Substance Detox

According to the Mayo Clinic, drug addictions can surface as physical or psychological dependency. Drug addiction is defined as having strong cravings for a substance, which is never satisfied but only enhanced with every drug encounter. Those who are drug abusers compulsively use without acknowledging the negative social, physical and psychological consequences. Substance detox can be performed at home with the use of herbs or at a rehabilitation center, where the detoxification process is overseen by psychologists and doctors.

Rehabilitation Centers

• The Mayo Clinic states that certain drugs have a stronger addiction potential, which makes them harder and more dangerous to detox from. Narcotics such as heroine, meth, cocaine and crack all show to have greater potential for abuse and addiction, thus detoxification from these substances should be performed at a certified rehabilitation center. Every drug rehab center differs with their approach to detoxification, support and overall cost. While most insurance plans cover some form of drug rehabilitation, it is important to discuss what your insurance will pay while searching for a rehab center. To ensure a safe detoxification experience, ensure that the rehab center has national and state licensing, such as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations Certification. While selecting a drug rehab center, also ensure that it specializes in drug detoxification, and not just recovery.

Herbal Detoxification

• Detoxifying with the help of herbs will not only remove substances from your body, but also cleanse the organs that have been affected by substance abuse. While herbal detoxifications can be beneficial, discuss this option with your physician to ensure its safety, especially if you are detoxifying from such drugs as cocaine, meth, heroine and alcohol as the withdrawals symptoms for these substances may cause health complications.

  According to the University of Maryland, milk thistle is an effective herb to detoxify the liver from chronic alcohol use or other drugs that damage the liver, such prescription medications. This herb works with the liver to cleanse toxins that have accumulated from substance abuse as well as improving the function of the liver. This herb is also beneficial for those who have severe liver damage, such as cirrhosis, according to the University of Maryland's Medical Center. The standard dose for this herb is 400 milligrams taken three times per day with eight ounces of water. Speak with your doctor before starting this herb to ensure safety and dosage amount.

  Dandelion is another herb that has been traditionally consumed to treat various liver disorders. The University of Maryland's Medical Center suggests that this herb aides in withdrawal symptoms from alcoholism. This herb is commonly used in conjunction with milk thistle to improve the function of the liver by removing toxins and improving withdrawal symptoms. Dandelion is commonly drunk as a tea for its detoxifying properties. Purchase dried dandelion leaves from a health food store and place two teaspoons into eight ounces of boiling hot water. Allow the leaves to steep for ten minutes and then strain and sweeten with honey or agave nectar. Drink this tea three times per day throughout the detoxification process.