drug detox

Detoxification (detox) is the process of clearing the body of drugs or alcohol that an individual has consumed. The purpose of detox is to safely manage withdrawal symptoms when someone stops taking drugs or alcohol. Different drugs carry different risks of serious withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal can lead to seizures, unstable vital signs, confusion, and even death. In contrast, opioid withdrawal, while deeply uncomfortable, is rarely medically serious.

drug detox

What Is It Like To Detox From Alcohol?

For people who need withdrawal management, drug detox receiving appropriate clinical supervision is a critical step before beginning substance use treatment. The level of supervision may vary depending on the risk of medical complications from withdrawal symptoms. Stopping use of a drug you depend on can cause physical and mental withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal is different for everyone, and there are many ways to prepare for, manage, and treat withdrawal symptoms. The definition of detox is the process of abstaining from alcohol or drug use until the bloodstream is clear of the substance. In other words, drug detox involves ridding an individual’s body of the substance it has come to depend on to feel normal.

drug detox

Sub-Acute Detox Programs

  • More severe symptoms like seizures or delirium tremens (during alcohol withdrawal) can occur.
  • If you only consume a substance occasionally, you can expect to see little to no withdrawal symptoms upon quitting.
  • If you have been diagnosed with both a substance use disorder and another mental health disorder, you may require a level of care that offers more intensive counseling.

The objective is to address the practical issues that can get in the way of completing a detox program. Addiction Resource does not offer medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice. Only trained and licensed medical professionals can provide such services. If you or anyone you know is undergoing a severe health crisis, call a doctor or 911 immediately. Preventing withdrawal symptoms involves medical drug detox, gradually tapering off the substance while managing symptoms.

Types of Professional Detox Programs

  • Drug and alcohol medical detox programs aid people who want to overcome their substance use disorder, safely and effectively.
  • The main benefit of an outpatient detox program is that you get to stay in your own home but still have professional support.
  • The evaluation examines the patient’s health, including any pre-existing or existing conditions (i.e., pregnancy, heart disease, diabetes, and mental health).
  • You can then acquire a list of treatment programs that accept your insurance in order to narrow down your search.
  • The drugs that are considered the most uncomfortable to detox from are opioids, especially heroin.

If you are addicted to alcohol, pills, or illegal drugs, the first step toward recovery is detox. Also called detoxification or withdrawal treatment, detox is the process of clearing the substance from your body. Detox on its own is usually insufficient for a successful recovery. Individuals seeking addiction treatment need to treat the psychological part of their addiction. They can accomplish this with counseling, support groups, or an inpatient rehab program. Contact a treatment provider to find a treatment center near you.

Next Steps After Detox

drug detox

You can get further help with sustaining your recovery after https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/why-cant-i-cut-down-or-control-my-drinking/ treatment through a 12-step program or other counseling sessions. If you’re ready to find treatment for polysubstance misuse or addiction, American Addiction Centers (AAC) can help. With facilities across the country, AAC offers various levels of evidence-based care to suit your needs.

What’s the Best Way to Find a Drug Detox Center?

Some patients may fail to disclose preexisting health issues during medical and psychiatric screenings in order to be approved for rapid detox, which can have dire consequences. The process of detoxing can be stressful and even painful, especially for those with a long history of substance use disorder. However, detoxing is achievable, and working with doctors can help you through the toughest parts. There are several options for going through the detox process from substances. Attempting a major detox on your own is not typically recommended as a safe practice. Your body can become used to having substances present in your system and may react strongly or cause you to feel pain when they are removed.

drug detox