Detox Protocols

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Northridge Detox Center & Our Protocols

The scariest part for most people seeking help is getting off of the substances. Typically the withdrawal process can become a mountain to tackle with many fears clients hold onto. However, Northridge Detox Center and out licensed medical staff is very familiar with the detox process for each and every substance. Our Medical Director and MD are skilled with providing a comfortable non evasive answer for all. With over 30 years as a substance abuse specialist she is able to successfully get each client off of the substances and returned to a healthy physical state. Each substance comes with its own uncomfortable side effects while quitting, for more information on what you or a loved one should expect please find the substances being used and what our approach is in the content provided below. 

Fentanyl and Fentanyl Analogs have become the primary drug of choice across the nation. With the product on the streets not actually being fentanyl it has become a deadly game for the addicts that use it. Some of the analogs contain CarFentanyl and over hundreds of different chemical compounds. Fentanyl is used to treat mild to moderate pain and is intended to be used for emergency accidents and or surgery/post surgery.  However, treating clients for Fentanyl abuse these days is no walk in the park. With most street Fentanyl having a half life of well over 72 hours, we can not start prescribing Anti Craving medications as it could result in precipitated withdrawals. Typical length of Fentanyl withdrawals range from 5-14 days –  Symptoms of Fentanyl Withdrawal include; 
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrea
  • Muscle aches/Muscle spasms
  • Insomnia
  • Cold sweats/hot sweats
  • Delusions
  • Hysteria
  • Paranoia
  • Cravings 
  • Inability to make good choices 
  • Loss of Focus
  • Psychosis
  • Lack of Libido 
  • Abdominal Cramps
  • Restless Leg Syndrome
The dangers that come with Fentanyl abuse are sweeping the nation by surprise. We can prescribe things to help with this process however as mentioned above, it highly depends on which specific analog is being abused, the length of use and the tolerance of use. Medications used to treat withdrawal include but are not limited to; 
  • Anti Nausea Medication
  • Anti Anxiety and or sedatives 
  • Sleep Medications
  • Muscle Relaxants 
  • Blood Pressure Medications 
  • Anti Craving (MAT) Medications such as Suboxone, Vivitrol, Subutext, Sublocade
  If you or a loved one are struggling with Fentanyl abuse seek help now. Before it’s too late. This process is uncomfortable but our team does our absolute best in mitigating the amount of discomfort while helping return you to a functioning member of your family again.   
Alcohol is one of the substances in which withdrawal can be deadly. Being sure you or a loved one detox from Alcohol in a safe environment that meets both your physical needs as well as your medical needs is a vital step. Alcohol Withdrawal symptoms typically last up to 5-10 days. Symptoms of Alcohol withdrawal include; 
  • Anxiety – Elevated blood pressure which is usually combined with a sense of unease, fear and not being able to catch your breath. 
  • Shaking Hands, Tremors, Weakness, Dizziness and not being able to walk by yourself. This is a dangerous part of the process due to being a fall risk. 
  • Headaches and or Migraines
  • Nausea, Vomiting and being unable to keep any foods or liquids down. This can be another difficult part of the process as it is so important for those going through alcohol withdrawals need to eat and drink as much as they are able to. 
  • Insomnia – Alcohol withdrawals present those going through it the inability to sleep. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, therefore when the body becomes dependent on Alcohol and no longer has it in the system it can create an opposite effect causing the neuro-pathways and muscles throughout the body to spasm which leads to insomnia. 
  • Cold and hot sweats
  • Seizures
  • Death 
  How do we treat Alcohol withdrawals? Treating alcohol withdrawal in our environment is a top priority. Making sure every client going through this tough process feels safe and is in as little discomfort as possible is the goal. Therefore we prescribe a wide variety of medications to help treat each and every symptom. Medication can include but are not limited to; 
  • Anti Nausea Medication
  • Anti Anxiety and or sedatives 
  • Sleep Medications
  • Muscle Relaxants 
  • Blood Pressure Medications 
  • Anti Craving (MAT) Medications
If other medications are needed or needing to be continued (If the client comes in taking prescribed medications it will be discussed with the medical director and decided if it is best for that clients treatment plan).
Marijuana luckily does not have too many side effects from quitting use. There are a few that do take some time to adjust from but they typically do not require any sort of medical stabilization. That’s not to say that it is not a problem in a lot of people’s lives. Some symptoms can include; 
