Medical Detox Center in Los Angeles | Alcohol & Drug Detox | Believe Detox https://beta3.believedetoxcenter.com Licensed Los Angeles medical detox center offering medically supervised alcohol, opioid, and drug detox. Safe withdrawal management with 24/7 support. Verify insurance today. Fri, 24 Apr 2026 16:58:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://beta3.believedetoxcenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/fav.svg Medical Detox Center in Los Angeles | Alcohol & Drug Detox | Believe Detox https://beta3.believedetoxcenter.com 32 32 Signs of Addiction https://beta3.believedetoxcenter.com/signs-of-addiction/ https://beta3.believedetoxcenter.com/signs-of-addiction/#respond Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:59:02 +0000 https://beta3.believedetoxcenter.com/?p=42280

Addiction is a chronic brain disorder characterized by compulsive drug use despite the negative effects on a person’s health, life, and overall well-being.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) lists specific criteria for a diagnosis of addiction. The DMS-5, published by the American Psychiatric Association, lists the criteria for about 160 mental health conditions, including addiction. What was commonly called addiction, the DSM-5 now refers to a substance abuse disorder, which has varying severity levels.
The DSM-5 Substance Use Disorder criteria are widely used by clinicians around the country to accurately diagnose addiction. Classification of addiction as a brain disorder is due to the physiological changes to the brain, including areas of the brain involved in reward, self-control, and stress.
The criteria listed in the DSM-5 for substance abuse disorder are grouped into four categories, including physical dependence, social problems, impaired control, and risky use. Within these categories are symptoms of addiction.
A diagnosis of substance use disorder does not require meeting every listed criterion. Diagnosis is not met by having every symptom on the list.
Symptoms of addiction often present with a combination of physical, behavioral, and psychological signs. Signs of addiction may vary widely based on the specific substance used, the severity of the addiction, and individual genetics and brain chemistry.

Physical Signs

Physical signs of addiction can occur due to increased tolerance, withdrawals, and general physical changes to someone’s system from drug use.
Some physical changes are easily identified as addiction red flags. But other changes may be subtle and not immediately associated with drug use. Physical signs of addiction may also change as the condition progresses and become more severe.
Early physical signs of substance abuse can include:

  • Increased tolerance to the drug
  • Sleep changes
  • Weight fluctuations
  • Changes to appearance
  • Worsening hygiene
  • Looking tired a lot

Later physical signs of substance abuse can include:

  • Track makes
  • Pupil changes
  • Persistent fatigue
  • Breathing changes (very fast or very slow)
  • Tremors
  • Slurred speech
  • Blank stare
  • Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, headache, or shaking

Behavioral Signs

Addiction warning signs also often include behavior changes. An occasional change in behavior is common especially among teens. Changes may be subtle at first. However, addiction behavior changes often become more noticeable over time.
Behavioral signs of addiction may develop for a variety of reasons. For example, changes in the brain can occur that rewire the reward system. In addition, behavior may change due to the increased effort and time spent obtaining and using substances. Someone with an addiction may have their day revolve around finding opportunities to use.
According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, possible behavior signs of addiction include:

  • Neglecting typical responsibilities
  • Loss of interest in favorite activities
  • Increased secrecy
  • Spending time with different friends than usual
  • Not caring about physical appearance
  • Missing work or school
  • Getting into more arguments or disagreements with family members
  • Risky behaviors such as driving too fast or spending time in dangerous environments

Psychological/Emotional Signs

When you consider substance abuse, you may think physical signs of addiction are one of the main signs of dependency on drugs. But psychological signs are also common.

Psychological and emotional signs of drug abuse occur for a few reasons, including chemical changes that occur in the brain’s reward system. Substance abuse affects how your brain regulates reward, stress, and mood.
For example, some substances, such as stimulants, increase dopamine production, which creates feelings of pleasure. You also produce dopamine naturally when you do something fun or pleasurable.
But over time, your brain may come to depend on a substance to produce those “good” feelings, and natural sources of fun and pleasure may not feel as rewarding. This can create psychological signs of addiction, including:

  • Mood swings
  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Paranoia
  • Denial
  • A sense of emptines
  • Restlessness

Signs by Substance Category

Signs of addiction, including physical, behavioral, and psychological, may vary according to the substance used. General signs of addiction can also occur with any of the drugs listed below. But other addiction red flags may be different based on the specific drugs listed below. Withdrawal symptoms can also vary by substance.

