Nitrous oxide, often referred to as laughing gas, has found its place in both medical applications and recreational use. While it offers temporary euphoria, the misuse of nitrous oxide can lead to dependence and addiction. Detoxifying from nitrous oxide is crucial to regaining control over one’s life and ensuring long-term recovery. Understanding how to detox from nitrous oxide can provide individuals with helpful information on what to expect when seeking help.
Why Detoxing from Nitrous Oxide Matters
Detoxing from nitrous oxide is crucial due to the potential physical and neurological harm this substance can cause when misused. Prolonged use can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency, nerve damage, and severe cognitive impairments.
The euphoric and dissociative effects of nitrous oxide make it enticing for illicit use, leading to habitual use and addiction. Nitrous oxide addiction necessitates detox in order to regain control over one’s life. Recognizing the importance of detox is the first step toward healing and recovery.
Signs You May Need a Nitrous Oxide Detox
Recognizing the signs that indicate a need for nitrous oxide detox is vital to prevent continued misuse of this substance. Some common signs to look for include:
- Frequent carvings for nitrous oxide: An increased need to want to use nitrous oxide for its euphoric effects or to feel normal.
- Adverse physical symptoms: Tingling and numbness in the extremities, dizziness, and difficulty waking can indicate potential nerve damage caused by frequent use.
- Development of mental health issues: Prolonged nitrous oxide use can cause anxiety, depression, paranoia, and psychosis.
- Neglecting responsibilities: Preferring to use nitrous oxide instead of working, going to school, or taking care of other responsibilities.
- Relationship problems: Getting into arguments over one’s nitrous oxide use, withdrawing from family and friends, and having difficulties maintaining relationships.
- Lack of personal hygiene: Ignoring personal hygiene, like bathing or changing clothes.
- Mood swings and irritability: Experiencing frequent mood swings and feeling irritable when not using nitrous oxide.
How to Detox from Nitrous Oxide
How to detox from nitrous oxide safely requires seeking professional medical help. Attempting to detox at home is rarely successful. The withdrawal symptoms experienced during detox are unpleasant and can become intense. Without medical supervision and management, people are more likely to relapse and return to using nitrous oxide.
Medically supervised detox provides a safe, supportive, and caring environment with round-the-clock supervision. Medical professionals, counselors, and other addiction specialists assist people in managing their withdrawal symptoms. People in a detox treatment facility also have access to counseling, therapy, nutritional meals, and holistic therapies. These are all vital for a successful detox.
What to Expect During Nitrous Oxide Withdrawal
The symptoms experienced during nitrous oxide withdrawal vary from person to person. The frequency and duration of use and the amount taken are all factors. Withdrawal symptoms usually start within the first 24 hours after last use. They will continue to increase in intensity and frequency until they peak in about 3 or 4 days. However, it could take up to a week.
Once they peak, the symptoms gradually decrease until they are fully subsided, usually in about a week or two. Some people may also experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). PAWS is where the psychological withdrawal symptoms, like cravings, depression, or anxiety, persist. These can last for several more months or sometimes longer but do eventually subside.
Some of the more common withdrawal symptoms associated with nitrous oxide detox are:
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Sleep disturbances
- Fatigue
- Lethargy
- Headaches
- Flu-like symptoms
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
- Disorientation
The Benefits of Professional Detox Support
There are numerous benefits of professional detox support when quitting nitrous oxide. Supervise detox provides access to healthcare and mental health professionals to monitor symptoms closely. They also offer support in helping people manage them.
Another benefit is access to evidence-based and holistic therapeutic modalities during detox. Participating in individual and group counseling, yoga, meditation, and other therapies helps lay a solid recovery foundation.
People also benefit from not having outside distractions to worry about during detox. The added stress people face from outside influences can often lead to relapse. Without these and the added stress, people can focus entirely on their detox treatment.
Another benefit of medically supervised detox is medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT is the use of FDA-approved medications to help alleviate the more unpleasant and intense withdrawal symptoms.
Additionally, the risk of relapse is eliminated while receiving professional detox support. Since the person is at a detox treatment center, they will not be tempted to start using again. This allows them to complete detox successfully.
Finding the Right Treatment for Long-Term Recovery
Finding the right treatment for long-term recovery requires comprehensive treatment tailored to the individual’s unique needs. When looking for nitrous oxide detox, look for a treatment program that incorporates medical care alongside evidence-based and holistic therapies.
Individuals should look for a detox program that offers access to or referrals to continue their treatment post-detox. Some detox centers also provide aftercare services for continued support. Most importantly, the detox facility should meet the recovery and treatment goals of the individual.
Find Nitrous Oxide Detox in Pompano Beach, FL
Detoxing from nitrous oxide is a vital step on the path to recovery. Understanding how to detox from nitrous oxide safely and successfully will result in lasting sobriety. If you are struggling with nitrous oxide addiction, help is available at Retreat of Broward. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive, personalized detox treatment programs or to start the admissions process.