  • Insomnia 
  • Loss of appetite
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Depression
  • Irritability, anger or aggression
  These systems can last anywhere between 30-90 days depending on frequency of use and length of use. 
Prescription drug abuse can range from prescription opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, antidepressants, Anticonvulsants etc. These substances, although legal with a Dr.’s prescription order, can have such a negative effect on human biology especially when used in excess combined with length of dependence or time used. These medications and withdrawal symptoms are taken on a case by case basis depending on what prescription is being used, how long it was used for and how much is used on a daily basis.
Opioids/Opiates and synthetics  can range in symptoms, length of withdrawal and intensity of the withdrawal depending on the substance being used. Commonly abused Opioids, Opiates and Synthetics include;   
  • Heroin
  • Morphine
  • Dilaudid (Hydromorphone) 
  • Exalgo 
  • Oxycontin
  • Oxycodone
  • Opana (Oxymorphone)
  • Fentanyl
  • Demerol
  • Methadone
  • Vicodin/Norco/Hydrocodone
  • Opium
The list continues. Amongst the US Opiods are the most abused substance of choice with Fentanyl leading the nation during this present time. These substances can range in intensity of withdrawal symptoms and length of withdrawal symptoms. The majority of Opioids symptoms can last for 5-10 days. However with substances like Methadone withdrawal symptoms can last for months before subsiding. Along with how addictive these substances are, they are also extremely deadly. Some symptoms of opioid withdrawals include; 
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrea
  • Muscle aches/Muscle spasms
  • Insomnia
  • Cold sweats/hot sweats
  • Delusions
  • Hysteria
  • Paranoia
  • Cravings 
  • Inability to make good choices 
  • Loss of Focus
  • Psychosis
  These symptoms make the client feel like they are going to die. Which is why it is so tough for people to completely get off of them. Here at Northridge Detox you can rest assure that our medical coordinators and nurses are well equipped and experienced to be able to handle all forms of opioid withdrawals. You don’t have to go through this alone, you can quit using opioids. Some of the medications we prescribe during this uncomfortable experience include; 
  • Anti Nausea Medication
  • Anti Anxiety and or sedatives 
  • Sleep Medications
  • Muscle Relaxants 
  • Blood Pressure Medications 
  • Anti Craving (MAT) Medications such as Suboxone, Vivitrol, Subutext, Sublocade
  Please reach out if your or a loved one are struggling with opioid abuse. We are here to help you find a life worth living again.   
Benzodiazepines are also extremely dangerous to detox from alone. The two substances which can end with fatality include Benzos and Alcohol. Therefore this withdrawal must never be attempted alone. Benzodiazepines include; 
  • Xanax
  • Klonopin
  • Ativan 
  • Valium 
  • Librium
  • Serax
  • Tranxene
  • Versed
  • Halcion
  • ProSom
  • Dalmane
Common side effects of withdrawal include; 
  • Agitation – Panic Attacks, Terror Attacks 
  • Blurred Vision 
  • Chest Pain 
  • Depression 
  • Depersonalization and or derealisation (Feelings of Unreality)
  • Dilated Pupils
  • Dizziness
  • Dry Mouth
  • Fatigue and or weakness 
  • Elevated blood pressure 
  • Hallucinations 
  • Hot and Cold sweats 
  • Seizures 
  • Mood Swings 
  • Nightmares 
  • Loss of appetite 
Without medical intervention a Benzodiazepine withdrawal attempted at home in an unsafe environment can result in death. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can last between 5-10 days on average depending on type of Benzo being used and or frequency, dose, and length of use. Northridge Detox has a board certified medical director with almost 30 years of experience treating substance abuse. Her direct job and goal is to ensure every client’s safety while in our care. Medications used to treat Benzodiazepine withdrawal include; 
  • Lowering the dose of benzos in the client system typically this is done by having a closely monitored taper prescribed by our medical director/MD 
  • Anticonvulsants 
  • AntiDepressants 
  • Sleep medication 
  • Anxiety Medications 
  • Blood Pressure medications 
If you or a loved one are struggling with benzo addiction. Please reach out today, you do not need to go through this alone. There is hope.   
Designer drugs have become more and more “popular” amongst the younger crowd on commonly abused drugs. In fact the majority of the Fentanyl that is on the streets is not actually Fentanyl. It is typically concocted in a garage or lab somewhere and mimics the potent effects of the substance. Designer drugs are deadly and extremely dangerous as the user has no actual idea of what they are taking. Which often results in fatality. Designer drugs include; 
  • MDMA (Ecstasy) 
  • K2, Spice
  • Bath Salts
  • Phenethylamines
  • Tryptamines
