Drug detox is the process of eliminating drugs from the body. This process is necessary because using drugs builds up their presence in the body. People can also develop a dependence on drugs where they find themselves unable to normally function without them. Drug detox thus cleans the slate and allows the body to readjust to life after drug use.
Successful treatment and recovery from substance use disorders (SUDs) depend on a successful drug detox process. Contact Gulf Breeze Recovery at 833.551.2304 to learn more about our drug detox programs.
Signs That You Need Drug Detox
Recognizing the need for drug detox is the first step toward recovery. Various physical, emotional, and behavioral signs can indicate that detoxification is necessary. Physically, individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug, such as:
- Nausea
- Tremors
- Sweating
Emotionally, they might undergo:
- Mood swing
- Heightened anxiety
- Depression
Behavioral signs include:
- A preoccupation with obtaining and using the drug
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Continuing use despite negative consequences on health and relationships
If these signs are present, seeking professional help for drug detox can be an essential move toward reclaiming one’s health and well-being.
What Is Drug Detox?
Drug detox is the necessary first step in achieving sobriety and recovering from a substance abuse disorder. The detox process varies by drug and how severe the SUD is leading up to detox. How long detoxing takes also depends on:
- How long the SUD has been a problem
- How the drug was used
- How much of the drug was used regularly
- Family history
- Underlying medical conditions
Even with variations in the factors listed above, most drug detoxes have a relatively consistent timetable. For instance, alcohol detox typically takes about one week, while detoxing from benzodiazepines can take around two weeks. It is important to note that completing detox does not mean someone will stop craving drugs or suddenly be equipped with the tools to stay sober.
It’s purely the physical process of stripping the presence of drugs from a person’s body through enforced abstinence and medical monitoring. Treatment and recovery must immediately begin following detox to make certain that the foundation laid by detox results in lasting change.
The Purpose of Drug Detox
Drug detox is meant to open the door to comprehensive SUD treatment. It is necessary to begin treatment with a successful detox. That doesn’t always look like quitting cold turkey under medical supervision. Some drugs require tapering, wherein a client is guided through a process of using less and less of a drug until they stop usage altogether. Tapering is necessary for some instances because quitting all at once might otherwise trigger dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
Many people want to know if they can detox at home. Others think they have to get sober outside of treatment before even seeking professional help for their SUD. Detoxing at home is technically possible, though it is not recommended. Withdrawal symptoms from some drugs can be incredibly uncomfortable and even dangerous. Ultimately, success rates for at-home detoxes are not high. For safety and success, it is best to seek professional help to complete a drug detox.
It is simply not true that you need to detox on your own before seeking treatment. Detox is the first step of treatment. Completing detox is essential to engage in the rest of SUD treatment fully. However, you need not have completed detox to be eligible for SUD treatment.
What Is the Process for Drug Detox?
No matter where you undergo a drug detox, the process will likely involve these steps:
- Evaluation
- Stabilization
- Preparation for further treatment
The evaluation provides a comprehensive view of a client’s health and SUD progression upon entering detox. This assessment includes details like mental and physical health history, blood testing, and a scoping out of the initial detox and treatment plan. Stabilization comes next and is viewed in two categories: physical and mental. The physical side is managed through medications and medical monitoring to encourage client safety and keep withdrawal symptoms in check. The mental side is handled with crisis counseling, therapy, and other means of support.
Lastly, drug detox is meant to prepare people for treatment. Inpatient or residential treatment is often the next step for people after they complete a drug detox. Medical professionals can recommend ideal treatments for each client as they look for helpful next steps after detox.
Get Help with Drug Detox at Gulf Breeze Recovery
Are you or someone you love in need of drug detox? Reach out to Gulf Breeze Recovery at 833.551.2304 or through our online contact form to learn about high-quality detox and treatment options.
