Detoxification

Our bespoke detoxification programme takes into account the individual needs of each client and we endeavour to start the process on admission to New Leaf Recovery.

New Leaf staff are here to help and support you all the way through the detoxification process. On admission to New Leaf Recovery, clients undergo a full medical assessment with one of our specialist GPs, who will discuss and agree the most appropriate programme of detoxification based on the clients needs and circumstances. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on a number of factors, including the levels of the client’s substance intake. Detox regimes are then managed on a day to day basis by the New Leaf team who work closely with our clinicians in order to ensure the regime is meeting the clients’ needs.

With regards to withdrawal symptoms, it is important to understand that every drug is different. Some drugs produce significant physical withdrawal (alcohol, opiates, and tranquilizers). Some drugs produce little physical withdrawal, but more emotional withdrawal (cocaine, marijuana, and ecstasy).

Every person’s physical withdrawal pattern is also different. You may experience little physical withdrawal. But that doesn’t mean that you’re not addicted, instead you may experience more emotional withdrawal.

These can be experienced when quitting any substance, whether you are experiencing any physical withdrawal symptoms or not.

• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Headaches
• Poor concentration
• Depression
• Social isolation

These are the physical withdrawal symptoms that usually occur with alcohol, opiates, and tranquillizers.

• Sweating
• Racing heart
• Palpitations
• Muscle tension
• Tightness in the chest
• Difficulty breathing
• Tremors
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea

With some substances, there will be no real physical withdrawal symptoms requiring management with medication. However, we still recognise that the client could experience certain psychological and emotional withdrawals from the substance, and at the very least they are going to be feeling anxious and vulnerable without the ‘comfort’ of the substance they have been using to block out these emotions. Therefore, New Leaf staff also provide support in these areas too, along with any necessary medical intervention from our GP’s.

Alcohol and tranquillizers produce the most dangerous physical withdrawal. Suddenly stopping alcohol or tranquillizers can lead to seizures, strokes, or heart attacks in high-risk clients. A medically supervised detox can minimise these withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of dangerous complications. This is why it is so important to undergo the detoxification process with medical intervention and emotional support rather than trying to manage it alone.

Some of the dangerous symptoms of alcohol and tranquillizer withdrawal are:

• Grand mal seizures
• Heart attacks
• Strokes
• Hallucinations
• Delirium tremens (DTs)

As detoxification alone does not address the psychological, social and behavioural problems associated with addiction and therefore does not typically produce the lasting behavioural changes necessary for recovery, at New Leaf we encourage our clients to engage in our rehabilitation programme immediately after detoxification.

The detox process can vary in length, depending upon a variety of factors, such as the length of use and the type of addictive substance. At New Leaf, we are here to help all clients through detoxification in the most comfortable manner, offering 24/7 support throughout the process.

For those struggling with alcohol withdrawal, it is likely that the withdrawal symptoms will begin to show within the few two to three days of detox. Once the body has been able to create a healthier balance of chemicals, the withdrawal symptoms will begin to wane, with significant improvements being seen after 1 month of sobriety.

When detoxing from addictive drug substances, this can take roughly one to two weeks to begin to feel the impact of a healthier balance. The longer a client has been addicted, the longer detox can take.

At New Leaf Recovery, we believe that detoxification is the first step towards addiction recovery; our compassionate team is here to support every client along their detoxification and rehabilitation journey.

It is key to remember that detoxification is not a cure for addiction; there is no need to try this alone. Whether for yourself or a loved one, we can support you through the effects of detoxification and addiction recovery.

Contact New Leaf today as your local detoxification centre near me.