First 72 Hours: What to Expect When Entering Detox

Detox: Understanding the First 72 Hours

The first 72 hours of detox are crucial in your recovery journey. During this time, your body starts getting rid of toxins and adjusting to life without substances. This phase is both physically and mentally challenging, laying the groundwork for your recovery.

Key Stages of the Detox Process

The detox process consists of several important stages:

  1. Initial Assessment: A medical evaluation to understand your specific needs
  2. Withdrawal Management: Monitoring and treating symptoms as they occur
  3. Stabilization: Supporting your body through the most intense phase
  4. Transition Planning: Preparing for the next steps in recovery

Why the First Three Days Matter

Your first three days in detox are especially important because withdrawal symptoms usually peak during this time. These symptoms can vary in severity depending on factors like:

  • How long you’ve been using substances
  • The type of substance you’ve been using
  • The amount you typically consume
  • Your overall health condition

Common Withdrawal Symptoms to Expect

Here are some common withdrawal symptoms you might experience during the first 72 hours:

  • Anxiety and restlessness
  • Changes in body temperature
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Nausea and stomach upset
  • Mood fluctuations

Understanding what happens during these initial 72 hours can help you mentally and physically prepare for the detox process. Having professional medical supervision during this critical period ensures your safety and comfort while effectively managing withdrawal symptoms.

Physical Symptoms During Detox

detox

Physical withdrawal symptoms typically begin within 6 to 8 hours after your last drink. These symptoms intensify rapidly, reaching their peak between 24 to 72 hours into the detox process. The proximity of professional care becomes crucial during this time – having a detox facility nearby in Tarzana, CA can make a significant difference in managing these symptoms safely.

Types of Physical Symptoms

Your body experiences several physical manifestations during detox:

  • Sweating and Temperature Changes: Profuse sweating, cold chills, and fluctuating body temperature
  • Digestive System Disruptions: Persistent nausea, frequent vomiting, loss of appetite, and stomach cramps
  • Sleep and Energy Disturbances: Severe insomnia, extreme fatigue, restlessness, and difficulty staying still
  • Cardiovascular Changes: Rapid heart rate, blood pressure fluctuations, and heart palpitations
  • Neurological Responses: Hand tremors, full-body trembling, dilated pupils, headaches, and muscle tension

These physical symptoms can significantly impact your daily functioning. Simple tasks become challenging as your body works to reestablish its natural balance. The intensity of these symptoms varies based on factors like:

  1. Duration of substance use
  2. Amount typically consumed
  3. Individual health conditions
  4. Age
  5. Overall physical condition

The combination of these symptoms can be overwhelming, making it difficult to maintain proper hydration, nutrition, and rest. Your body becomes vulnerable during this period, requiring careful monitoring and support. Medical supervision helps prevent complications and ensures your safety throughout the detox process.

Professional detox facilities provide round-the-clock care to monitor these physical symptoms. Medical staff can quickly respond to any concerning changes in your condition, adjusting treatment protocols as needed to keep you comfortable and safe.

Psychological Effects During Detox

The psychological challenges during detox can be as intense as physical symptoms. You’ll experience significant emotional shifts as your brain chemistry adjusts to functioning without substances. Common psychological effects include:

  • Anxiety and Depression: These emotions intensify during detox as your brain’s natural chemical balance restores
  • Mood Swings: Rapid shifts between irritability, sadness, and temporary euphoria
  • Mental Fog: Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
  • Memory Issues: Short-term memory problems and confusion
  • Intense Cravings: Strong psychological urges to use substances

Your mental health plays a crucial role in successful recovery. The psychological symptoms you experience during detox can trigger:

  • Sleep Disturbances: Racing thoughts affecting your rest patterns
  • Social Withdrawal: Feeling isolated or disconnected from others
  • Emotional Numbness: Temporary inability to process or express feelings
  • Anxiety Attacks: Sudden onset of panic or overwhelming worry

These psychological effects stem from your brain adapting to new chemical patterns. Professional support helps you navigate these challenges through:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Mindfulness Techniques
  • Group Support Sessions
  • Individual Counseling
  • Stress Management Tools

Mental health monitoring during detox ensures your psychological symptoms receive proper attention and treatment alongside physical care.

Detox at West Valley

Front of Tarzana location rehab and detox center

At West Valley Detox, we understand how important the detoxification process is. Our specialized team is here to provide you with comprehensive support throughout your recovery journey, making sure that your comfort and safety are always our top priorities.

