Detox gets rid of all toxins or drugs from the body. Drug abuse forces the body to change according to the drug’s effects. The body becomes accustomed to having the drug in its system, and it soon relies on the drug in order to function. Therefore, quitting the drug causes quite a physical response from the body, as if the body is going through shock.
Detox is necessary for any addiction treatment program, but because detox is so strenuous on the body, it is highly recommended that the process be performed under the care of rehab specialists.
How Long Does Detoxification Take?
The amount of time it takes for detox depends upon the severity of the addiction and the drug being abused. On average, most patients will detox from three to seven days, but the process can take as long as two weeks.
Patients cannot accelerate the detox process: detox can only go as fast as the body is willing to go. It is true, however, that the healthier a person is, the easier detox will be. Eating right, exercising and getting enough sleep can seem insignificant, but they can have a huge impact on how the body handles detox.
Is Drug Detoxification Painful?
Yes, drug detox can be painful, but not always; some people will feel more uncomfortable than anything. Detox pain can be both physical and psychological. When patients receive proper addiction treatment, rehab professionals can minimize the pain and discomfort of withdrawal.
Medical professionals monitor their patients throughout the entire detox process and recommend how fast the drug is removed. Medical professionals are also able to prescribe and administer the proper medication to assist a patient through detox if needed. The pain of detox is insignificant compared to wonderful feelings of recovery.
Withdrawal Symptoms Experienced during Detoxification
Withdrawal symptoms are guaranteed during drug detox. Not all addiction brings about the same withdrawal symptoms but the most common symptoms include the following:
- Nausea, vomiting and stomach pain
- Tremors, convulsions or seizures
- Irritability
- Fatigue and/or insomnia
- Depression
- Hot or cold temperatures to the extremes
Can I Detoxify from Drugs on My Own?
Some people may want to quit using drugs on their own, but this is never recommended. Once an addiction has developed, quitting drugs becomes a tricky task. Detox is not an easy process and without medical assistance people face serious health risk. Detox can be fatal. Rehab professionals can make certain that the process goes correctly and in the safest way possible. When people choose to quit drugs, they are getting a second chance at life. It is unwise to risk that chance on improper recovery treatment.