Drug & Alcohol Detox

Anytime an individual is addicted to drugs or alcohol there is a significant risk that when the substance is no longer taken there will be signs of withdrawal. These withdrawal signs or symptoms are often the most difficult part of any drug or alcohol detoxification process. Drug & alcohol detox consists of taking the time to allow the remaining toxins from the substance to take their course and be eliminated from the body. During the time that these toxins are still present and are being released from the body there are often feelings of withdrawal which may consist of the following symptoms:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• stomach cramps
• anxiety
• depression
• agitation
• sleep deprivation or insomnia
• lack of motivation

Many other symptoms of withdrawal are also likely to persist when an individual is going through the early or late phases of detox.

About Drug Detox

Undergoing detox alone can be dangerous.

Depending on the type of drug that a person takes, drug detox may take anywhere from 3 days on up to a month or more. In most cases, drug detox averages about 10 days but this can differ from one individual to the next or based on the type of drug that is being used. During drug detox, the individual stops taking the drug and allows the negative effects of withdrawal to begin to take place. These effects will typically peak after about 5 days or so and in time will gradually taper off.

Drug detox is necessary because without effectively stopping the physical dependence that an individual has on a drug there is little hope for actually overcoming the addiction. Drug detox is the safest way of stopping the physical dependence that an individual has on a drug so that they are prepared for the long periods of counseling and therapy that are necessary in order to prevent future addiction from occurring.

About Alcohol Detox

One of the most dangerous substances to ever detox from is alcohol. During alcohol detox, there is a chance that the patient will become severely sick and could even suffer extreme medical conditions such as seizures, tremors or very high fever. The body reacts to alcohol like no other substance and for some, alcohol is considered the most addictive substance in the whole world. Although there are medications that can help to alleviate many of the withdrawal symptoms that are felt during alcohol detox, the best solution to these symptoms is time.

Drug & Alcohol Detox Centers Provide the Best Treatment

If an individual is addicted to drugs or alcohol, the best case scenario is to seek help at one of many drug and alcohol detox centers that provide around-the-clock treatment and care for the physical dependence that the individual has on a substance. In time, the signs and symptoms of withdrawal will be reduced and all signs of physical addiction will be gone. Once an individual has received proper treatment for the physical dependence that they have on drugs or alcohol they can begin to be treated for any underlying psychological conditions, previous issues, current mental health problems or other conditions that may have lead them to the addiction.

Find the best drug and alcohol detox centers in the country by browsing our directory or calling our treatment helpline: 800-996-6135(Who Answers?) .

Sources

1. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2016). Understanding Drug Abuse and Addiction: What Science Says- 8: Medical detoxification.
2. American Academy of Family Physicians. (2013). Outpatient Management of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome.