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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?
Detox is an important first step in many people’s recovery journey, and involves discontinuing use of an addictive substance and going through withdrawal.
A polysubstance detox is defined as withdrawing from more than one substance at the same time. Many patients have a fear about coming off of multiple substances at once, and think that they should only withdraw from one at a time. What we have found is that patients who come off of all their substances at the same time tend to be more successful at remaining off the substances rather than detoxing from one after the other.
Detoxifying from multiple substances presents a number of potentially fatal medical risks, psychological challenges, and unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. It should not be attempted without medical supervision and the proper prescription medications to manage withdrawal symptoms such as high blood pressure, anxiety, and seizures.
With Gallus’ 10 years of experience, we are experts in the field of medical detox. Using our IV and oral medication protocol, we specialize in treatment for polysubstance abuse. With lowered patient withdrawal symptoms and shorter average lengths of stay, our substance use disorder treatment program has proven effective for individuals with wide range of addictions and mental health disorders.
If you are struggling with a substance abuse issue, or if you have been mixing alcohol or prescription medication with other substances, it is important to seek professional help. Speak with a member of our team confidentially today to learn about our comprehensive addiction treatment program for polysubstance abuse.
GETTING HELP
How do I know if I need polysubstance detox?
Substance abuse occurs when an individual uses illicit drugs (such as heroin or cocaine) or when they use alcohol and prescription drugs outside of their recommended or intended use. Alcohol and drug addiction may also occur in conjunction with substance abuse. In fact, substance addiction risk increases when a person regularly uses more than one drug at a time.
If you or a loved one are abusing multiple drugs (including alcohol), then it is categorized as polysubstance abuse or polysubstance dependence, and you should seek professional treatment. If you are struggling with using more than one substance, you can detox off of them all at once. There is no benefit in detoxing from one substance at a time, and it is often easier to overcome physical dependence and complete the detox process for all substances together.
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.