Many seek the help of professional programs before entering a substance use treatment program. The first step, however, must be detox. Learn more about detox here.

What is Detox?

Detoxification, also known as detox, is the process of reducing and eliminating drug or alcohol use. According to The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), medical detox is a set of treatments that manage severe withdrawal symptoms.

In other words, detoxification is the time in which illicit substances run their course and completely leave your system. Medical detox specifically manages the dangerous symptoms of withdrawal under medical personnel.

The Benefits of Detox

Not every patient requiring a stay in substance abuse rehab needs to begin with a detox. According to American Addiction Resource Centers, medically-assisted detox is most appropriate for people with substance dependencies involving (but not limited to):

• Alcohol
• Hypnotic/sedative drugs like barbiturates and benzodiazepines
• Opioids like heroin, morphine, and prescription pain medication.

Detoxification is generally an uncomfortable process. The body will surely exhibit withdrawal symptoms as it gets used to not having the substance present.

Getting existing drugs and/or alcohol out of your system is a particularly important step to beginning treatment for addiction. Many drugs remain in the system for days or weeks after the last use. So, addiction professionals carry out detoxifications in inpatient or outpatient settings.

Alcohol

Alcohol withdrawals affect several bodily functions. Its side effects undeniably vary from person to person. Overall, the severity of withdrawals is commonly dependent on how long and how much the addicted person has been drinking.

Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms are:

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Nausea/Vomiting
• Headache
• Shaking
• Sweating

All withdrawal symptoms range from mild to serious.

Illicit and Prescription Drugs

The exact details of a detoxification program explicitly depend on the individual and the specific drug that the patient is addicted to.

There are various withdrawals and timelines associated with addiction. American Addiction Centers provides common symptoms and timelines for major targets of abuse:

• Prescription Painkillers and Heroin: flu-like symptoms lasting an average of 5 days.
• Cocaine: depression, insomnia, and restlessness lasting 7-10 days.
• Benzodiazepines: anxiety and/or seizures lasting weeks and in some cases, months.

Trying to quit taking illicit or prescription drugs without medical observation can be very dangerous. Furthermore, withdrawal symptoms can be fatal if not treated under the qualified supervision.

Managing Withdrawals

Doctors prescribe medications soon after the process begins. They aim to ease the process by increasing comfort and stability. That’s because research has linked comfort during detox to improved results and lengthier periods of recovery. Doctors use medications most often to manage the withdrawal syndrome that results with alcohol, opioid, and sedative addiction.

Support is markedly critical in all stages of the recovery journey. With the assistance of medical professionals, as well as a strong support system at home, individuals can successfully complete the withdrawal process.

After Detox

Medical detox alone is not enough to cure addiction, nor do addiction professionals recognize it as treatment. Although most patients leave detox feeling better than they have in years, structured treatment helps eliminate the possibilities of relapse.

Entering treatment following detox sets the stage for recovery. There are professionals in San Bernardino, California who can certainly guide patients to appropriate detox and addiction treatments.