Did you know that there are over 35 million people globally that suffer from drug-related disorders? Also, only 1 out of every 7 will receive treatment.
Whether it’s for you or for someone close to you, understanding how to beat drug addiction means that you need to understand what happens during drug and alcohol detox.
One of the first things that happen when receiving treatment for drug-related or alcohol-related problems is the detox phase. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know.
What Is Detox?
Any type of detox is inherently the same, whether it be drug-related or alcohol-related, or related to any type of addiction that needs to be beaten.
Detox, or detoxification, is the process of the human body removing addictive substances. The purpose of any detox is to be able to manage your withdrawal symptoms safely.
Each person has a different reaction to the detox process. Some may suffer certain effects more so than others. Also, the type of drug has a massive effect on the detox process, affecting both how long it takes and how severe the withdrawal symptoms may be.
What Affects the Length of Detox?
There are many factors that can affect how long drug and alcohol detox will take, and these vary from person to person. Here are some of the important factors:
- The type of drug that the person was addicted to
- How long the person was addicted
- How severe their addiction was
- What method they used for administering the drug, such as snorting, injecting, or smoking
- The amount of drugs taken each time
- Any other medical conditions the person may suffer from
- If the person suffers from other underlying mental health problems
For example, the longer a person is addicted, the more difficult detox becomes. The same can be said for the amount of drugs or alcohol consumed each day; the larger the amount, the longer detox will take.
The Process of Drug and Alcohol Detox
The process of detox will start with an assessment of the person’s situation. An expert will perform an analysis of the factors discussed above. They will then build a medical history for the patient, combine this with the details of their addiction, and use this to create a specific, personalized plan for their detox.
The Withdrawal Stage
Once the patient starts detox, the first stage is the withdrawal stage. Withdrawal symptoms will be largely affected by how much drugs and alcohol are in the person’s body and can often be the hardest part of what happens during detox.
As the amount of the substance slowly decreases in the body, withdrawal symptoms will begin to appear. Remember though, that each person experiences detoxification in a unique way, and what one person experiences may not be the same as with someone else.
The withdrawal stage can showcase symptoms both physically and mentally.
Physical symptoms:
- Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
- Uncontrollable shivering and shaking
- Increased sweating
- Blocked or runny nose
- Fever
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Headaches and migraines
- Stomach cramps
- Fatigue and exhaustion
Mental symptoms:
- Grumpiness and irritability
- Nervousness and anxiety
- Confusion
- Neurosis and paranoia
- Struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep
- Depression and mood swings
- Trouble with concentration
- Powerful cravings and urges
People with extreme addiction problems can even experience hallucinations and seizures.
Assistance With Medication
Going cold turkey off any substance (from nicotine to harsher substances) is extremely difficult. Sometimes, during detox, medications are administered to ease the process.
The medication process is tightly controlled, and although it isn’t able to curb all withdrawal symptoms, it can help ease mood swings, assist with sleeping, and help in counteracting other withdrawal symptoms in small, managed doses.
There are home remedies to assist with the withdrawal symptoms as well, to ease the entire process, and almost take a natural drug and alcohol detox route.
24/7 Monitoring And Support
During drug or alcohol detox, it’s imperative that the person undergoing it is monitored and supported virtually 24 hours a day. The likelihood of relapse when you’re alone is much higher than if you’re surrounded by medical personnel or loved ones.
Support can come through staff at detox drug and alcohol rehab centers, as well as through the compassionate care from family and friends.
How Long Does Detox Take?
It’s difficult to say how long the detox process will last without a full evaluation of the person’s situation. However, generally speaking, drug and alcohol detox should take between 7 and 10 days.
After detox has taken place, a patient will need to willingly check into a rehab facility. This is because detox does not mean that this person is no longer addicted.
How to Know if You Need Detox
The general rule of thumb to follow is this: If you, or somebody you know, needs alcohol or drugs to simply get through the day and to operate normally, then it’s likely that detox is required.
There needs to be acceptance of the addiction. And not only detox, but also, potentially a rehab program as well.
The decision to go through detox should not be taken lightly though. It can have serious effects and in some cases, even put your life at risk. You should seek out a center that specializes in detox programs to ensure that you get both the medical and personal support that you need to get through your drug and alcohol detox.
Deciding to Detox
Drug and alcohol detox can take its toll on a person and their family and friends, so the decision to enter into a detox program should only be made if the commitment level is at 100%.
The sad fact is that many people may get through detox, but will relapse soon after if the support that they require is not there.
If you need help in making this decision, and understanding the process in more detail, then contact us at the Detox Center.