Learning all you need to know about drug detoxing can help you get through it, or support a family member or a friend get through the process. In this concise article, we will cover 5 of the most frequently asked questions about drug detoxing.
Question 1: What is drug detox?
Quite simply, a detox is the process of removing toxins from the body. When a person abuses substances or takes drugs, the detox then refers to the process wherein the person’s body is still metabolizing the substances in the system, and not receiving any more. In this way, the body begins to clear out existing drugs or alcohol and the influence that they have on the body. The best drug detox centers will offer assistance with the following:
- Safe detoxes, or clearing of the body
- Assist with the symptoms that accompany withdrawals
- Encourage the person to continue the program during and after detox
Question 2: Who should go to detox?
The detox is a step that is recommended to most individuals living with some form of addiction. Most substance-addicted individuals are likely to go through detox when they decide to end their dependency on a substance.
Question 3: What does it mean if you are dependent on a substance?
The body becomes dependent on a substance if it is consistently exposed to higher levels of a substance. This is usually seen when the body begins to adapt to this exposure and the individual begins to feel cravings for a substance, especially if the individual begins to feel that he or she needs the substance in order to feel and behave in a normal manner.
Question 4: How long does detox take?
It is important to observe that there is no set, one size fits all duration of time that the detox will take. However, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the average length of time is less than 8 hours. The length of time will vary among patients and is dependent on varying factors. Some may get through the detox process after a few hours, while for others this process could take days to complete. The following factors bear weight with the length of time:
- The type of substance
- The length of time, the dose and the frequency that the substance was used
- The present health condition
Question 5: Are there dangers to detoxing alone?
While it is possible to detox alone, it is not always the best option. There are some complications that could arise when an individual goes through detox. Aside from a weakened resolve arising from the intense withdrawals and urges, the following symptoms could also manifest:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anxiety and depression
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Agitation and irritability
- Intense cravings
- Pain
- Seizures
- Disorientation
- And in severe cases, even a coma
If you suspect that your friend, family member or even yourself will go through an intense detox, it is best to be well equipped for the worst or even to visit a center, where a medical detox can take place. This will make the process comfortable and safe.
Medical detox may be better able to manage and treat symptoms such as these as they present – making the process as safe and comfortable as possible.
