Dependency isn’t the only problem one develops during his adventures with drugs and alcohol. There’s another culprit, which is just as unforgiving and relentless: withdrawals. Withdrawal is what an addict experiences when he/she goes without consuming a drug for some time.

They are often uncomfortable and in truth, nobody likes being uncomfortable. So, despite the addict’s admirable efforts to quit or remain sober, withdrawals force him back. Dependency also forces the addict back into the cycle of substance abuse. This is where the importance of alcohol and drug detox comes in.

Now, before you go and sign up for one, there are a few things you ought to know. Below we answer vital questions on the subject.

What is Detoxification?

For health enthusiasts, a detox involves consuming large amounts of vegetables, fruits and certain drinks. The end goal is to remove the toxins from their body that may prove harmful to vital bodily organs.

When it comes to the field of addiction and recovery, detox has the same idea. Only, the detoxification process involves the removal of drugs from an addict’s body. It helps the addicts deal with the withdrawal symptoms safely and under supervision.  It is often the first step towards consistency.

How Long Does a Detox Take?

The length of detox differs from person to person. It depends on how long the addict used a drug as well as the type of drug being detoxed.

During the detox, withdrawal symptoms will also be experienced. One should keep in mind that withdrawal symptoms can take a while to disappear as well. The factors that dictate its duration include:

⦁   The seriousness of the addiction

⦁   The genetic make- up of the addict as well as his/her family history

⦁   The type of drug he/she is addicted to

⦁   How long the addict has used the drug

Can One Detox From Home?

Many would prefer the privacy of their homes while trying to detox. It is understandable but it’s a route that is often advised against because of how dangerous it can be. Think about it for a moment: the type and nature of withdrawal symptoms that one is likely to experience.

Such symptoms can range from seizures and dizziness to excruciating headaches and dehydration. If such symptoms are not managed well, they can be life-threatening and/or dangerous. You would be doing the right thing if you sought out a medical detox which is carried out under supervision.

Your options include inpatient or outpatient detox. If the addiction is serious, then seeking inpatient detox would be wise.

Can A Pregnant Woman Detox?

It’s only natural for a mother to want to protect their unborn child. Hence, the decision to want to detox and remove drugs from the body. Yet, we need to keep in mind that fragile nature that the pregnant woman is usually in at this stage.

This doesn’t mean that the woman cannot detox. It only means that she has to do it under medical supervision, to protect her health and that of the baby’s. Withdrawal symptoms will be experienced, but a certified doctor will know the right medications to stabilize the mother.

What Are the Side Effects of the Treatment?

Detoxification often uses certain medicine to make the process a lot easier. One would think that the medication would ensure that no side effects are experienced. After all, the addict still has to deal with some withdrawal symptoms.

All of it is true. It would be preferable if there were no side effects. It would be preferable if the process was less painful.

The good news is, the medications do limit the number of side effects one would have to deal with.

Regardless, some, such as the ones mentioned below, cannot be completely avoided.

⦁   Anxiety and levels of nervousness

⦁   The patient might experience insomnia

⦁   The patient may have an inability to focus or concentrate for long

⦁   Frequent mood changes

⦁   Nausea

⦁   General physical discomfort

Is Medication Used During a Detox?

As said earlier, medications help limit side effects of the detox and withdrawal symptoms. They also help keep the addict comfortable during the process. This is achieved because of the medications ability to copy the effects of drugs or alcohol.

Alcohol ranks as one of the top most dangerous drugs to detox from. Opioids rank among the topmost uncomfortable drugs to detox from. Regardless, the use of medication makes the treatment safer and comfortable.

 What is the Process of Detoxification?

The detox process involves three steps that include:

⦁   Evaluation

⦁   Stabilization

⦁   The Preparation Necessary to Enter Treatment

What is Rapid and/ or Ultra- Rapid Detox?

If you’ve been doing some research on this treatment, you may have stumbled upon the above terms. Yet, what are they? Are they dangerous or life-threatening? Rapid detox is a treatment where the patient is given a certain type of medicine. This medicine helps accelerate the onset of the withdrawal symptoms. This also means that the medicine quickens up the removal of the drugs from the system.

Rapid detox usually has the patient sedated during the process. This fact alone makes it dangerous. The process can cause several side effects ranging from heart attacks and paranoia to nausea and death.

The ultra-rapid detox is much faster than the rapid one, and hence, takes a shorter time. The possible consequences are the same.