What to Expect During Drug & Alcohol Detox?

Detoxification is the process that is used to clear the body from toxins accumulated by alcoholism or drug abuse.

The initial step in combating the drug or alcohol use disorder is detoxification. Addiction to alcohol or drug changes the chemical makeup of the brain so without drugs or alcohol the brain will not function properly. In this process, you learn how to get rid of the drug or alcohol from the body or system.

Drug Detox

Drug detox is the process of refraining from drug or alcohol use until your body and system are clear of the particular substance and its toxins. You can say, drug detox is the method to halt the dependency of the brain and body on the specific substance to act normal. The addict can face several withdrawal symptoms during this process.

Drugs causing withdrawal

Many drugs may change the functioning of the brain and body. Later on, these substances can cause addiction. You can use a device such as a Soberlink alcohol monitor to help you. These Soberlink client reviews are very positive about this device, so it’s definitely a great idea to try it. Following drugs cause withdrawal symptoms:

• Alcohol
• Opioids
• Benzodiazepines
• CNS stimulants
• Sleep inducers

Types of Drug Detox

There are several methods of detox of drugs and alcohol are available. Sometimes, it’s difficult to tolerate some of the detox methods as they may cause unpleasant or serious withdrawal symptoms. It’s always recommended to access medical help while detoxing from drugs or alcohol. Following are the main types of detox:

• Cold-turkey

When you quit the use of dug abruptly on your own.

• At-home detox

When you start detoxing at home without any professional help.

• Drug tapering

When the drug dosage is gradually decreasing over time under the supervision of the medical expert.

• Medical detox

It involves inpatient recovery treatment with complete medical assistance 24/7.

Expectations during drug detox

Duration of the detox varies from days to weeks, depending upon the adjustment of your body to work normally without the drug. Several side effects and withdrawal symptoms are expected during the detoxification process. 

Side effects of withdrawal or detox

Following are the side effects of withdrawal from the drug:

• Anxiety
• Sleep issues
• Hallucinations
• Tremors
• Perspiration
• Fear
• Despair
• Hypertension
• Lethargy
• Mood swings
• Muscular pain

The hazards of inappropriate detox

If you try to stop using the drug cold turkey then you may have to experience serious side effects which may prove to be lethal. The hazards of detoxification can be either physical or mental symptoms. Even self-harm is possible if a person is facing some serious mental health problems. It’s always better to opt for a medically supervised detox program where there will be an individualized detox plan and monitoring around the clock. The main hazards of inappropriate detoxification are:

• Severe pain
• Psychosis
• Delirium tremens
• Suicidal thoughts

What is next after detox?

After the completion of the detox process, it’s not an easy thing to transit your life completely from drug dependent to a drug-free controlled life. Additional therapy is required to deal with all underlying unknown conditions that may be the root cause of the drug abuse, just like the inpatient treatment.

Inpatient treatment program offers you to stay at a rehab for alcohol addiction facility that is at liberty from diversions and inducements. Both physical and mental health issues will be addressed in the personalized treatment plan designed for each patient at a rehab center. The plan involves recovery therapy as well as required medications throughout the process.

Residential treatment can be followed after the inpatient treatment, where you can receive long-term care by living in a community instead of the rehab center.