Our Professional Detox Services Include:

  • 24/7 medical supervision by experienced healthcare professionals
  • Personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs
  • Comfortable, private rooms designed for recovery
  • Nutritional support and wellness programs
  • Dual diagnosis treatment capabilities

Medical Support and Monitoring

Your safety during detox is our top priority. Our medical team will regularly check your vital signs to make sure any complications are dealt with right away. We use advanced monitoring equipment and maintain direct communication with local emergency services.

Comfort Measures

We offer various comfort measures to help manage withdrawal symptoms:

  • Medication-assisted treatment when appropriate, which is crucial as substance use can significantly impact mental health
  • Therapeutic activities
  • Comfortable bedding and temperature control
  • Quiet spaces for rest and reflection
  • Nutritious meals designed for recovery, as proper nutrition can greatly aid in the recovery process according to CDC’s resources

Your Journey Starts Here

Starting detox can feel overwhelming – you don’t have to face it alone. Our admission process is straightforward and confidential. We accept most major insurance providers and can verify your benefits within hours.

Take the First Step:

  1. Call our confidential helpline
  2. Speak with our admissions team
  3. Complete a brief medical assessment
  4. Begin your supervised detox program

Why Choose Professional Detox?

Professional detox provides crucial benefits that home detox cannot match:

  • Immediate medical intervention if needed
  • Proper medication management, which is part of our medication-assisted treatment strategy
  • Safe, trigger-free environment
  • Professional emotional support
  • Structured transition to ongoing treatment

Ready to start your recovery journey? Our admissions team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and guide you through the process. Your new life awaits – reach out today.

Contact Our Admissions Team

Your recovery is our priority. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Detox at West Valley

At West Valley Detox, we provide comprehensive medical supervision throughout your detoxification journey. Our experienced medical team ensures your safety with 24/7 monitoring and personalized care plans tailored to your specific needs.

Our facility features:

  • Private, comfortable rooms designed for optimal recovery
  • Licensed medical professionals on-site
  • Customized medication protocols
  • Nutritional support and wellness programs
  • Individual therapy sessions

You’ll receive immediate medical attention for withdrawal symptoms, allowing you to focus on your recovery in a safe, supportive environment. Our evidence-based approach combines medical expertise with compassionate care to guide you through the challenging first days of detox. We understand each person’s journey is unique – that’s why we create individualized treatment plans addressing both physical and emotional aspects of withdrawal.

Taking that first courageous step towards recovery can be difficult, but West Valley Detox is here to support you on your journey to healing. If you’re ready to begin this transformative process, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Ari Labowitz

Ari serves as the Clinical Director at West Valley Detox Treatment. He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California and Idaho, holding a master’s degree in clinical psychology (M.A.). He approaches therapy from a strengths-based, humanistic perspective, fostering a safe and supportive environment for growth. With extensive expertise in drug and alcohol treatment, Ari has consulted for numerous recovery centers and brings a tailored approach to therapy, working with individuals, couples, and families to address unique challenges while emphasizing strengths. His diverse experience spans private practice, high schools, counseling centers, and corporate settings.

Ara Gemilyan

Ara Gemilyan is the CEO and co-founder of Celebrated Consulting Inc., the parent company of West Valley Detox Treatment. With a distinguished background in real estate, development, and international business, Ara brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit to our organization. His personal experience, having lost his best friend to substance use, gives him a profound understanding of the devastating impact of addiction, driving his commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected.

Spiritual Practices

West Valley Detox & Treatment Services provides a diverse range of traditions and rituals tailored practices to nurture clients’ inner growth and healing. These spiritual
practices incorporate meditation, prayer, mindfulness, and exploration of spiritual
teachings to aid our clients in cultivating a deeper connection with themselves and their beliefs.

Nutritional Healing

At West Valley Detox & Treatment Services, we offer tailored dietary guidance and education so that our clients may discover the power of nourishing their bodies with nutrient-rich foods that support physical vitality and mental clarity. This approach highlights the link between diet and emotional equilibrium, empowering clients to

Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation are cultivated through focused attention on bodily sensations, thoughts, and emotions. At West Valley Detox & Treatment Services, our clinicians guide our clients through this daily transformative process to promote concentration and clarity, enhancing their recovery process while harnessing a sense of calmness.

Holistic Movement Therapy

Holistic Movement Therapy combines physical activity with mindfulness. This experiential therapy is often included in our treatment at West Valley Detox & Treatment Services to support our clients in developing body awareness, reducing stress, and promoting a harmonious mind-body connection. Holistic movement includes mental, emotional, social, and/or spiritual components through practices such as yoga, tai chi, and dance, etc.