Alcohol

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. It alters brain chemicals and slows brain activity. Signs of alcohol abuse include:

  • Slurred speech
  • Balance issues
  • Flushed face
  • Night sweats
  • Slowed reaction time
  • Irritability

When withdrawing from alcohol, the brain can become overactive. This can lead to common withdrawal symptoms, such as:

  • Tremors
  • Vomiting
  • Agitation
  • Insomnia

Stimulants

Stimulants, such as cocaine and methamphetamine, speed up the central nervous system. They also affect brain chemicals, increasing dopamine activity.
Signs of stimulant addition may include:

  • Dilated pupils
  • High energy
  • Weight loss
  • Aggressive behavior
  • Staying awake for lengthy periods

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, stimulants can also have a lethal effect on blood pressure, respiratory rate, and heart rate.
With stimulant addiction, your brain responds by making less of its own dopamine. If the drug is stopped, dopamine levels drop below baseline. This can lead to withdrawal symptoms, such as:

  • Depression
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Low motivation

Benzos

Benzos slow down the central nervous system. They produce feelings of calm and reduce overall brain excitability.
Signs of benzodiazepine addiction can include:

  • Slurred speech
  • Lethargy
  • Poor coordination
  • Drowsiness
  • Slower reactions

Withdrawing from benzos can have similar effects as alcohol withdrawal, Possible symptoms include:

  • Rebound anxiety worse than baseline
  • Insomnia
  • Tremors
  • Irritability

Opioids

Opioids work in the body by attaching to specific receptors in the brain that reduce pain signals. This class of drugs promotes relaxation and has a calming effect.
Their effects on the body include slowing down critical functions, such as alertness and respiratory rate.
Even when taken for a legitimate medical problem causing pain, they can become addictive.

Possible signs of opioid addiction include:

  • Pinpoint pupils
  • Drowsiness
  • Needle marks
  • Skin infections
  • Memory problems

According to the American Psychological Association, opioid withdrawal symptoms can be severe in some cases.
Symptoms may include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Hot/cold flashes
  • Agitation

Tolerance and Dependence vs. Addiction

If you have a loved one that uses drugs, you might wonder how to tell if someone is addicted, and when does drug use become addiction?
These are important questions. Not everyone that uses drugs develops a dependence or addiction. You might hear some people use drug dependence and addiction interchangeably. While dependence can lead to addiction, they are not the same thing. Additionally, drug tolerance is also sometimes misunderstood.
Understanding the clinical difference between tolerance, dependence, and addiction is important to determine the best treatment path forward.
Drug tolerance means your body adapted to the substance because of continued use. As a person’s tolerance increases, they need a higher dose of the drug for it to have the same effect. That effect may be decreased pain, relaxation, or a “high” feeling. Increased tolerance is a physiological response that occurs even if a medication is taken as prescribed.
Dependence and tolerance are related, but the physical process is different. With dependence, your body gets used to the drug and without it, withdrawal symptoms occur, which may vary in intensity
The severity of symptoms may depend on:

  • The drug used
  • Route of use
  • Duration of use
  • Frequency
  • Individual genetics

Someone can have tolerance and dependence without being an addict. When these factors are combined with compulsive use, addiction is likely present.
Addiction goes beyond the physical adaptations that lead to tolerance and dependence. It becomes a broader issue that involves cravings and continued use even with the negative effects and consequences.

When to Seek Help

Recognizing the signs someone needs inpatient detox or treatment is the first step to getting a loved one help. Or you may recognize the hold a substance has started to have on your life.
When using a substance creates a pattern that affects you or a loved one’s daily life including relationships, school, or employment, it should not be ignored. The bottom line is if using a substance has changed how you function or you have tried to cut back and it does not stick, it’s essential to seek help.
It is not overreacting or weak to seek help. In fact professional intervention at any stage can make a significant difference in long-term recovery.

How Believe Detox Center Can Help

Seeking help for substance addiction can feel overwhelming. But it is possible to take that first step into a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
If you are looking for an addiction treatment center in Los Angeles County, the team at Believe Detox Center provides medically supervised detox and care. Their program helps you safely manage withdrawal symptoms. But care does not stop there. The team helps address various aspects of addiction in a stable environment.
Treatment programs are individualized to meet you where you are right now. The goal is to help you break the addiction. But also provide the skills that support long-term stability.
It is possible to create a new life without addiction. A conversation is the first step.
Please call Believe Detox Center at (888) 780-0904 to speak confidentially with an admissions specialist and learn what support might look like for you.

]]> https://beta3.believedetoxcenter.com/signs-of-addiction/feed/ 0 Naltrexone for Alcohol and Opioid Addiction: Uses, Benefits, and Side Effects https://beta3.believedetoxcenter.com/naltrexone-for-alcohol-and-opioid-addiction-uses-benefits-and-side-effects/ https://beta3.believedetoxcenter.com/naltrexone-for-alcohol-and-opioid-addiction-uses-benefits-and-side-effects/#respond Sat, 04 Apr 2026 02:25:38 +0000 https://beta3.believedetoxcenter.com/?p=41794

If you are trying to stay sober and are experiencing cravings for drugs or alcohol, you might have considered taking a medication to help. Or maybe your doctor or treatment program has suggested medication. One common medication designed to deal with cravings for alcohol or opioids is called Naltrexone.

Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

Opioids include drugs such as heroin, morphine, codeine, and prescription pain medications such as Oxycontin, Oxycodone, and Norco. Opioid addiction rewires the brain. Because of this rewiring, substance use treatment alone is often not sufficient to address opioid addiction and medication is frequently also required. This combination of medication and treatment is called Medication Assisted Treatment, or MAT. MAT is considered the “standard of care” for opioid use disorder, meaning medical providers consider it to be the best approach to treatment, according to the CDC’s opioid use disorder treatment guidelines. Some patients also find medication helpful to deal with cravings for alcohol.

What is Naltrexone?

Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist — a medication that blocks opioid receptors in the brain. It is FDA-approved for the treatment of both alcohol and opioid use disorder, according to SAMHSA. It is taken in pill form. Vivitrol is a long-acting injectable version of this drug. Naltrexone and Vivitrol are not addictive and there are no withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them.

How Does Naltrexone Work?

Naltrexone helps reduce cravings for opioids and alcohol by binding to and blocking opioid receptors in the brain. It also blocks the “high” and sedating effects of opioids. Research shows it is most effective when used in combination with substance use treatment, and its applications continue to expand beyond opioid addiction, as outlined in this NIH review of naltrexone’s uses.

When Can You Take Naltrexone?

Generally, a patient needs to wait at least 7–14 days after their last use of opioids before starting Naltrexone. A doctor can advise you on the specific waiting time for your situation. Someone who is still dependent on opioids or going through withdrawal should not take Naltrexone. Those with alcohol use disorder should also wait until they are no longer going through alcohol withdrawal before starting the medication. If you are interested in Naltrexone, the first step is to talk to your doctor to find out if you are a candidate and when it is safe to begin. While taking Naltrexone, a patient should be monitored by a physician. It is also very important not to take any other narcotics while on this drug. Consult a physician to find out which other medications to avoid.

Naltrexone for Alcohol Use Disorder

Naltrexone for alcohol use disorder is best suited for patients with moderate to severe alcohol use — someone who experiences alcohol-related problems, drinks on more than fifty percent of their days, and has more than five drinks on those days. This person has made past attempts to stop drinking without success and is motivated to abstain from alcohol. Research published on NIH’s PMC confirms naltrexone’s effectiveness in managing alcohol dependence as part of a broader treatment plan.

Support Options

A person who is taking a medication like Naltrexone to maintain sobriety and is avoiding drugs and alcohol is considered sober. In some instances, they may face stigma or pushback at 12-step meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous for being on medication. However, there are also many AA and NA meetings where someone on MAT is welcome. Some people on MAT prefer meetings specifically designed for those in medication-assisted recovery. MARA — Medication Assisted Recovery Anonymous — offers meetings for these individuals. There are not as many MARA meetings as AA or NA meetings, so they can be trickier to locate, but you can find a MARA meeting near you on their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Possible side effects may include muscle cramps, headaches, painful joints, toothache, vomiting, decreased appetite, sleepiness, dizziness, cold symptoms, difficulty sleeping, and nausea. Individual responses to Naltrexone may vary. Consult your doctor to determine if this is an appropriate medication for you.

The following more serious side effects are less common, though individual responses may vary. Some patients have experienced depressed mood, pneumonia, and severe reactions at the injection site such as swelling, lumps, scabs, blisters, pain, tissue damage, and open wounds. Liver damage or hepatitis and serious allergic reactions — including rashes, facial swelling, trouble breathing, chest pain, and fainting — have also been reported. Consult your doctor to determine if this is an appropriate medication for you.

]]> https://beta3.believedetoxcenter.com/naltrexone-for-alcohol-and-opioid-addiction-uses-benefits-and-side-effects/feed/ 0 How to Prevent Relapse? https://beta3.believedetoxcenter.com/how-to-prevent-relapse/ https://beta3.believedetoxcenter.com/how-to-prevent-relapse/#respond Sun, 29 Mar 2026 02:41:45 +0000 https://beta3.believedetoxcenter.com/?p=41668

Relapse Occurs Long Before a Person Drinks of Uses

If you or your family member is currently sober, you might be wondering about how to stay sober and avoid a relapse. One important concept to remember is that relapse occurs long before a person picks up a drink or a drug. What this means is that subtle shifts occur in a person’s thinking and behavior long before they actually resume drinking or using which can set them on the path towards relapse. So, one of the most effective ways to avoid relapse is to notice these early warning signs and course correct long before you get close to actually using or drinking.

