Drug Detoxification

The process of drug detox will vary from individual to individual and from substance to substance. Sometimes a drug detox process can almost go unnoticed, while for others it can pose a serious medical situation that has been known to cause death in rare instances. Some people can experience seizures and dehydration, so it is always the safest alternative to detox under medical supervision.

Drug Detox

• The objective of drug detox is to purge the body of toxins that have collected due to drug use. Once an addict has terminated drug use, physical withdrawal symptoms appear. The degree of withdrawal depends on the drug or drugs that were used and how often they were used. Detoxification assists in alleviating the uncomfortable withdrawal process.

Procedures

• There are a few different ways that drug detox is carried out, and this will most likely depend on where you go for treatment. For the most part, the purpose of the drug detox is to stop you from becoming seriously ill during your withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms are counteracted through administering certain medications. The type of medications will depend on the substance that you were using. Skilled detox facilities usually require some psychotherapy for the duration of detox to assist with the psychological suffering. Those individuals who are addicted to benzodiazepines, barbiturates, opiates and alcohol will require medication as a medical necessity as well.

Drug Flush

• It is imperative that a full drug detox is carried out so that the addict can fully withdraw and embrace purification from the drug or drugs. Not until all residuals are gone from the body can the body begin to heal and cravings diminish. During drug detox the body will be flushed of these toxins. This is the only way that the body can begin to recover.

Time Frame

• The process of drug detox is fairly short, so there is no time to address any other addiction components. So while this process does rid the drugs from the addict's system, it is in no way meant to act as a tool that has any long-term behavioral changes that lead to total recovery. Drug detox will only work if it is followed by more extensive medical care and/or a support group.

Drug Detox at Home

• Attempting to detox from drugs at home is possible in restricted situations. For some addicts, depending on what their drug of choice was, it may or may not be safe to detox at home. For those addicted to benzodiazepines, barbiturates, opiates and alcohol, it is very risky to attempt a home detox because the side effects are so serious. Some other drugs may cause no problems at all with the exception of some minor discomfort. Your current health and your age are other factors to consider in detoxification.