When it comes to addiction and recovery, drug detox is a phrase you will hear often. But what is drug detox, and how well do you know about the drug detox process? Let’s find out, shall we?
What Is Drug Detox?
Drug detox or drug detoxification is often referred to as the first step of seeking sobriety. Drug detox is the process of ridding the body of drugs and alcohol.
Addiction rewires the brain so that it starts to think it can’t function without substance use. This is why addicts feel the compulsion to continue using drugs and alcohol regardless of the consequences. Drug detox involves abstaining and weaning the body from alcohol or drug use until the substance is no more in the body system.
During drug detox, the brain will gradually adjust to the drug’s absence in the system.
The Purpose of Detox
Drug detox gets the body ready for recovery, therapy, and sobriety. Drug detox takes the body back to normal and teaches it how to function without drug use. Drug and alcohol use also causes toxins to build up in the body, which can lead to health problems. With a drug detox, you will rid the body of the substance and remove toxins.
It’s also important to note that detoxing at a professional facility is the safest way to stop using drugs or alcohol. When you detox at a rehab, you are under 24/7 supervision to keep you as comfortable as possible.
What Are Drug Detox Withdrawal Symptoms?
When a person suddenly stops using a drug or goes through drug detox after a long term addiction, they will experience withdrawal.
The withdrawal comes with uncomfortable physical and emotional feelings indicating that your body needs the substance.
Some of these uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Violent shakes
- Cramps
- Anxiety and depression
- Insomnia
- Agitation
- Muscle aches
- Increased sensitivity to pain
Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the substance being abused. Some of the more severe withdrawal symptoms, especially when it comes to alcohol and opioids, include:
- Psychosis
- Delirium tremens
- Seizures
- Violent behaviors
- Suicidal thoughts
- Hallucinations
- Irregular heart rate
When going to drug detox at a professional facility, the medication given helps reduce the complications of withdrawal symptoms and ensures detoxification is safe.
How Long Does Detox Take?
The length of detox and intensity of withdrawal always vary from person to person. Some of the factors that influence the detox length and withdrawal symptoms include:
- The drug type in use
- Combination of drugs abused
- Length of addiction
- How often the person used the substance
- The drug dose in the system
- Underlying physical or mental illnesses
- Emotional and physical state
- Age and gender
Why You Should Detox at a Professional Facility
Many people often attempt to go sober and detox on their own. It’s a brave decision to decide to stop using. However, handling detox on your own may not be the best idea for many reasons.
As said earlier, detoxification comes with withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms and side effects may get complicated if not managed and monitored by a medical professional.
Also, many times withdrawal makes users so uncomfortable that they end up going back to using the drugs to numb the symptoms. This can be life-threatening.
When detoxing off drugs and alcohol at a professional facilitilty:
- You are ensured that detox is as safe as possible. The person is treated under strict supervision, and a rapid response is available should a complication occur.
- Administer medications to suppress painful or severe symptoms.
- Offer follow-up treatments like therapy, inpatient programs, and so on to help the person achieve long-term recovery. According to NIDA, about 40-60 percent of people in recovery will relapse at a point, and the percentage is higher in people who go through detox without follow-up treatments.
- Offer a safe and structured environment.
Detox at Hillside Mission
Checking into a reliable and licensed detox facility should be your choice for safe detox. Do you need or know someone in need of a detox? Hillside Mission can help with safe and medically-managed detox.
Detoxification may seem difficult, but with Hillside’s professional staff, you will get the care and treatment you need. Hillside Mission also applies high quality and evidence-based treatments to ensure long-term recovery.
To learn more about our treatment services and admissions, contact us online or call +1-866-470-7342!