Early Relapse Warning Signs

Some early warning signs to be on the look for which can indicate a person is shifting into “relapse mode” including a change in mood such lower mood, mood swings, increased anxiety, increased emotional reactivity or increased anger. Sleep difficulty or change in appetite can also be relapse warning signs. Difficulties at work or in relationships are other signs. When a person stops showing up for therapy session, 12 step meetings, meetings with their sponsor and avoids their support system this can also indicate a person is at risk for relapse. Isolating, stopping fitness routines or other healthy activities and not engaging with a person’s usual hobbies area also possible indicators a person is off track in their sobriety. 

Make a point of checking in with yourself a few times a day in early recovery to determine if you notice any of these early warning signs. Ask family, friends or members of your sober support network to let you know if the observe any signs that you are going off track. If you do notice any of these early warning signs, you have an opportunity to address them and avoid a potential relapse. Some ideas for getting back on track include increasing your attendance at 12 step meetings or if you have not been going to consider going to some. Increasing communicating with your sponsor or sober support network is also helpful. And if you don’t have a sponsor or regular sober support network, this could be a good time to work on that. Seeing your therapist is a good idea too if you have one.

Relapse Prevention Plan

It can be very helpful to create a relapse prevention plan for yourself. You can use whatever format you prefer. There are lots of templates online you can use. If you Google “relapse prevention plan template” you fill find lost of options and can choose one you prefer. Or you can make up your own version. It should describe the steps you will take if you get an urge to drink or use. These steps might include going to a meeting, calling your sponsor, calling members of your sober support network, calling a family member, going for a run, taking a shower, praying, reading recovery literature, going to the gym, going for a walk, journaling, meditating, yoga, listening to music, drinking tea, working on crafts or whatever you decide might be helpful to include. Be sure to review your plan often and consider testing it out at a time when you do not have an urge to drink or use. And remember that an urge to use is like a wave. It will build and build but will eventually subside. So, if you can keep yourself occupied during the buildup, the urge to use will eventually stop.

Learn from Relapse

If you did or do relapse, it’s important not to fall into a shame spiral and beat yourself up. Relapse can be a part of recovery. Because addiction rewires the brain, there is always the risk of relapse, especially in early recovery. The important thing is to learn from your relapse. Do an “autopsy” of your relapse. Were there early warning signs you might have missed? What people, places or things might have contributed? Did certain emotions or circumstances impact your behavior? What might have triggered you to finally drink or use? What might you have done differently so that you can do this in the future? The goals here is not to point fingers or berate yourself but instead to learn from your experience and use it to make your recovery stronger. 

This article was last reviewed on March 22, 2026. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can go to an Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous or other support meeting and ask someone you meet there to be your sponsor. It can be helpful to go to a newcomers or beginners meeting. Some meetings help facilitate this process by asking those who need a sponsor to raise their hands. Get to meetings early or stay late so you can meet people who might be potential sponsor. You can ask someone to go for coffee to discuss sponsorship. You will want to pick someone who has more experience in the program than you and more sobriety than you. Some people choose someone who “has what the want.” This means someone who is living the kind of life in recovery you hope to achieve. You will meet regularly with this person to work on the steps of the program.

Get phone numbers from people you meet at meetings. It may seem awkward to ask a stranger for a phone number but that’s part of the program. Then get in the habit of calling people you meet at least a few times a week. Don’t work about being a bother, the opportunity for giving back to others will help the person you are calling. Again, that’s part of the program. It doesn’t have to be a long chat. You can just check in. You are more likely to call someone when you’re in trouble if you have been calling them regularly.

References

Relapse Prevention and the Five Rules of Recovery – PMC

Relapse prevention – PMC.

]]> https://beta3.believedetoxcenter.com/how-to-prevent-relapse/feed/ 0 How Do 12 Step Meetings Work? https://beta3.believedetoxcenter.com/how-do-12-step-meetings-work/ https://beta3.believedetoxcenter.com/how-do-12-step-meetings-work/#respond Tue, 17 Mar 2026 09:38:53 +0000 https://beta3.believedetoxcenter.com/?p=41452

If you want to get or stay sober, 12 Step Meetings can be a helpful part of your recovery. Twelve step meetings are free peer-led mutual self-help support groups. The two most common are Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). The programs involve going to meetings and working through the 12 steps with a sponsor. The steps involve working on things like accepting being powerless over drugs and alcohol and making amends to those we have harmed.

