Detox is the first stage in getting clean and sober. During this period most people will experience withdrawal symptoms of some kind. The symptoms, and severity of the symptoms, vary from person to person depending on which substance was abused, for how long and in what quantity. Withdrawal symptoms for some substances, especially alcohol and benzodiazepine, can be uncomfortable and in some cases, if not managed correctly, can be fatal.

At the Lighthouse Bali we offer medical detox programs for all substance abuse users. A medical detox is strongly recommended for safety in some cases and for comfort and increased chances of success in all cases. Below are some of the common withdrawal symptoms associated with different substances. If you have already tried to detox at home and have experienced any of these symptoms, then a medical detox is essential.

Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS) has a number of symptoms. Many of these symptoms also commonly apply for withdrawal from other substances:

• Tremors and shaking
• Anxiety and/or panic attacks
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Increased heart rate
• Sweating
• Irritability and confusion
• Insomnia and/or nightmares
• High blood pressure
• Hallucinations
• Seizures

Methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the individual and their using habits. Here are some of the most common symptoms:

• Anxiety
• Fatigue and/or sleepiness
• Insomnia despite exhaustion
• Muscle cramping
• Muscle weakness
• Headaches from dehydration
• Depression, feelings of sadness and hopelessness, lack of motivation
• Psychosis
• Decreased appetite

Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be a difficult and dangerous process if not managed correctly. A slow, tapering medical detox is essential for long term or heavy users. Common withdrawal symptoms include:

• Feelings of anxiety and being ‘on-edge’, which can last up to several weeks
• Insomnia
• Restlessness and/or irritability
• Hand tremors and muscle spasms
• Headaches
• Sweating
• Racing pulse
• Hyperventilation
• Nausea and / or vomiting
• Aches and pains
• Panic attacks
• Hypersensitivity to stimuli like light and touch
• Abnormal bodily sensations (skin-crawling, goose bumps)
• Depression
• Problems with concentration and memory
• Visual disturbances (flashes of light or blurred vision)
• Auditory, tactile, or visual hallucinations
• Delirium and / or feelings of unreality
• Grand mal seizures

Opioids of all types share some common withdrawal symptoms which can be more safely and comfortably managed through a medical detox. In some cases, opioid withdrawal symptoms can be extremely dangerous. Common symptoms include:

Early symptoms:

• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Muscle aches
• Increased tearing
• Insomnia
• Runny nose
• Sweating
• Yawning

Late Symptoms:

• Abdominal cramping
• Diarrhoea
• Dilated pupils
• Goose bumps
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Detox Duration and Supervision

With the exception of detox from Benzodiazepines, detox treatment typically lasts ten days or less, but in severe cases may be longer. Our Medical Director, who holds two masters degrees from the US, will work with local specialist physicians and hospitals to ensure the safest and most comfortable detox process possible. In most cases, your medical detox will be managed in your own private rehab villa.

Please note that due to the associated risks of withdrawal symptoms, we strongly recommend against attempting an unsupervised detox at home, especially if you have already attempted to detox and have experienced any of the symptoms above.