Detoxification, or detox for short, refers to the removal of toxic substances from the body. A function of the liver and kidneys, detox can also be performed artificially by medical techniques such as dialysis and, in a very limited number of cases, chelation therapy. In the context of drug addiction, detox is the first step of the drug or alcohol abuse treatment process, often with the help of a doctor and/or specialist drug workers. The goal of drug detox is therefore to rid the body of toxins that have accumulated as a result of drug use. A non-drug method for detoxification from drugs or alcohol is acupuncture detoxification. Detox is typically a gradual process and may take a number of days or weeks to complete.
The first phase of drug detox is withdrawal. Withdrawal is the term used to describe the body’s reaction to the removal of a substance it has become dependent upon, both physiologically and mentally. Until no alcohol and/or drugs remain in a person’s body, withdrawal can cause cravings for more. Thus, physical and behavioral withdrawal symptoms may result following a person’s cessation of drug use.
Withdrawal symptoms vary greatly in nature and severity, depending on the particular drug or drugs an individual used as well as the frequency of use. Few people use just one drug exclusively nowadays. As such, many individuals in drug detox use both alcohol and cocaine, for instance, or alcohol and prescription medications. Drug detox applies to any individual who is addicted to drugs; it helps minimize the uncomfortable symptoms that accompany the process of withdrawal.
There are many different methods of performing detox depending on where one goes for treatment. Most drug detox facilities simply provide treatment to avoid physical withdrawal to drugs and alcohol. The more comprehensive centers incorporate counseling and therapy during detox to help ease the psychological impacts individuals may also experience. Detox treatment may involve the use of other drugs such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone to help individuals deal with various symptoms of withdrawal.
All aspects of one’s withdrawal and cleansing from drugs should be addressed by a good detox program. The elimination of drug residuals is a critical objective of drug detox. Absent such removal, drug residues can remain in an individual’s body and cause cravings for years after he or she has stopped using drugs. It is therefore essential for a successful drug detox and drug rehabilitation to flush out the toxic residues that have accumulated so that the individual no longer experiences undesired harmful effects from the drugs they have previously consumed.
For quicker results, some addicts turn to rapid opiate detox, which is generally conducted in a hospital setting and under general anesthesia. Also referred to as “ultra rapid opiate detox,” the process is usually overseen by certified and qualified anesthesiologists and nurses that specialize in such procedures. While under anesthesia, the patient is given medications that accelerate the physical responses to the rapid withdrawal process that can last from 4 to 6 hours total. The process is available to treat those addicted to an opiate-based substance such as heroin, vicodin, methadone, or any prescribed narcotic pain killers. It can also treat other narcotic opiate-based substances including codeine, oxycontin, dilaudid, morphine, percocet, lortab, and percodan.
Drug Detox
The cessation or dramatic reduction of drug use after heavy and consistent drug use results in withdrawal. This frequently entails shaking, sweating, headaches, cravings for drugs, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, insomnia, agitation, depression, confusion, anxiety, and other behavioral effects. Certain drugs, such as opiates including Heroin and Methadone, require a period of medically supervised detox. Prescription medications of all classifications, including Hydrocodone, Oxycontin, Xanax, Vicodin, and Lortab, require medical detox as well. Other illegal drugs, such as Marijuana, Cocaine, and Crystal Meth do not require medical detox. Withdrawal treatment involves closely monitoring one’s vital signs, medications, and supportive care. Buprenophex and anticonvulsant medications are commonly used in detoxification from drugs. Klonepin, the most commonly utilized drug, is used primarily to minimize physical symptoms. Drug detox is generally accomplished in 3 to 7 days.
Alcohol Detox
Alcohol detox is the process of medically monitored treatment that helps an individual overcome physical dependence on alcohol and become alcohol free. Detox aims to relieve the physical symptoms associated with withdrawal and enable the patient prepare to begin treatment and rehab. The ultimate goal of rehab is therefore to prepare the patient for long-term recovery from alcohol addiction and abuse. Most commonly conducted in an inpatient, medical setting, alcohol detox can result in a variety of major and/or minor physical, and sometimes psychological, impacts. Alcohol detox can trigger any number of reactions that range from mild to severe. Mild side effects can include tremors (the shakes), vomiting, headaches, perspiration, restlessness, insomnia, and loss of appetite. More serious reactions may include Delirium Tremors, (DT’s), autonomic hyperactivity, and seizures (convulsions). One in four patients is believed to be at high risk of a withdrawal seizure if not medically treated during alcohol detox. A wide range of medications and procedures are used during alcohol detox including Buprenophex, certain benzodiazepines, and anticonvulsant medication. Alcohol detox may take anywhere from 3 to 14 days.
Detox is just the beginning of the process of helping an individual remain drug and/or alcohol free. This is because individuals in a drug or alcohol inducted state are not effectively prepared to participate in the educational, counseling, and therapeutic components of rehabilitation and treatments. It is only after the detox process is complete that a person truly benefit from other assistance that is necessary to achieve a full recovery.