Hawaii Island Recovery 
At Hawaii Island Recovery, we offer our clients a clear path to detoxing safely with supervised care. With our expert team of staff and board-certified addictionologist, we can assess and identify what the client needs to detox safely and determine the best detox protocol.
Breaking free from addiction can require a medical detox if the symptoms of withdrawal are life-threatening or dangerous. If a client comes to you in need of support, these are some warning signs of dependence and how withdrawal symptoms can become severe.
Warning Signs of Dependence
There are key warning signs of dependence that will be present and may indicate the patient needs a medical detox.
Physical Signs
The physical signs of dependence may include:
- Insomnia or changes in sleep: A person may have insomnia due to the effects of certain substances. They may also sleep more.
- Weight loss or weight gain: A common sign of dependence may be a sudden change in appetite where the individual eats significantly less or more
- Withdrawal symptoms: When a client stops using or significantly cuts down the use of substances, they may experience withdrawal such as nausea, constipation, trembling, or sweating. Withdrawal symptoms will differ based on the substance used, the amount used, and how often it was used.
- Cravings: The client may experience an increase in cravings and find unmanageable ways to use the substance
Psychological Signs
Psychological signs of dependence may include:
- Lack of control: The client may be unable to slow or stop substance use and may become chemically dependent on the drug
- Withdrawal from friends and family: When someone is dependent on a substance, they may spend most of their time obtaining and using the substance. As a result, they may slowly withdraw from friends and family and have less contact or communication. The client may neglect personal hygiene, stop working and completely remove themselves from social circles.
- Mood changes: The client may show increased irritability, angry outbursts, and sudden mood changes. It may be hard for the client to maintain interpersonal relationships and connections.
Behavioral Signs
Some behavioral signs of dependence may include:
- Risky behavior: The client may participate in risky behavior while using or use regardless of the negative consequences or harm to themselves or others. There may also be signs of suspicious behavior such as stealing.
- Compromising health: A person may be experiencing health problems and still use despite the health consequences or damage the substance is causing to the body.
- Secrecy and denial: The client may use the substance in secrecy or solitude and may show signs of denial when approached about it. They may deny they have a problem or believe they have it under control and can quit anytime.
- Unexplained outings: A client can have repeated mysterious outings with a sense of urgency, often to use with minimal contact with friends or family.
Recognizing Substance Use Disorder
The fifth edition of the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual Of Mental Disorders (DSM) defines drug addiction or substance use disorder as a chronic, relapsing brain disorder characterized by a substance-seeking compulsion that exists despite the negative consequences of drug use.
What Are Withdrawal Symptoms?
Withdrawal symptoms are what happens to the body when the client stops or reduces their use of substances. The client may require immediate medical attention if any symptoms are present that are dangerous or life-threatening.
However, with proper care, supervision, and staff who can treat the symptoms, they can successfully recover. According to SAMHSA, detoxification is a set of interventions focused on managing acute intoxication and withdrawal.
After frequent substance use, the client’s brain has rewired and is now physiologically dependent on the substance to feel normal. When a client experiences withdrawal, the body is working to reach a new state of homeostasis as it releases the substance from the body.
As a result, there can be significant fluctuations in brain chemicals and a severe impact on mental and physical health.
How Withdrawal Symptoms Can Become Severe
When working with a client, you want to know what symptoms of withdrawal can become severe to treat the client effectively. Your initial consultation with a client can help you evaluate the signs, symptoms, and severity of withdrawal.
Symptoms of withdrawal that require immediate medical attention include:
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Tremors
- Significant increase or decrease in blood pressure or heart rate
- Abdominal pain
- Upper or lower gastrointestinal bleeding
- Sudden changes in mental state
- High temperature
At Hawaii Island Recovery, we believe recovery from addiction is possible for everyone no matter how many times a client has relapsed or attempted treatment. Clients can detox safely under the care of our expert trained staff and board-certified addictionologist.
At Hawaii Island Recovery, we believe each client has specific needs and know that recovery is a personal and intimate experience. As a result, we offer a personalized plan and a comfortable detox environment. Hawaii Island Recovery is an intimate residential substance abuse treatment facility providing cutting-edge, evidence-based treatment, supervised detox, holistic and experiential therapies for long-term recovery. With a maximum of eight spaces at Hawaii Island Recovery, clients can feel safe and supported in their treatment with chef-made meals, nature walks, holistic health services, and expert care. There is no one size fits all recovery plan at Hawaii Island Recovery. Work with us to co-create a recovery path for your client and be an active participant in their treatment forward. To learn more about our services and how we can help you and your clients create a successful recovery plan, reach out to Hawaii Island Recovery today. Call us at (866) 390-5070.
Get Help Today!
If you or a loved one need help, call Hawaii Island Recovery toll-free right now.
866-390-5070
