Withdrawal symptoms can trap people in the cycle of addiction. For many, a medically supervised detox program offers the safest and most effective way to begin the journey toward lasting recovery. At North Port Behavioral Health in North Port, Florida, we offer comprehensive, on-site detoxification services for adults age 18 and older.
Understanding Detoxification
Detoxification, more commonly referred to as detox, is a service that is designed to help individuals safely eliminate addictive substances from their bodies with minimal discomfort. At our Florida hospital, we offer medically monitored detox services on-site, providing each patient with tailored care that meets their clinical needs.
When someone develops an addiction to alcohol, opioids, or other drugs, their body becomes dependent on these substances. Attempting to quit or cut back on use suddenly can trigger uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous physical and psychological reactions, which is known as withdrawal.
Our detox program provides comprehensive medical and therapeutic support to help patients safely go through the withdrawal process. After completing detox, patients can seamlessly transition to the next phase of treatment, reducing the risk for relapse and helping them build a solid foundation for early recovery.
What To Expect During Withdrawal
Withdrawal experiences vary based on several factors, including the substance being used, the length of time it has been used, and the amount consumed. In certain cases, withdrawal can lead to serious health risks, which is why professional supervision is essential.
Physical withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Exhaustion
 
- Muscle aches
 
- Bone pain
 
- Watery eyes
 
- Nasal discharge
 
- Persistent headaches
 
- Severe stomach cramping
 
- Nausea, vomiting, and upset stomach
 
- Heavy sweating
 
- Labored breathing
 
- Fluctuations in body temperature
 
- Elevated heart rate
 
- Sleep disturbances
 
- Shaking and tremors
 
- Seizures
 
Psychological symptoms of withdrawal can include:
- Intense cravings for the substance
 
- Unpredictable mood changes
 
- Restlessness and irritability
 
- Heightened anxiety
 
- Episodes of depression or overwhelming sadness
 
- Mental fog and disorientation
 
- Paranoid thoughts
 
- Sensory hallucinations
 
- Delusions
 
Attempting to quit using substances without professional support can feel impossible. The knowledge that using again would provide immediate relief from the distress of withdrawal symptoms often causes people to go back to substance use.
In our detox program, patients don’t have access to the substances they’re trying to stop using. Instead, they’re in a safe, supportive environment where experienced professionals monitor their health and manage their discomfort throughout the process.
Who Can Receive Care in Our Florida Detox Program?
Care in our detox program is available for people who meet the following criteria:
- Age 18 and older
 
- Suffering from an active addiction to drugs or alcohol
 
- At risk for experiencing significant withdrawal symptoms if substance use ends
 
We evaluate admissions requests individually, carefully reviewing each person’s history and specific needs to determine if our detox program in North Port, Florida, is right for them.
Features of Our Detox Program in North Port
Patients in our detox program receive care in a comfortable, closely monitored setting where safety is prioritized. Patients benefit from 24/7 care that is delivered by a multidisciplinary team of skilled, compassionate professionals, including nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and medical doctors.
While in detox, patients have access to the following services:
- Medication management services: Patients can meet with a psychiatrist daily for medication management services while receiving care in our detox program.
 
- Individual therapy: One-on-one, confidential sessions with a clinician are available for patients in our detox program.
 
- Family therapy: Clinicians at our Florida hospital offer family therapy on an as-needed or as-requested basis.
 
- Group therapy: Patients take part in group therapy daily while in our detox program. We offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), 12-Step, process, and psychoeducation groups. While in these group therapy sessions, patients have the opportunity to talk about a variety of topics, including abstinence, coping skills, and motivational progress.
 
- Experiential therapies: Daily experiential therapies are offered in our detox program, including music, art, and recreational therapies.
 
At our North Port, Florida, hospital, we have the ability to prescribe medications that help reduce cravings and ease certain withdrawal symptoms. Medications that are available to those in our program include Subutex, methadone, and Suboxone®.
Why Choose Our Detox Program?
Choosing to participate in the detox program at our North Port, Florida, hospital offers many benefits:
Safety and protection: Active addiction puts people at constant risk for harm. The moment a person enters our detox program, they are in a secure environment where their health and well-being become our top priorities. Throughout their stay, experienced professionals monitor their progress and ensure their safety.
Building confidence: Untreated addiction can deteriorate a person’s self-esteem and sense of self-worth. By successfully completing detox, patients meet a significant milestone that helps them see that they are capable of achieving difficult goals. This accomplishment can fuel their motivation as they face future recovery challenges, helping them develop a success-oriented mindset that serves them throughout their recovery journey.
Physical and mental health improvements: When someone stops using drugs or alcohol, their health instantly begins improving. Our detox program provides the foundation patients need to regain their strength, stamina, and mental clarity.
Finding support and understanding: Addiction creates isolation, severing connections with friends, family, and other important support systems. It may convince people that no one understands their struggles or cares enough to help. Our detox program breaks through this isolation. Patients work with compassionate professionals who genuinely care about their recovery. Through group therapy, patients also get to connect with others who are working toward similar goals, discovering the powerful healing that happens in community.
Take the First Step Today
Recovery begins with a single decision. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use and is ready to break free from addiction, our detox program can provide the safe, supportive start you need.
To schedule an assessment, call our admissions team, have your provider send a referral, or walk in anytime, 24/7. We’re here to help you begin your journey toward lasting recovery.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical team at North Port Behavioral Health.