  • Piperazines
  • Pipradrol
  • N-ring Systems
  • PCP
  • Ketamine
  • GHB
  • Fentanyl Analogs
  • Meperidine
  • Benzodiazepine Analogs
  Most of these substances come from foriegn countries like India, southeast Asia or China. Because the vast majority of these substances are research chemicals with no actual medical use, the user is playing Russian rullet with their life. And in most cases have a terrible withdrawal experience as most of these chemicals are so new there is no proven path for successfully getting someone off without discomfort. With that being said,  Northridge Detox is able to treat Designer Drug Abuse withdrawals for the most part. However it is taken on a case by case basis and sometimes requires an acute setting to make sure there is not lethal side effect.
Heroin is a deadly opioid with no actual medical use. There are however prescription opioids that are derivatives from the poppy that follow the genetic structure of heroin used to treat mild, moderate and severe pain. Heroin withdrawal symptoms typically last for 5-7 days on average and can range in severity depending on length of use, amount used and route of use i.e. (Smoking, snorting, IV, IM) Typical symptoms of heroin withdrawal include;
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrea
  • Muscle aches/Muscle spasms
  • Insomnia
  • Cold sweats/hot sweats
  • Delusions
  • Hysteria
  • Paranoia
  • Cravings 
  • Inability to make good choices 
  • Loss of Focus
  • Psychosis
Heroin has been a major problem across the country and around the world for the last 20 years. The majority of the issues started with the wave of the Oxycontin epidemic, which most oxy users ended up switching to heroin as a cheaper alternative and more potent route. Northridge detox center and our medical director have over 20 years of treating opioid and opiate withdrawal related symptoms and addictions. The pain of withdrawal can be unbearable. That’s why we do our best to make sure each and every client makes it through the first stage in a comfortable homely environment. Medications used to treat Heroin withdrawals include but are not limited to; 
  • Anti Nausea Medication
  • Anti Anxiety and or sedatives 
  • Sleep Medications
  • Muscle Relaxants 
  • Blood Pressure Medications 
  • Anti Craving (MAT) Medications such as Suboxone, Vivitrol, Subutext, Sublocade
If you are a loved one or struggling with Heroin addiction don’t wait any longer. We are here to help our community and nobody should have to live with this monkey on their back. speak to a family member, a friend or a colleague for support and reach out for help. 
Methamphetamines are another commonly used substance that create a world wind of psychological issues while in the thick of addiction. withdrawal symptoms typically last between five and seven days however they don’t require as much medications to make it through the thick of the detox. Symptoms of Withdrawals include; 
  • Depression 
  • Anxiety
  • Fatigue
  • Agitation
  • Appetite change
  • Insomnia or Oversleeping
  • Psychosis or Paranoia
  These symptoms, however unpleasant, are easy enough to get through with the right people in your corner. After making it through the thick of the withdrawal symptoms the real work begins. Medications that are typically used with methamphetamine withdrawal include; 
  • Anti Anxiety Medications
  • Sleep Medication
  • Depression Medications
  • Mood Regulator Medications
  • Plenty of food, water, nutrients and sleep
If you or a loved one are struggling with methamphetamine abuse don’t wait any longer. Reach out to Northridge detox center today. Our representatives are standing by 24/7 and our process for intake is relatively seamless and easy to make way for a fast and streamlined arrival. 
Cocaine Is a commonly abused stimulant much like the side effects of methamphetamines that produce a very high high with a very tough crash. cocaine is a very widely abused substance still to this day and  became popular in the 1980s. Symptoms of cocaine withdrawal typically last between five and seven days and include;
  • Depression 
  • Cold/Flu like symptoms
  • Paranoia
  • Agitation 
  • Anger 
  • Hallucinations 
  • Loss of sleep 
  • Oversleeping 
  • Cold/Hot Sweats
Abusing Cocaine is hard to quit. However with the help of the right people it is completely possible. Northridge detox Center treats the symptoms associated with Cocaine withdrawal with the right combination of medications so you or a loved one can make it through and see the light on the other side. Medical treatment for Cocaine detox include but are not limited to;   
  • Anti Anxiety Medications
  • Sleep Medication
  • Depression Medications
  • Mood Regulator Medications
  • Plenty of food, water, nutrients and sleep
If you or a loved one are struggling with cocaine  addiction don’t wait any longer, pick up the phone and call us today. We have Representatives standing by who can help and know what it’s like to go through the difficulties brought with addiction. You are worth more and deserve more in life. Call us today!   

