
• Sweating.
• Chills.
• Anxiety.
• High blood pressure.
• Racing heart.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Insomnia.
• Muscle and bone pain.

If you or a loved one is a known opioid user and is undergoing the above symptoms after stopping the use of the drug, you are likely undergoing opioid withdrawal. It’s important to see a medical professional to ensure that the withdrawal is completed safely and effectively.

Keep in mind that symptoms will also vary if you have additional substances in your system. For example, individuals who suffer from opioid addiction often suffer from alcohol addiction. If you are addicted to both, you will experience withdrawal symptoms for both, and the symptoms will be slightly different.

What to Expect from Opioid Withdrawal 

For many opioid users, symptoms of withdrawal begin between 8 and 24 hours after the last use. Often, the symptoms peak 48 to 72 hours after the last use. About four to 10 days after, the symptoms begin to subside and eventually stop.

You can actually track your progress during opioid withdrawal by looking at your symptoms and phase. Opioid withdrawals are typically separated into two phases. In the initial phase, you will experience craving, restlessness, insomnia, and other minor symptoms. During the second phase, the symptoms will become more intense, and they often include cramps, high blood pressure, dilated pupils, and rapid heartbeat.

Short vs Long Acting Opioids 

It’s important to note that the exact substance in your system will impact the withdrawal process. Withdrawing from short-acting opioids rarely lasts more than 10 days, but long-acting opioids can cause symptoms to remain more than 14 days after the last use.

In severe cases, individuals can experience lingering symptoms for more than 14 days. This is typically called post acute withdrawal symptoms. Post acute withdrawal symptoms can be managed with the help of medical professionals.

What to Do If You Show Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal 

If you are beginning to show symptoms of opioid withdrawal, it means you need to get help fast. Opioid withdrawal only occurs whenever you are dependent on the substance. Dependence is harmful to yourself and those around you. The withdrawal process is also dangerous. In extreme cases, it can be fatal.

To ensure you safely detox from opioids, it’s best to always undergo medically supervised detox. Medical detoxification allows you to detox safely under the supervision of medical professionals. Medical professionals will make the process as comfortable as possible and ensure your recovery begins on the right foot.

If you are looking for a medical detox in your area, contact Veritas Detox today. Veritas Detox offers medical detoxification for opioid users. Contact us today at 866-237-6297 for more information. 

What are the Signs of Drug Relapse?

 

Drug addiction continues to be a huge problem in America, but it is possible to help prevent recovering addicts from continually relapsing by identifying the warning signs and taking preventive measures before they need treatment again. 

 

The more people know about the most common warning signs, the easier it will be for them to detect potential drug relapse, which could save their own life or someone else’s.

What is Drug Relapse?

 

Drug relapse is when a person who has been recovering from addiction returns to their former drug use habits. It can also be referred to as a relapse, which means returning to a behavior that was previously established. 

 

Relapsing is often related to an individual’s mental health and can lead to negative consequences such as worsening depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.

 

Recovery from drug addiction is often a long and arduous process, but there are ways for people to help themselves recover. For example, people can join support groups, attend therapy sessions, or better yet, receive treatment from a rehab center. 

How Drug Relapse Happens and How to Prevent it

 

Drug relapse can be a difficult and often dangerous situation that can happen to anyone, even the most experienced drug users. 

 

Many people who have been through the process of drug addiction know that there are some common signs that indicate a person is getting closer to relapse. However, it is not always easy to identify these signs in advance.

 

Drug relapse can be prevented by identifying warning signs and taking preventive measures before they become too serious.

 

 Some of the warning signs include:

 

• Not sleeping well or oversleeping
• Showing up late for work or school 
• Spending more time on social media than doing homework     
• Losing interest in activities that were once important to them
• Feel like they are not in control anymore
• Becoming irritable and angry at others without cause

What are the Causes and Risk Factors for Drug Relapse?

 

Drug relapse is a common occurrence during the recovery process for drug addicts. It can happen at any time and in a variety of ways. It is not always easy to identify the signs of relapse and it can be very challenging to recover from the experience.

 

The causes of drug relapse are varied and complex which may include individual factors such as genetics, environmental factors such as stress or trauma, cognitive factors like self-control or impulsivity, social factors like peer pressure or group affiliation, biological factors like hormonal changes in the brain that affect moods and emotions.

Veritas Detox Center Can Help With Drug Addiction and Relapse

 

If you are struggling with recovery, there is no shame in reaching out for support. It is not always easy to identify the signs of relapse and it can be very challenging to recover from the experience. However, help is available for anyone who needs it at Veritas Detox Center. 

 

Veritas Detox Center is a rehab center that specializes in drug addiction and relapse. We provide counseling and help with rehabilitation to those who are struggling with substance abuse.

 

Here at Veritas, we offer a variety of rehab treatment programs that can help individuals kick their addiction, get on the path to recovery, and live a healthier and happier life. We always provide individualized care for each client, and our experienced team is committed to helping our clients overcome addiction.

 

Contact us today to get started on your recovery journey. Our admissions staff will be available to answer any questions or concerns you may have about receiving treatment at our rehab facility. 

 

It’s never, ever too late to get the help you deserve.