The Twelve Steps | Alcoholics Anonymous

The meetings are offered in person and virtually every day and at all times of day all over the world.

Will I Fit In at a Meeting?

Some people are hesitant to attend a meeting because they worry that folks at the meeting will be too different from them. Alcoholics Anonymous has a slogan to address this issue: “look for the similarities rather than the differences.”

You may encounter people who are a different age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or political leaning than you, and some people may have addictions which are more or less severe than yours. But it’s helpful to remember that everyone is there for the same reason — to work on their recovery.

Have a problem with alcohol? There is a solution. | Alcoholics Anonymous

Are 12 Step Meetings Too Religious?

Another objection that is sometimes voiced about AA or NA meetings is that they are “too religious.” The program does not follow any specific religious doctrine and does not require belief in any religious teachings. There is reference made to the concept of a “higher power.” Some people recognize this higher power as God. Others who are not comfortable with this, or who are atheists, may choose to identify their own understanding of what a higher power means to them.

As the AA slogan goes, “take what you need and leave the rest.” You can use what is helpful to you about the program and disregard what is not.

Narcotics Anonymous

Alternative Recovery Meetings

For those who prefer meetings with absolutely no mentions of anything to do with God or religion, SMART Recovery meetings are an option. They pride themselves on being evidence-based and stigma-free. It can be more difficult to locate SMART Recovery meetings because they are not as plentiful.

SMART Recovery Global

Those who prefer meetings based on Eastern religious ideas can attend Recovery Dharma. Home • Recovery Dharma. And those who want meetings more focused on religion can attend Celebrate Recovery. Home — Celebrate Recovery

Types of AA and NA Meetings

There are many different types of AA and NA meetings. A closed meeting is only for those working on their sobriety and recovery. An open meeting is for anyone, including friends, family members, and students who are there to observe for a class. There are large speaker meetings with many people and smaller discussion meetings.

Some meetings have a specific focus, like newcomer meetings, young people’s meetings, meetings for the LGBTQ community, or meetings for women only. There are also often meetings in Spanish. The smaller meetings are often the best option for those newer in recovery because they make it easier to make connections.

Getting the Most Out of the Program

To get the most out of the program, it’s helpful to identify someone in the program to be your sponsor and to work with them on the 12 steps. Some people choose a sponsor who “has what they want” — meaning a person who is living the kind of life you hope to live in recovery.

It is also helpful to get phone numbers from people you meet at meetings and call them regularly. This helps build a sober support network and provides people to call if you are having cravings to drink or use, or are otherwise struggling with sobriety. This can help prevent relapse.

Other Types of 12 Step Meetings

There are also many other types of 12 step meetings. Al-Anon and Alateen meetings are for family members of individuals struggling with addiction. There are also Cocaine Anonymous, Marijuana Anonymous, Sex Addicts Anonymous, and Gamblers Anonymous meetings, as well as others.

If you are ready to take steps to get or stay sober, contact Believe Detox to help you on your recovery journey.

Believe Detox Center

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many meetings will take a collection in order to cover expenses such as coffee, meeting literature, or the cost of renting the space where the meeting is held. But no one is required to donate or turned away for not donating.

The Big Book is the primary book used in AA and NA but it was written in the 1930s, so it can be hard to understand for today’s readers. It can be helpful to choose and work with a sponsor to help you understand the readings and other parts of the program. You can also take what you need and leave the rest.

]]> https://beta3.believedetoxcenter.com/how-do-12-step-meetings-work/feed/ 0 Do I Need Detox? https://beta3.believedetoxcenter.com/do-i-need-detox/ https://beta3.believedetoxcenter.com/do-i-need-detox/#respond Tue, 17 Mar 2026 02:11:33 +0000 https://beta3.believedetoxcenter.com/?p=41382

If you are ready to stop drinking and/or using drugs you might be wondering if you can do this on your own or if you need medically supervised detox. The answer depends on a number of factors including what you have been consuming, how much you have been consuming, for how long, whether you are using multiple substances, your health history, your current state of health, and your past experience with withdrawal symptoms.

Everyone’s experience with withdrawal can vary and if you previously went through withdrawal your experience during a subsequent withdrawal may not be the same. So, it is a pretty complicated question to answer. For this reason, it’s safest to be evaluated at a detox facility or by a qualified medical provider so they can advise you on the best course of action.

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

There are some substances for which the withdrawal symptoms that can occur when you stop using are potentially fatal. One example of this is a class of drugs known as Benzodiazepines. These are fast-acting medications often prescribed for anxiety. They are generally prescribed for short-term use and have the potential to be habit forming. They include drugs such as Xanax, Klonopin, and Ativan.

