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Standard Process for Detox

Detoxification ("detox" for short) is the process of ridding your body of toxic or potentially toxic chemicals/substances. But the term generally refers to detox from addictive drugs and alcohol. While the withdrawal process experienced during detox is similar among different drugs, there really is no standard procedure for undergoing detoxification, aside from abstaining from the drug/chemical of which you are attempting to cleanse yourself--your body will do the rest. However, detox from advanced drug addiction may require medical aid and prescription drugs.

  1. Medical Aid

    • Detoxification from acute addictions to drugs such as alcohol, heroine and tranquilizers may be extremely dangerous, even deadly, requiring specialized medical detox treatment. Medication and treatment is also available for those detoxing from less dangerous substances in order to step the addict down gradually.

    Withdrawal

    • Withdrawal is the physical and psychological experience of the detoxification process. When the body has become dependent on a substance, detoxing from that substance can cause a variety of side-effects. And, since the symptoms are often the opposite of the effects of the addictive drug, withdrawal is the toughest part of detoxification to overcome. Some withdrawal symptoms are immediate, while others may occur months to years after detox.

    Physical Symptoms

    • The physical symptoms of withdrawal vary widely, depending on the type and severity of drug addiction. Sweating, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, restlessness, muscle tremors, coughing, headache, fever, loss of appetite, excessive appetite, muscle and abdominal pain, fatigue and weakness are just some of the potential symptoms of various drug withdrawals. Some of the more severe potential physical effects of alcohol, opiate and tranquilizer withdrawal include stroke, heart attack, seizures, hallucinations and delirium tremens.

    Psychological Symptoms

    • As with the physical effects, the psychological withdrawal symptoms depend on type and severity of addiction. Irritability, anxiety, depression, poor concentration, obsession with drug of choice, paranoia, poor memory, difficulty thinking clearly, anhedonia (trouble experiencing pleasure), impulsiveness and mood swings are some of the mental effects of various drug withdrawals.

    Time Frame

    • The time it takes the body to fully rid itself of a substance depends on the individual properties of that particular substance, as well as the severity of addiction. For instance, the active chemical in marijuana, THC, is stored in the body's fatty cells and can take up to 6 months or longer to detox, while water-soluble drugs can take as little as 1 to 2 days to leave the body. However, the time it takes to detox does not necessarily determine the withdrawal time frame--symptoms of withdrawal may be experienced years after detox.

    Treatment/Prevention

    • While not necessarily part of the detoxification process, continuing treatment and preventative counseling may be desired, or necessary, to help with the ongoing physical and psychological effects of withdrawal. Drug treatment options and support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous, are widely available for those entering sobriety.

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