Detoxification, sometimes known as “detox,” is a crucial step in the addiction treatment procedure. It provides patients with a way to stop and reverse the physical harm that long-term, unchecked drug or alcohol usage has caused to their bodies. Examining your history of substance misuse, your symptomatology, and the severity of your withdrawal is necessary to determine how to detox your body from drugs and alcohol. In order for the brain and central nervous system to operate normally, persons with longer and more frequent histories of substance addiction should likely seek the assistance of a professional.
Those who have not yet reached the point of chemical dependency may be able to make adjustments to their lifestyles to aid with detoxification or seek assistance from their primary care physician. Among other information, a new study from the University of Amsterdam shows that those who undergo medically supervised detoxes are more likely to maintain sobriety.
Symptoms of Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal
Depending on a number of variables, including the type of substance used, its frequency and length of usage, and other predefined biological parameters, each patient’s drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms will differ. However, there are a few typical signs that are specific to alcohol and drug withdrawal:
Depending on a number of variables, including the type of substance used, its frequency and length of usage, and other predefined biological parameters, each patient’s drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms will differ. However, there are a few typical signs that are specific to alcohol and drug withdrawal:
Common signs of drug withdrawal
- A flu-like illness
- Internal Issues Joint and Muscle Pain
- Acute Pain Sensitivity
- Fatigue Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Melancholy and depression
- Issues With Sleep
Typical signs of alcohol withdrawal
- Muscle and Joint Pain
- Headaches
- Visual hallucinations of shaking and tremors
- stomach ailments
- Irritability and restlessness
- Disordered Sleep
- Hostility and Aggression
- Modifications in Mood and Behavior
The chemistry of the brain is seriously and profoundly altered by drug and alcohol consumption, which is why it’s so important for users to detox as soon as they begin using. According to data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), more than 2,000 individuals are sent to emergency rooms each year in order to undergo drug or alcohol detox.
A Medically Supervised Detox Has These Benefits
Medically supervised detox from a recognized and competent institution can assist reduce withdrawal symptoms and keep patients safe in the case of a medical emergency during the process, even if it might not be the best option for everyone. In addition to outpatient, inpatient, and other kinds of treatment programs, medical detox is also available. Long-term detox can span months, whereas residential detox typically lasts five to seven days. There are three stages of the withdrawal process: early, acute (when symptoms are at their worst), and prolonged. While protracted withdrawal symptoms can be managed independently with the help of drugs like Suboxone® (buprenorphine), Vivitrol® (naltrexone), methadone, and others, early and acute withdrawal frequently requires residential or inpatient detox.
Natural Detox for People with Limited History of Substance Use
Patients who have just started using drugs or drinking too much alcohol for recreational purposes may not always require as intensive of a detox as those with longer histories. These situations may allow for the management of minor withdrawal symptoms including modest discomfort, exhaustion, and nausea with over-the-counter drugs, physical activity, physical therapy, and a healthy diet. Numerous vitamin regimens may also be able to assist these people in delaying the onset of symptoms. These solutions might not be sufficient to aid patients in detoxing if substance use reaches the stage of chemical dependency because cravings associated with withdrawal could be too strong to manage without expert assistance.
Following a drug and alcohol detox
Whatever the level of a person’s substance usage, detoxification is necessary to aid the body in returning to normal operation. Serious substance abusers should think about a thorough behavioral rehab program after detox, although individuals with less experience may only need to practice avoidance and the most basic relapse prevention strategies. The most crucial thing is to receive the assistance you want right away, whatever that may be.
Addiction to drugs is a concern. It must be handled in order to live a more satisfying life and avoid having difficulty with routine everyday tasks. For individuals who are struggling, facing their addiction is a tremendous difficulty. However, after you or a loved one admits you have a problem and realizes that blaming others won’t help you overcome addiction, the next step is to find a reputable facility that can handle your treatment and begin preparing for rehab.
You should initially bring enough clothing for seven days while preparing for treatment. Provide them with cozy and covert options. Pack your toiletries next. Anything with alcohol listed among the first three components should not be brought.
