Have substances taken control of your life? Are you looking for a way to gain that control back?
If this is weighing heavily on your mind, you’re not alone. In 2022, 976,000 people in Texas received substance use disorder treatment. Many substances lead to challenging periods of withdrawal, and if you or someone you love is experiencing that, detox is almost always necessary. This crisis rarely occurs when it is convenient, so SUN Behavioral Health Houston solves unmet needs by offering 24/7 crisis care. We’ll get you started with drug detox whenever you decide to take that next step.
A substance use disorder is when someone frequently consumes a substance to the point where it impacts their lives, such as health, relationships, and quality of life. Substance use disorders can also be life-threatening and have a high risk of overdose. Any substance can result in the development of a substance use disorder. Common ones may include heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, or benzodiazepines, but they are not limited to those substances.
Some signs may include:
The purpose of drug detox is to help people safely eliminate substances from their bodies and manage withdrawal symptoms as they recover from a substance use disorder. Due to the potential dangers of withdrawal symptoms, participating in a drug detox can help minimize these risks. At SUN Behavioral Health Houston, people participating in our drug detox will undergo an evaluation, stabilization, and preparation for further treatment.
During the evaluation component of drug detox, we will perform a detailed examination of your medical and psychological condition and screen for substances in your system. We will collaborate with your doctors, you, and previous assessments or treatments you have had to design a treatment plan for your individual needs.
Stabilization provides a supportive environment where you can achieve stability and comprehensive support. This component of drug detox may incorporate medication, education about treatment and recovery, or a combination of both. The specifics of your stabilization experience will be determined based on your evaluation and the collaborative decisions made by your medical team regarding the most suitable plan for your needs.
Towards the end of your drug detox, you will experience preparation for further treatment. This component equips you for the next steps in your treatment and recovery. You will learn the importance of ongoing treatment when it comes to recovering from a substance use disorder during this component.
Substance use disorder treatment at SUN Behavioral Health Houston begins with an inpatient detox. This service is available to adults aged 18 and older. We will collaborate with you, your healthcare providers, your treatment background, and any assessments you’ve completed as we design the best action plan tailored to your needs. Detox provides a secure and supportive environment where you can manage your withdrawal symptoms.
Our skilled medical professionals offer support and assistance if any challenges or complications arise during your detox process. During your time at SUN Behavioral Health Houston for inpatient detox, you will have the opportunity to establish stability in your life before you transition into further treatment. The duration of your detox stay will depend on factors such as the substance you are recovering from and your individual needs.
After detox, many people may require additional support or may not feel prepared to return home and resume their usual routines. Inpatient treatment offers additional stability following detox as well as initiates the treatment process for a substance use disorder. During inpatient treatment, you will receive structured care for your substance use disorder and any co-occurring mental health concerns. Typically, patients will stay at our inpatient program for 7 to 14 days before transitioning to an outpatient program.
Once you have completed inpatient treatment, many people continue their substance use disorder treatment through outpatient programs. Our focus during outpatient treatment is to continue addressing substance use and mental health disorders. SUN Behavioral Health Houston offers two levels of outpatient programming: partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programming. We do not provide traditional outpatient programming at SUN Behavioral Health Houston.
Your time in either outpatient program depends on your unique treatment plan and how quickly or slowly you are progressing. Treatment progresses differently for each individual, so no two people will experience it the same way.
Our partial hospitalization program (PHP) is our highest outpatient level of care. This level of care extends your treatment following inpatient care as you form connections and discover skills that will allow you to find recovery. For those who are ready to live at home but would still benefit from highly intensive care, PHP may be the best option.
The lowest outpatient level we offer at SUN Behavioral Health Houston is our intensive outpatient program (IOP). This program meets less during the week, allowing you to transition back to your responsibilities while you continue to receive treatment and build skills and techniques.
Detoxification Timeline |
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Substance Category |
Common Substances in Category | Onset of Symptoms After Last Dose | Peak Intensity of Symptoms | Average Total Length of Time |
Opioids |
Heroin, morphine, fentanyl |
8-24 hours |
24-48 hours |
7-14 days |
Benzodiazepines |
Oxazepam, alprazolam, temazepam |
1-2 days |
1-7 days |
2-4 weeks |
Stimulants |
Methamphetamine, amphetamine, cocaine |
1-4 days |
Within the first few days to the first week |
1-4 weeks |
Just like how different substances can have individual timelines for detox, substances can also have varying symptoms. Most people do not experience all of the symptoms possible for a given substance. They also don’t always experience the same combination. For example, if you and a friend both took the same opioids, you might not both have the same combination of withdrawal symptoms. You might have anxiety, insomnia, and muscle cramps, while your friend has insomnia, nausea, and diarrhea. Below are some of the most common substances and their symptoms.
Common opioid withdrawal symptoms:
Common benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms:
Common stimulant withdrawal symptoms:
Withdrawal symptoms are often highly uncomfortable. However, participating in a detox program like SUN Behavioral Health Houston allows you to connect with medical professionals. These professionals will closely observe your progress, administer medications if needed, and recommend activities to improve your comfort and make it easier to manage.
Several complications can arise during withdrawal, and having medical staff available to provide you with support and medical treatment can lower the chances of those complications worsening. In some instances, you have a risk of experiencing symptoms like seizures and hallucinations, which trained medical professionals can manage and monitor.
Deciding to detox at home increases your likelihood of returning to use compared to detoxing at a facility. A return to use puts you at a higher risk of experiencing an overdose. An overdose occurs after a return to use because people will often believe they can take the same amount they would consume before, but their bodies no longer tolerate higher doses.
Embarking on the journey to overcome a substance use disorder may feel intimidating. If you have a long history with substances, the idea of life without them may leave you feeling uncertain of who you are. However, taking that initial step can bring a sense of newfound freedom and confidence. While the road to recovery may have various challenges, attending our detox program will ensure your recovery is successful.
SUN Behavioral Health Houston solves unmet needs in Houston, TX. If you have a mental health concern in addition to a substance use disorder, we also treat co-occurring disorders. Call us at 713-796-2273 today if you have any questions or wish to start your substance use disorder recovery.