During detox, the body will clear itself of drugs and alcohol by stopping drug or alcohol use. The time it takes for an individual to detox varies. Typically, the worst, or acute, symptoms last up to 7-10 days. Medical detox is in a supervised environment. A person will receive nutritious meals and 24-hour clinical care while taking part in therapy, including meeting one-on-one with a therapist. The primary focus is the body and mind's health as an individual stops using drugs or alcohol.
Medical professionals and therapists oversee the detox process in this structured environment. This process prevents the acute and dangerous stages that result from suddenly stopping drug use. Massage, acupuncture, and medication may be included in an individual's care plan, depending on their needs.
Detox alone is not enough. To avoid relapse and address the underlying causes of addiction, detox should always be followed by an effective recovery treatment program.
What does it mean to detox?
Detox is a process that removes all drugs and alcohol from a person's body. One goal is to ensure a person is physically stable and ready to start short- or long-term treatment at a drug and alcohol treatment facility. Because addiction to drugs or alcohol can make the body dependent on the substance, the body needs to heal and adjust to life without substances.
For a person who wants to stop using drugs or alcohol, detox is usually necessary as medical, and addiction professionals can safely and effectively manage withdrawal symptoms. Experiences differ with detox; everyone will not go through the same thing though there are common symptoms. Depending on the drugs used and how long someone used them, some symptoms may take longer than others to manage.
The Detox Process
Detox involves three different stages for most people.
Evaluation
In this phase, medical professionals will evaluate persons entering treatment facilities for mental and physical conditions. The facility's staff will administer blood and breathalyzer tests to determine what medications may be needed during the detox process.
Stabilization
A person is stabilized with psychological and medical therapy. Medical professionals will give necessary medications during this step to help with any complications and decrease withdrawal symptoms.
Entry into Treatment
When a person has completed detoxing and is medically cleared to begin treatment, they may start an in- or outpatient treatment program. Therapy will help a person focus on the emotional and behavioral impact of using drugs or alcohol. Family therapy, stabilization on medications for depression, one-to-one treatment, support groups such as AA or NA, and relapse prevention strategies are often parts of a person's treatment experience. Research has shown people are most successful at remaining drug- and alcohol-free if they enter an inpatient rehab after detox.
Detox Side Effects
Most people who detox experience side effects or withdrawal symptoms. Medically supervised detox will manage symptoms, and medical professionals are available to spot and treat any life-threatening conditions that may arise. Also beneficial is being removed from situations or places where one can access drugs or alcohol if cravings occur.
Withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the drug used. However, some of the most common withdrawal symptoms that may happen are:
Anxiety
Nervousness
Insomnia
Nausea
Mood swings
Difficulty concentrating
Poor sleep
Physical discomfort
Several medications may be given to make a smooth transition from using to sobriety. Medications reduce the discomfort associated with withdrawal from benzodiazepines, alcohol, opioids, barbiturates, and other sedatives. The type of medication used in your detox, if any, depends on the substance involved and the level of your addiction. The most commonly prescribed medications are:
Alcohol
Acamprosate (Cambral)
Disulfiram
Naltrexone
Benzodiazepines, including diazepam and chlordiazepoxide
Anticonvulsants such as Depakote or Tegretol
Stimulants (Cocaine, methamphetamine, etc.)
Modafinil
Antidepressants
Antipsychotics like olanzapine
Benzodiazepines such as diazepam
Benzodiazepines
Decreasing dose of diazepam or another short-acting benzodiazepine
Clonidine
Flumazenil
Opioids/Opiates
Buprenorphine
Suboxone
Subutex
Medical Detox
There are many substances, especially alcohol and benzos, which can cause potentially life-threatening seizures while detoxing. Certain medications such as anti-seizure meds, barbiturates, or benzos, which can be given on a decreasing schedule (taper), will help reduce this potentially deadly complication. Other medications, such as buprenorphine, are given to ease the physical discomfort of withdrawing from opioids.
What happens after detox?
Detox is just the first step before entering into a drug and alcohol treatment program. For individuals to successfully treat their alcohol or substance use disorder, detox is necessary. However, it's most successful when followed by an in- or outpatient addiction treatment program. Substance use disorders are more than physical; there is a psychological component that should be treated. Most people who transition into structured treatment after detox can stay sober using the skills they learn and the connections they make in support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Celebrate Recovery, SMART Recovery, or Refuge Recovery.