The term “withdrawal” related to drugs and alcohol is most often associated with heroin or other powerful opioid medications. The physical reactions that a person experience’s when they are unable to use a substance that causes physical dependency, such as heroin or fentanyl, or OxyContin. Withdrawal, or drug withdrawal syndrome or substance withdrawal syndrome, is the physical, mental, and emotional symptoms that occur upon the abrupt discontinuation or decrease in the intake of certain substances, which can be used medicinally or recreationally. As an example, if a regular user of heroin abruptly stops using heroin, they begin to have both physical and mental symptoms, such as hot and cold sweats, muscle aches, and anxiety. Almost all drugs and alcohol, when [...]

When we think about addiction treatment and drug detox, most often we think in terms of a single drug or a person's “drug of choice”. But the reality is that most people grappling with a substance use disorder are using more than one substance when they enter detox.  This article from Innovo Detox takes a look at polysubstance abuse and the impact that combining different drugs and alcohol can have on the detox and recovery process.  What is Polysubstance Abuse and What Does it Look Like? Polysubstance abuse refers to the misuse of more than one drug or type of drug (including alcohol) within a certain period. The term is derived from the prefix "poly-" meaning "many”. The phenomenon of [...]

With Thanksgiving recently passing, currently celebrating Hanukkah, and Christmas and New Year’s quickly approaching, the holiday season is filled with excitement, joy, and promise of a festive few weeks and a new year to come. However, for many people, the holiday season can also be synonymous with excesses and indulgence, especially related to alcohol or drugs. Families also can feel stress during the holiday season, preparing to deal with a loved one’s addiction or alcoholism. Embracing a Sober Approach to the Holiday On a more positive note, in recent years there has been a growing movement towards embracing sobriety during the holidays, with trends like “Sober October” or “Dry January” getting popular, and more people seeking sobriety. This often is [...]

We are excited to announce the addition of Julie Vance, CRNP, to the Innovo Detox staff as a new Nurse Practitioner. Julie will join our medical team, consisting of Medical Director and psychiatrist Dr. Alok Saharan, M.D, Director of Nursing Leah Christman, RN, Nurse Practitioner Philip Walters, CRNP, and our nursing staff of registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in delivering the highest quality of comprehensive medical care for our patients in detox, extended medical stabilization, and addiction treatment. Julie was in school as a nursing student at Bowling Green State University and Ohio State University, before becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse. She then went on receive her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, graduating Cum Laude, from York [...]

Most people think of only the medical portion of a drug and alcohol detox. An individual suffering from addiction or substance use disorder will often look at detox as the process of getting through withdrawal symptoms and becoming physically free of substances, and therefore will admit into a drug and alcohol detox facility for the medical care, support, and necessary detox medications. Why Counseling and Therapy After a Detox is Vital for Patients There is no question that 24/7 medical care and support from doctors and nurses is key to creating a safe, supportive, comfortable environment in order to detox from drugs and alcohol, and having medical supervision to administer medications absolutely aids in a safer, more comfortable environment. However, [...]

Detoxing from Delta-8 THC is essential when regular use of Delta-8 THC leads to tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal that disrupt daily life. Delta-8, a hemp-derived cannabinoid with psychoactive effects, binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, altering mood, sleep, and cognition. Delta-8 THC is marketed as a milder alternative to Delta-9 THC, but research shows that frequent use of Delta-8 can trigger the same withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, insomnia, cravings, and mood swings. These symptoms complicate recovery without support.  The detox process for Delta-8 THC helps the body eliminate THC, stabilize withdrawal symptoms, and prepare individuals for structured treatment through counseling, relapse-prevention planning, and community-based support. Early intervention strengthens long-term outcomes by reducing relapse risk and addressing co-occurring mental [...]

The misuse of drugs and alcohol is a prevalent issue in today’s society, especially with the increased mental health challenges Americans have been facing since the beginning of COVID-19. Using substances often carries serious consequences for individuals, families, and communities. The use of drugs and alcohol is often described using various terms, some of the more known or popular being “drug addiction”, “substance use disorder”, “drug misuse”, and “drug abuse.” Each of them represents distinct issues and stages of problematic substance use. First, it is important to look at the term “drug abuse.” This is a commonly used term by people, although like the term “addict”, it carries with it a heavy stigma. Throughout informed or educated individuals that work [...]

Adderall is a prescription that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1996. A combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, which are two central nervous system stimulants, Adderall is often prescribed to treat both children and adults that are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD.) It can also be prescribed to treat patients that have narcolepsy. Most individuals use Adderall because it helps them stay focused, complete tasks, or combat the symptoms of ADHD. ADHD is often demonstrated by behaviors that include inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness, and includes symptoms such as: Being unable to sit still, especially in calm or quiet settings Being unable to concentrate on tasks or activities Constantly fidgeting Excessive talking Excessive physical movement [...]

Unfortunately, when most people think of a drug and alcohol detox, they picture a rundown building that is overcrowded and understaffed. They think of uncomfortable beds, bad food, and minimum services that support patient care. They think of a place to just get through withdrawals. Sometimes, they think of a psych ward in a hospital. Regardless, the picture that most people have in their head of what a detox for drugs and alcohol looks like is not pretty, comforting, inviting, or safe. Additionally, most people believe that in order to access a high quality, luxury detox center that includes private rooms, 5 Star meals, and comfortable amenities, they would need to be wealthy. A stigma has developed in the area [...]

Innovo Detox is excited to announce the promotion of Robert Adams to the role of Director of Support Services. In this new role, Robert will be stepping into the management team here at Innovo Detox and taking a supervisory role overseeing the staff of Therapeutic Assistants (TAs) on our recovery support staff. Robert’s higher education at Towson University and extensive experience in both retail management and human resources were a long way from landing in a position working with individuals struggling with addiction, substance use disorders, and co-occurring mental health disorders. However, an important strength needed in all aspects of behavioral health, but especially in direct patient care that comes from working in a recovery support staff role, is the [...]

We are excited to announce the addition of Dee Dee Brody to the Innovo Detox staff as our new Continuing Care Coordinator. Dee Dee will join Mike Kessler, Director of Continuing Care at Innovo Detox, to provide comprehensive case management and aftercare planning services for patients to ensure the next steps in their treatment and recovery journey. Dee Dee joins Innovo Detox will a vast experience working within the healthcare field. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps as an Aviation Operations Specialist, she initially joined the medical field after discharge as a Case Management Nurse, working for a large hospital system in central Pennsylvania. In that role, she demonstrated much of the responsibilities that will make her uniquely [...]