It can be dangerous to stop using these drugs on your own. To safely stop using a Benzodiazepine, you need a qualified medical professional to carefully taper you off these medications. So, if your drug of choice is a Benzodiazepine, you will definitely need medically supervised detox.

Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcohol withdrawal also involves symptoms which can be life-endangering, such as seizures and delirium tremens. During delirium tremens, heart rate, breathing, and pulse can become very unstable and a person can be agitated and confused.

Other alcohol withdrawal symptoms can include tremors, increased blood pressure, increased pulse rate, nausea, vomiting, nightmares, hallucinations, and sleep difficulty. Medical monitoring of alcohol withdrawal symptoms is generally necessary. Everyone’s experience varies so consult a physician.

Alcohol Withdrawal — Harvard Health

Opioid Withdrawal

Withdrawal from opioids can be miserable. The withdrawal symptoms are generally not as life-endangering as those from alcohol and benzodiazepines. But because they are very uncomfortable and also carry some risk, it is wise to have medical supervision during detox.

Opioid withdrawal is sometimes called being “dope sick” because a patient will often feel like they have extremely severe flu-like symptoms. This can include severe gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and vomiting. They may also experience sweating, shaking, and fever.

There are medications which can be prescribed to help manage this discomfort and also help with cravings for opioids. So, medical oversight of opioid detox is generally advisable. Consult a medical provider to determine your specific needs.

Opioids | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Cocaine Withdrawal

When a person stops using cocaine they don’t tend to experience the same kind of withdrawal symptoms as with some other drugs. Because it’s a stimulant, a patient who stops using it will often experience a very low mood, low energy level, and low motivation.

Cocaine withdrawal generally doesn’t require the kind of detox protocol used with alcohol and other drugs. But stopping a drug like cocaine can impact a patient’s heart rate, breathing, pulse, and mood, so medical monitoring is advisable.

Also, it is very difficult for someone who has developed a cocaine habit to stop using it unless they are in a situation where they have no access to cocaine. So, those who want to stop using would be best served by getting into an inpatient program where they are prevented from accessing more drugs and also receiving treatment. The safest and most effective course of action is to get evaluated at a detox facility to determine next steps.

Cocaine | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

It’s great that you have decided to stop drinking or using. But be sure to do it safely. To be safe, it’s best to consult with a reputable detox facility. Believe Detox can assess you to help determine the best plan for your care.

Believe Detox Center

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, following detox, a patient has decreased tolerance and is at greater risk for overdose if they resume use. So, it’s important to go directly into treatment after detox.

Whether you require medically supervised detox to be safe and comfortable depends on a number of factors besides how much you were using. Plus, sometimes patients are using more than they realize. So, the safest course of action is to be evaluated by a detox facility or medical professional.

]]> https://beta3.believedetoxcenter.com/do-i-need-detox/feed/ 0 Is It Safe to Quit Drinking Cold Turkey? https://beta3.believedetoxcenter.com/is-it-safe-to-quit-drinking-cold-turkey/ https://beta3.believedetoxcenter.com/is-it-safe-to-quit-drinking-cold-turkey/#respond Thu, 12 Mar 2026 18:30:00 +0000 https://beta3.believedetoxcenter.com/?p=41351

If your drinking has become unmanageable and you want to stop, you might be tempted to quit drinking cold turkey. While ending an unhealthy relationship with alcohol is a great idea, stopping completely and all of a sudden can be risky. This is especially true for chronic heavy drinkers, individuals in poor health, and those with a history of problematic alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can potentially be life-threatening. Of course, everyone’s experience with withdrawal is different — always consult a medical professional.

Alcohol Use Disorder: From Risk to Diagnosis to Recovery | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

Not everyone who stops drinking will experience severe withdrawal symptoms. Those who are lighter drinkers and who have not been drinking for a long time are less likely to develop risky withdrawal symptoms. However, because there is potential for life-threatening alcohol withdrawal symptoms, anyone planning to stop drinking should be evaluated at a detox facility or consult a medical provider. The detox facility or medical provider will assess you to determine whether you require inpatient medically monitored detox.

High Risk Withdrawal Symptoms

There are several types of withdrawal symptoms that can occur when a person stops drinking alcohol, all of which involve potential health risks. Not everyone experiences these symptoms, but heavy long-term drinkers are at greater risk. Those who have experienced these symptoms during previous withdrawal episodes are also at risk of experiencing them again when they stop drinking.

The Most Dangerous Withdrawal Symptom

One of the riskiest withdrawal symptoms is delirium tremens, or “DTs,” which is a life-threatening condition. DTs can decrease blood flow to the brain, cause severe dehydration, and lead to a dangerous increase in blood pressure and heart rate.