Is Detoxing Painful?

Without proper medical intervention the process of detoxification can be a very painful and overwhelming experience in which most people can’t make it through alone. Side effects such as restless leg syndrome, abdominal cramps, seizures, insomnia and more can create for a terrible experience in which the fight or flight response activates and typically runs. This creates for an especially dangerous opportunity as the users tolerance has started to go back down, so when they do decide to go get high “One more time”  it is typically a recipe for a disaster which can result in a fatal overdose.

The bottom line is that it is highly recommended for people to detox within a medical facility that has the proper policies and procedures put in place in case something happens. Not to mention being around people who have successfully been through the exact same thing can be beneficial to each and every client as they have someone to relate with as well as being able to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

How To Find The Right Detox Center

Finding the right detox center can be an overwhelming challenge for anyone looking for help. So what are the things you should look for while searching? Let’s go over a list to simplify this process for you or a loved one. 

  • Does the facility take your health insurance? Be sure to call or fill out a form on the website to be sure your costs are kept low, in most cases your insurance will cover the majority of the treatment stay. 
  • Look at the staff list and ask about the medical staffs experience: Be sure to inquire about how the detox process is treated, how many years of experience the Medical Director and Nursing staff has and what happens while in detox/residential as well as how the facility helps regarding aftercare planning. 
  • Ask about the program, get a sense for what the average day looks like: Make sure it sounds like a comfortable fit for yourself or a loved one. Be sure all of your needs are being met or that there is room to work things out. Most facilities do not allow for cell phones or electronics to be sure each client is kept safe and that there are no triggers that would cause someone to leave against medical advise. 
  • Get a sense for the time frame: Be sure to ask how long the detox is estimated to take, if there are any additional costs associated with the process as well as if you want any of your family or friends to be updated on your progress. In most cases we are more than happy to provide updates for clients friends/family members that have signed ROI’s, aside from that your safety and security are very important to us. 

These things are typical questions that someone would ask prior to admitting to our facility. If there are anymore concerns that may arise in your mind please feel free to reach out and ask our admissions coordinators about what is important to you and your family. Our main objective is to help. 

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