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MEDICAL TREATMENTS
Polysubstance Detox
It is common for individuals with a substance use disorder to struggle with addiction to more than one drug at a time. For example, a person with an alcohol addiction may also abuse prescription drugs or use illicit drugs in combination with alcohol or on their own. This is known as polysubstance abuse.
Taking multiple substances at the same time can lead to fatal overdose and life threatening drug interactions. However, despite the risks of mixing drugs, many people find themselves unable to stop without experiencing painful withdrawal symptoms.
It is important for those struggling with polysubstance abuse to detox from all substances at once order to maximize the chance of recovery. If you or a loved one are seeking a substance abuse treatment program or detox that can treat multiple addictions simultaneously, reach out to Gallus Detox for more information. The clinical team at our addiction treatment center specializes in helping individuals safely detox and heal from polysubstance abuse.
What is Polysubstance Detox?
Polysubstance detox is often the first and most critical step toward long-term recovery for individuals struggling with addiction to multiple substances at the same time. Whether someone is combining alcohol with prescription medications, opioids with benzodiazepines, or stimulants with other drugs, withdrawing from multiple substances simultaneously can create complex and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms that require professional medical care.
At Gallus Medical Detox Centers, our medically supervised polysubstance detox program is designed to help individuals safely stabilize while minimizing the physical and psychological discomfort associated with withdrawal. Many people fear detoxing from more than one substance at once and assume they must stop each drug separately. However, our clinical experience has shown that patients who complete a comprehensive polysubstance detox together often experience stronger long-term recovery outcomes than those who attempt to detox one substance at a time.
Studies from the National Library of Medicine, detoxing from multiple substances can increase the risk of severe complications such as seizures, dangerously high blood pressure, heart irregularities, panic attacks, hallucinations, and other life-threatening medical concerns. Because withdrawal symptoms can rapidly change depending on the substances involved, polysubstance detox should never be attempted alone or without medical supervision. Our experienced team uses evidence-based IV therapies, oral medications, and around-the-clock monitoring to help manage symptoms safely and comfortably throughout the detox process.
With more than 10 years of experience in medical detoxification, Gallus Medical Detox Centers specializes in treating complex polysubstance abuse and co-occurring mental health conditions. Our advanced detox protocols are designed to reduce withdrawal severity, improve patient comfort, and support shorter, more effective stabilization periods so individuals can begin focusing on long-term healing and recovery.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction involving multiple substances, professional help is available. Contact our team today to learn more about our comprehensive polysubstance detox program and how we can help you safely begin the path toward recovery.
GETTING HELP
How Do I know if I Need Polysubstance Detox?
It is not always easy to recognize when substance use has progressed to the point where professional detox is necessary—especially when multiple substances are involved. Many individuals struggling with polysubstance abuse minimize the severity of their use because they may not rely on one substance alone. However, combining drugs or alcohol can significantly increase both the physical dangers of withdrawal and the risk of overdose.
You may need polysubstance detox if you regularly use more than one substance at the same time or within short periods of each other. Common examples include mixing alcohol with benzodiazepines, opioids with stimulants, prescription medications with recreational drugs, or using substances to “balance out” the effects of another. Even substances that may seem manageable on their own can become dangerous when combined.
Polysubstance Detox and Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawing from more than one drug at the same time can result in a number of symptoms, depending on the length of the substance abuse, the types of substances used, the dosage, and the person’s physical and mental health.
Common withdrawal symptoms related to polysubstance abuse include:
- Sweating
- Nausea/vomiting
- Tremors
- Racing heart
- High blood pressure
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Respiratory depression
- Hallucinations
- Muscle aches and cramping
- Seizures
Commonly Abused Substance Combinations
Polysubstance abuse is fairly common, despite the negative consequences of mixing multiple drugs.
Commonly abused drug combinations include:
- Alcohol and stimulants
- Opioids and stimulants
- Alcohol and opioids
- Alcohol and prescription drugs
- Alcohol and hallucinogenics
Combining drugs can lead to potentially life threatening consequences such as respiratory depression, mental illness, alcohol poisoning, increased sedative effects, and overdose deaths. In addition, taking multiple drugs or mixing substances increases the risk for physical dependence and addiction.
The Gallus Method of Polysubstance Detox
At Gallus Medical Detox, we look at the whole person, their situation, and how polysubstance use will affect the body and brain during detox. We customize a detox plan based on what the patient is withdrawing from, and make sure that we are treating all symptoms while still detoxing them safely.
As a Center of Excellence, we understand the withdrawal process from each substance and can treat each of these processes effectively and simultaneously. Many symptoms are similar and are treated the same way, and detox from multiple substances is usually no more uncomfortable than detoxing from one. The length of stay at our treatment facility may be increased when detoxing off of multiple substances, but the patient’s experience will still be comfortable and tailored to their needs.
We offer safe, effective, and personalized treatment for substance abuse known as the Gallus Method.
The key features of Gallus Medical Detox include:
Get Help for a Substance Use Disorder
The decision to seek treatment for polysubstance use or polysubstance abuse is a courageous one. Whether you are abusing prescription drugs, illicit drugs, alcohol, or other substances, our experienced team can help you safely and effectively detox. We believe there is always hope for recovery, no matter what a person’s history and background.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, call Gallus today at (888) 306-3122.
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We have addiction treatment centers across the United States, find a location near you
Starting Over Can Start Today. Reach out to our team at (888) 306-3122.