A person experiencing DTs may appear disoriented, confused, or agitated, with erratic mood swings and severe sweating. They may hallucinate or lose consciousness. DTs can be fatal.

Other Withdrawal Symptoms

Another risky withdrawal symptom is alcohol withdrawal seizures, which may occur between six and 48 hours after a person stops drinking. In some cases, alcohol withdrawal seizures can be fatal.

Tremors, also called “shakes,” are another common symptom and may be accompanied by increased blood pressure, an elevated pulse rate, nausea, and vomiting. Those experiencing tremors may also have nightmares and difficulty sleeping.

Alcohol withdrawal can also result in hallucinations, which may be quite detailed and vivid.

Alcohol Withdrawal — Harvard Health

Factors Which Increase Risk

As discussed previously, chronic heavy drinkers are at increased risk of severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms. There are also several other factors that increase a person’s risk of potentially dangerous withdrawal.

People over the age of 65 are more likely to experience withdrawal symptoms. Those who are addicted to barbiturates (an older class of drugs used to treat anxiety, seizures, or insomnia) or to benzodiazepines (fast-acting anti-anxiety medications such as Xanax) are also at greater risk.

Individuals with a traumatic brain injury, as well as those with other severe medical conditions, also face an increased risk.

Source: ASAM Clinical Practice Guideline on Alcohol Withdrawal Management

A person who is addicted to more than one substance is also at increased risk of life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Those with a severe psychiatric diagnosis are also at greater risk.

If you experience a seizure when you stop drinking, you are at very high risk for dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Patients with cardiovascular disorders or impaired liver function will generally require very careful medical oversight during alcohol withdrawal. Pregnant women also require close medical supervision.

Source: ASAM Clinical Practice Guideline on Alcohol Withdrawal Management

You should be commended for your decision to stop drinking. This is an excellent step toward improved health and recovery. However, be sure to do so safely with medical guidance. Contact Believe Detox Center to create a detox plan that meets your needs.

Believe Detox Center

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Alcohol Detox FAQ

Some facilities and providers offer ambulatory (outpatient) detox programs. Believe Detox Center currently offers inpatient detox only, but their staff can help you explore other options.

Outpatient detox is not safe or effective for everyone. Be sure to consult a medical provider to determine whether you are a candidate for ambulatory detox. It is also not appropriate for withdrawal from all substances, and it may not be covered by all insurance plans.

Benzodiazepines are often part of a medically supervised detox protocol. These medications are typically prescribed to help manage acute anxiety and prevent severe withdrawal complications.

If you wish to avoid benzodiazepines, discuss this with your medical provider to determine whether alternative treatment options are appropriate.

Each withdrawal experience can be different, so you may not have the same experience each time you stop drinking. This is especially true if you have been drinking more heavily or for a longer period since your last detox.

Repeated relapse and withdrawal can also place additional stress on the body. Consulting with a detox facility or medical provider before stopping alcohol use is the safest course of action.

]]> https://beta3.believedetoxcenter.com/is-it-safe-to-quit-drinking-cold-turkey/feed/ 0 What to Do After Detox: Why Immediate Treatment Matters https://beta3.believedetoxcenter.com/why-immediate-treatment-matters/ https://beta3.believedetoxcenter.com/why-immediate-treatment-matters/#respond Tue, 10 Mar 2026 04:31:51 +0000 https://beta3.believedetoxcenter.com/?p=41234

Completing medical detox is an important first step toward recovery from substance use disorder. However, detox alone is not a full treatment for addiction. What happens immediately after detox can have a major impact on a person’s safety and long‑term recovery.
One of the most significant risks following detox is overdose, particularly if a person resumes substance use at the same levels used before detox. Because of this, addiction specialists strongly recommend transitioning directly into a structured treatment program after detox.

One of the primary characteristics of addiction is tolerance.

Understanding Tolerance in Addiction

One of the primary characteristics of addiction is tolerance.
Tolerance means needing larger and larger amounts of a substance to achieve the same effect. When someone drinks alcohol or uses drugs regularly, the body gradually adapts to the presence of the substance at a neurochemical level, altering dopamine signaling and receptor sensitivity.
As a result, the same amount of the substance produces less effect, the person must consume greater quantities to feel the desired impact, and substance use escalates over time.
This biological adaptation is one of the key reasons people eventually require medical detox to safely stop using.

How Detox Changes Your Tolerance

Medical detox helps the body eliminate drugs or alcohol and stabilize physically. During this process, the body gradually adjusts to functioning without the substance.
As detox progresses, the body’s tolerance decreases significantly. This means the body is no longer accustomed to handling the high quantities of drugs or alcohol that were previously consumed.
Detox is therefore an essential step toward recovery. However, it also creates a period of heightened vulnerability if a person returns to substance use before receiving further treatment.

