Addiction Recovery
Drug Detox

Are you or a loved one considering a drug detox? At Guardian Recovery’s Tampa Addiction Center we are dedicated to providing men and women of all ages with a medically monitored detox program that paves the road for long-term success in sobriety. Drug addiction is a chronic and relapsing brain disease, and without an individualized program of intensive medical and clinical care, behavioral therapy, psychiatric intervention, 12-step program involvement and relapse prevention, the potential of maintaining long-term sobriety is slim. Our drug detox program offers a comprehensive and personalized level of clinical care in a serene, homestyle environment that sets individuals on the path to longterm recovery. Detox is the vital first step.

Commonly Abused Chemical Substances

The National Institute of Drug Abuse and the US Department of Health and Human Services published a “Commonly Abused Drugs” chart that details the most frequently abused chemical substances in the country.

According to this chart, the most commonly abused chemical substances are as follows:

• Opioids: Heroin is the most frequently abused opioid narcotic in the U.S., and heroin abuse has been on the rise since 2007. According to the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 948,000 Americans reported using heroin at least once over the course of the past year. Rates of heroin abuse are highest among men and women between the ages of 18 and 25.
• Stimulants: The most commonly abused stimulant drugs include cocaine, methamphetamine and amphetamine. All of these drugs are extremely habit-forming and can result in physical and psychological dependence in a matter of days.
• Cannabinoids: Marijuana is the most commonly abused cannabinoid, closely followed by hashish. Rates of synthetic cannabinoid abuse have been on the rise over the past several years.
• Dissociative drugs: The most commonly abused dissociative drugs include PCP, ketamine, salvia and dextromethorphan (DXM).
• Club drugs: This category of chemical substance includes drugs like MDMA, GHB and rohypnol. GHB and rohypnol have sedative effects while MDMA (or ecstasy) acts as a mild hallucinogen.
• Hallucinogens: The most frequently abused hallucinogenic drugs include mescaline, psilocybin and LSD. All of these drugs work to alter the state of being and can result in auditory and visual hallucinations when taken in high doses.
• Other compounds: Other commonly abused chemical compounds include inhalants and anabolic steroids.
• Prescription medications: Commonly abused, and can be broken down into three main categories: prescription stimulants, central nervous system depressants and prescription opioids.

Drug Addiction
Signs & Symptoms

Common signs of drug abuse and addiction include:

• Continuing to use drugs in spite of personal consequences (financial, legal or interpersonal in nature)
• Attempting to cut back or quit but being unable to do so
• Using more drugs than intended for a longer period of time than intended
• A lack of motivation to fulfill personal obligations or participate in activities that were previously enjoyed
• Spending an excessive amount of time obtaining the drug, using the drug and recovering from its effects
• An increase in risk-taking behaviors, such as combining more than one chemical substance at a time or driving while under the influence
• Experiencing a wide range of related physical symptoms, such as weight loss or weight gain, a lack of attention paid to physical hygiene, bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils, shakiness and tremors
• Poor performance at school or at work/difficulty carrying out day-to-day tasks
• Developing a physical tolerance, meaning that more of the drug is required in order for the same effects to be produced
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when drug use is abruptly ceased

Drug Withdrawal
Signs & Symptoms

The symptoms associated with drug withdrawal vary significantly based on the type of substance that was being abused and on the severity of abuse.

Withdrawal symptoms often associated with drug abuse include:

• Insomnia and other sleep-related issues
• Extreme nervousness and anxiety (which can lead to panic attacks)
• Depression and suicidal ideation
• A range of flu-like symptoms (common of opioid withdrawal)
• A rise in heart rate and blood pressure
• Nausea, diarrhea and vomiting
• Changes to appetite
• Hot and cold flashes and excessive sweating
• Persistent headaches
• Body tremors and uncontrollable shaking
• Hallucinations, delusions and dissociation
• Irritation, irritability and mood swings
• In extreme cases, seizures (usually associated with benzodiazepine withdrawal)

Is Medical Detox Always Necessary?

Regardless of what type of drug was being abused, medically monitored detox is most often a necessary first step on the road to recovery. Attempting to quit a drug cold turkey or attempting to detox at home can be dangerous — even life-threatening, in some cases. If you or someone you love has been engaged in drug abuse or has developed a physical and psychological dependence, entering into an inpatient detox program is always the wisest option. At Guardian Recovery we focus on providing a safe and pain-free drug withdrawal while helping our clients seamlessly transition into the next appropriate level of clinical care.

We utilize a wide range of proven treatment methods including medication assisted treatment (MAT), intensive individual and group therapy, an introduction to relapse prevention skills and the 12-step method of recovery and around-the-clock medical supervision. The moment a symptom associated with drug withdrawal arises our highly experienced medical staff members treat it accordingly. The treatment methods we employ depend heavily on the specific needs and clinical requirements of each individual client, which our team determines during an in-depth assessment that takes place within the first 24 hours of admission. To learn more about the drug detox methods we utilize contact us today.

Our Simple Admissions Process

At Guardian Recovery we remain dedicated to making the entire early recovery process as straightforward and uncomplicated from start to finish. Our team of dedicated professionals carefully developed an admissions process geared towards helping men and women who have been suffering from drug addiction receive the clinical care they need as quickly as possible. Regardless of the severity of the substance abuse disorder, there is generally little time to wait when it comes to entering into a program of medically monitored detox.

Begin Your Journey of Recovery Today

The moment you or your loved one picks up the phone and gives us a call we begin developing a viable intake plan. Initially, we conduct a brief pre-assessment which can be completed over the phone in a matter of minutes. We ask a series of non-invasive and informative questions, including, “What type of drug or drugs were you actively abusing, and for how long?” “As far as you know, is there any substance abuse or dependence in your immediate or extended family?” “Have you ever been diagnosed with a co-occuring mental health disorder like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder?” The pre-assessment helps our clinical team determine which detox methods will be the most effective for each unique case. Next, we look into potential coverage options. At our Tampa Addiction Center we work closely with most major regional and national health insurance providers, meaning that if you or your loved one is currently insured there is a good chance that some or all of our detox services will be covered. If you or your loved one has no insurance, we also offer self and private pay options, including zero-interest payment plans. No matter your financial situation, we will help you find the appropriate option for getting treatment. Finally we set a date and a time for intake and help arrange transportation plans whenever necessary.

If you or someone you love has been abusing drugs for any length of time, don’t wait when it comes to receiving the clinical care he or she needs and deserves. Contact us at Guardian Recovery today for more information or to get started.