Drug detoxification is the most important action a recovering addict experiences before rehabilitation begins. Detox cleanses the system of toxins that the drug has cause to accumulate in the body. It allows the body to rid itself of the drug and deal with withdrawal symptoms, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Detox is what the body goes through naturally when the drug has been stopped. The detox phase can take from several days to more than two weeks, depending on how strongly the person is addicted.
Function
Detox treatment is for addiction to heroin, cocaine, marijuana, prescription drugs and alcohol. A detox program may be offered by a drug rehab facility, or at a treatment center that specializes in the detox phase of treatment. In very rare cases, drug addicts can detox at home with the help of friends or loved ones. But this is not advised. Having medical assistance immediately available is the safest way to get through the detoxification process, especially if seizures or convulsions from the withdrawal are a possibility.
Body Responds
Giving up drugs is not as simple as just quitting. The body expects the regular dosage of the drug it has been receiving over time. That is what causes the withdrawal symptoms addicts go through to end their addiction to drugs. The detox period is usually and most successfully done with the help of a medical professional or at a drug rehabilitation facility.
Withdrawal Issues
One withdrawal symptom is deep cravings for the drug the person is suddenly giving up. These cravings often lead the person to go into a relapse and return to the drug. In rare cases, there are seizures because the body so intensely craves the drug it needs. Seizures are often seen in heroin addicts and alcoholics, according to Michael's House, a drug rehab program in Palm Springs, California. Depression and anxiety can occur because the person misses the drug despite knowing its negative effects. Difficulty sleeping and irritability are other symptoms. In serious cases with hard drugs, there may be muscle and bone pain, vomiting and diarrhea. Withdrawal symptoms can last a couple of days to several days.
Synthetic Options
With heroin and other opiates, addicts may go through the process of taking methadone, a synthetic opiate. This mirrors the effects of opiates while lessening the dependence on the stronger drugs. It also avoids the sometimes terrifying reactions heroin and other opiate addicts go through, because the methadone relieves their symptoms slowly.
Patient Care
Detox treatments may include inpatient care that involves around-the-clock monitoring while the patient goes through the detoxification process. A patient may also decide on outpatient programs that provide intensive treatment at certain times during the day while the patient can return home. These types of programs may be for people who have family and job responsibilities, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It also depends on how strongly the person is addicted. Some people are able to make it through an outpatient program as long as they continue with the program. The programs may include or be followed by group therapy, support, stress management and guidance to stay off drugs. Detox is just the first step.
