Detoxification - The Process

Detoxification is generally considered the first stage of treatment because  it is designed to manage the acute and potentially dangerous physiological effects of stopping. During this process, the body clears itself of toxins and is often accompanied by unpleasant and sometimes even fatal (if not handled professionally) side effects caused by withdrawal In the case of dependency on any substance or process, the longer a person uses, the more the physical and psychological dependence on the drug or behaviour of choice develops. When an individual abruptly discontinues use, he or she will begin to experience a variety of symptoms associated with withdrawal.

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 which will be bespoke to each client depending on their circumstances. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on a number of factors, including the levels of the clients substance intake.. Detox regimes are then managed on a day to day basis by the New Leaf team who work in close conjunction 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.

Emotional Withdrawal Symptoms

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

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.

Physical Withdrawal Symptoms

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

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

Dangerous Withdrawal Symptoms

Alcohol and tranquilizers produce the most dangerous physical withdrawal. Suddenly stopping alcohol or tranquilizers can lead to seizures, strokes, or heart attacks in high risk patients. 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.