Why Overdose Risk Increases After Detox

Because tolerance drops significantly after detox, returning to previous levels of substance use can be extremely dangerous — and in many cases fatal.
Research shows that the period immediately following discharge from a detox or inpatient program represents one of the highest-risk windows for overdose death. Many individuals who relapse after detox attempt to use the same amount they used before treatment. However, their body is no longer able to tolerate that level, dramatically increasing the risk of overdose, respiratory failure, severe medical complications, and death.

Detox Is Only the First Step in Recovery

Detox addresses the physical withdrawal symptoms of substance use, but it does not treat the underlying causes of addiction. Completing detox without entering a follow-up treatment program is associated with high rates of relapse — studies consistently find that the majority of individuals who do not continue into treatment return to use within weeks or months.
Substance use disorders involve complex, interacting factors that require ongoing therapeutic work to address:
Neurological changes in the brain: Chronic substance use alters the brain’s reward circuitry, making it difficult to experience pleasure from everyday activities and driving powerful cravings that persist long after physical withdrawal ends.
Psychological triggers: Stress, trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions frequently co-occur with addiction and can drive relapse if left unaddressed.
Behavioral patterns: Years of substance-seeking behavior create deeply ingrained habits and routines that require structured therapeutic intervention to change.
Environmental factors: Social relationships, living situations, and exposure to people or places associated with past use all increase relapse risk without appropriate support and skills.
Because of this, individuals completing detox are still early in the recovery process. Their brains may continue signaling intense cravings for drugs or alcohol as brain chemistry gradually rebalances — a process that takes months, not days.

The Importance of a Continuum of Care After Detox

The safest and most effective approach is to plan the next stage of treatment before detox even begins. Research on continuity of care consistently shows that patients who transition directly from detox into a treatment program have significantly better outcomes than those who do not.

Nordström BR, Marino EA. Continuity of care after detoxification. The American Journal on Addictions. – PMC

This is often called a continuum of care, meaning treatment progresses through structured stages designed to support long-term recovery. Possible levels of care after detox include:

  • Residential Treatment Programs — Residential or inpatient treatment provides a structured, supervised environment where individuals live at the facility and receive intensive individual and group therapy, medical monitoring, and skills development. This level of care is often recommended for those with longer or more severe use histories or co-occurring mental health conditions.
  • Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) — IOP allows individuals to receive structured group and individual therapy multiple days per week while living at home and maintaining certain work or family responsibilities. This is often appropriate for those with a strong support system and lower relapse risk.
  • Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) — For opioid and alcohol use disorders, FDA-approved medications such as buprenorphine, naltrexone, and methadone can significantly reduce cravings and the risk of relapse. MAT is recognized by SAMHSA and major medical organizations as an evidence-based component of addiction treatment and is often used alongside behavioral therapy. – SAMHSA

The appropriate level of care is determined through a clinical assessment that considers medical history, substance use history, mental health conditions, and personal circumstances. An intake counselor can help evaluate which level of care is the right fit.

Believe Detox Center offers a comprehensive residential treatment program and aftercare planning so that patients can transition directly from detox into treatment without interruption. Contact our team to discuss your continuum of care.

Preparing for Treatment After Detox

Planning ahead can help make the transition from detox to treatment as smooth as possible. Ideally, arrangements should be in place before detox begins so that nothing stands between completing detox and entering the next stage of care.

Practical preparations may include arranging childcare or pet care, informing employers or schools of your absence, arranging for mail collection or bill payments, and preparing the home for a temporary absence.


Equally important is mental preparation. Recovery requires real lifestyle changes and emotional work. Sharing your recovery plans with trusted family members or friends can strengthen your commitment. Writing down your reasons for seeking treatment can also help during moments when the pull toward old habits feels strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

This decision is made during a clinical assessment with treatment professionals who evaluate your diagnosis, substance use history, physical health, mental health, and personal circumstances. Your intake counselor will recommend the level of care that is most appropriate for your situation.

Ideally, arrangements should be made before entering detox so treatment can begin immediately afterward. Family members or friends can often assist with logistical responsibilities during your detox stay. The less time between completing detox and starting treatment, the safer.
Yes. For opioid and alcohol use disorders, MAT is a clinically supported option that can be an important part of your recovery plan. Your treatment team can evaluate whether MAT is appropriate for you and explain how it would be integrated into your overall care.
]]> https://beta3.believedetoxcenter.com/why-immediate-treatment-matters/feed/ 0