Detox is the process that will remove all the harmful toxins in your body brought on through drug abuse. Even though this process cleans the body, detox also causes side effects known as withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are rarely life threatening; their biggest threat is causing someone to relapse into drug use. The discomfort a person experiences comes from the body craving the drugs it once had. Having these symptoms taken care of by a qualified treatment center is important. Many drug rehabilitation centers include detox as a necessary part of their programs to set patients on the path to drug rehab.
Step 1
Come to terms with yourself about the determination to clean your body of all mood and mind-altering substances that are addictive. Don't stop taking medications you need, such as medicine for blood pressure or allergies.
Step 2
Find a drug rehab treatment center that includes a detox program to guide you through withdrawal symptoms. You will receive necessary treatment and advice from professionals on staff.
Step 3
Choose between an inpatient or outpatient treatment center. Talk to a counselor at a center for a recommendation and explain your addiction. It will be your choice, but if you want to get off drugs permanently, an inpatient center will provide you with round-the-clock care for a clean break from your addiction.
Step 4
Know that you may experience one or more withdrawal symptoms that include anxiety, paranoia, sleeplessness, weight loss, depression and even suicidal thoughts. There may also be joint or muscle pain, sweats or chills, exhaustion and fatigue.
Step 5
Ask about the medication available to treat symptoms you might experience. These are medications you will use to relieve symptoms, but you will not stay on them when the detox process is completed.
Step 6
Understand that the drugs you are addicted to may have different symptoms and may need various types of care. Cocaine or marijuana addicts may not need as much medical supervision as people addicted to opiates, sedatives or alcohol, which have more serious withdrawal symptoms, explains The Spiritual River, a website with information on overcoming addiction.
Step 7
Be prepared to deal with your withdrawal symptoms from 2 days to 2 weeks, depending on the depth of your drug problem, according to Michael's House, a residential rehab facility in Palm Springs, California.
Tips and Warnings
- Some drugs, such as marijuana or cocaine, may not require the medical attention needed for other drugs that cause more severe withdrawal symptoms. But if you choose not to go through a treatment program, you should at least seek one-on-one counseling or join a support group of people with the same addictions. You may still have desires and urges during the detox period, so being safe from a relapse at this time is important if you want to quit drugs.
