Drug Detox
Before any individual can pursue true drug rehabilitation for their addiction, they must first undergo drug detox. Drug detox (or "detoxification") helps individuals cleanse their systems of toxins found in the drugs they have been ingesting. By completing detox, the individual is stabilizing their health and reducing their chance of immediate relapse. As a result, the individual will have a much greater chance at achieving recovery success at a drug rehab program.
How Long does Drug Detox take to Complete?
The length of a drug detox programs varies based on the length and intensity of the individual's drug addiction – as well as their personal makeup and physiology. Generally speaking however, the average drug detox programs take approximately several days to two weeks to complete.
What are the Most Common Drug Detox Withdrawal Symptoms?
The types of withdrawal symptoms that an individual going through drug detox can expect to experience can vary greatly depending upon the substance in question and the seriousness of that person's addiction. There are, however, several hallmark withdrawal symptoms which impact the majority of those going through detox.
- Depression, anxiety and other mental health issues.
- Sleeplessness. Especially in the case of opiate withdrawal, individuals may find it difficult to sleep, often taking on the symptoms of insomnia.
- Cravings. Individuals who are going through detox may experience strong drug cravings that often lead to relapse
- Irritability. Watch for sudden mood swings and highly irritable behavior.
- Seizures. In rare cases, individuals who experience strong withdrawal symptoms may experience seizures as their bodies adjust to the lack of drugs in their system. This generally occurs in severe heroin addiction cases (as well as long term alcoholism).
The withdrawal symptoms above generally have onset of 2-3 days into the drug detox process. They can last for several days depending upon the individual.
What types of Drug Addictions can be Diminished through Detox?
The physical addiction to almost any drug can be overcome through drug detox. Some drug addictions have a stronger physical component than others, but detox plays a key role in all of them, including:
- Heroin addiction
- Cocaine addiction
- Vicodin addiction
- Crystal meth addiction
- OxyContin addiction
- Marijuana addiction
It is important to note that although detox plays a valuable role in the treatment of these conditions, it is does NOT constitute a complete recovery. That comes when the individual has also addressed the psychological component of addiction by attending counseling and therapy programs. Beware those detox programs that claim otherwise. Remember, there are no "quick fixes" when it comes to making a full recovery from drug addiction.
Where can Drug Detox Programs be Found?
There are two primary ways an individual can undergo a detox program. First, they can take part in a program that takes place within the walls of the drug rehab center. These are fairly common, as they offer addiction treatment professionals a chance to see their patients through from the beginning of their journey to the end.
In some cases however, the drug treatment center may require detox be completed before the program can begin, but the rehab facility itself does not offer detox in-house. In this case, the treatment center will likely recommend a detox program in the area. Once the individual has completed the program to the satisfaction of the drug rehab admissions staff they will be allowed to enter the program and begin counseling.
Medical Detox vs. Natural Detox
Many people choose natural detox as a means of cleansing their body of harmful drug toxins. This is an efficient way to go about the process – in which the individual goes "cold turkey" while under the care and supervision of the detox team. The problem with natural detox is that many people experience serious withdrawal symptoms during the process. A large percentage of these individuals still manage to make it through detox with flying colors, but many will relapse into drug use and end up back at "square one" in terms of their recovery.
As an alternative to natural detox, individuals who are addicted to opiates such as heroin, Vicodin or OxyContin may engage in medical detox (or "chemical detox" as it is also known). With medical detox the individual takes carefully monitored doses of a synthetic opiate such as methadone in order to slowly lessen their dependence on the drug. Methadone mirrors many of the effects of the opiate, most commonly heroin, but because the dosage in monitored by a medical professional, the risk of overdose is greatly diminished.
For those who are fearful of withdrawal symptoms, methadone rehab is the best choice. Because the effect is gradual over time, the discomfort is much less pronounced throughout the process.
Although it only strikes a small percentage of those who undergo the process, medical detox can lead to methadone addiction. This presents a number of challenges for the individual who must now cope with multiple addictions at the same time.
Michael's House offers natural drug detox as a part of their comprehensive drug rehab program. Located in Palm Springs, California, Michael's House is a luxury residential addiction treatment facility that provides a "whole body" approach to rehab – cleansing the individual of their addiction while uplifting the mind, body and spirit. Contact Michael's House today at for more information.
Get Help Now!
All information submitted on the website is considered private and handled in full confidentiality.
