*** THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE ***

DETOX

The basic word detox itself has the same meaning with various applications. Detox, short for detoxification is the natural process whereby the body relieves itself of unnecessary matter (waste). It is the very necessary occurrence of purifying and cleansing the human body. Without it, the body would quickly become diseased and perish.

Drug Alcohol Detox

Detox is a process whereby individuals are systematically withdrawn from alcohol and or drugs in an inpatient or outpatient setting. It MUST be done under the care of a physician and licensed professionals.

Medications are used for detoxification from heroin, opiates, nicotine, benzodiazepines, alcohol, barbiturates and sedatives. In some cases detoxification may be a medical necessity. Untreated withdrawal may be medically dangerous or even fatal.

Detox is not designed to address the psychological, social, and a behavioral problem associated with addiction and therefore does not typically produce lasting behavioral changes necessary for recovery.

Detoxification is most useful when it incorporates formal processes of assessment and referral to subsequent opiate drug addiction treatment.

Withdrawal

When someone who has been using drugs regularly stops, they can suffer from the symptoms of drug withdrawal. It can cause suffering and acute side effects. It can be traumatic. The signs and symptoms of drug withdrawal begin to appear between 1 and 72 hours after drug use ceases.

Withdrawal is the term used to describe the body's actual physical reaction to the removal of any substance on which it is dependent. Withdrawal is caused by stopping or dramatically reducing drug use after heavy and prolonged use. The reaction frequently includes sweating, shaking, headache, drug craving, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, inability to sleep, confusion, agitation, depression, anxiety, and other behavioral changes.

Detox Questions & Answers

Q: why is detox the first step in the treatment, rehab process?

A: Until there is zero alcohol and/or drugs in a person's body, withdrawal can cause cravings. Additionally, while in a drug or alcohol induced state, a person is not mentally or physically prepared to participate in the educational and therapeutic process of rehab and treatment. Bottom line, until the detox process is complete, someone is too unstable and simply not ready to participate in treatment.

Q: How long does detox take?

A: Detoxing from drugs and/or alcohol can takes anywhere from 3 to 14 days, depending primarily on the type of chemical involved.

Q: What's the difference between withdrawal and detox?

A: Withdrawal is the term used to describe the body's actual physical reaction to the removal of any substance on which it is dependent. Withdrawal is caused by stopping or dramatically reducing alcohol or drug use after heavy or prolonged use. The reaction frequently includes sweating, shaking, headache, drug craving, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, inability to sleep, confusion, agitation, depression, anxiety, and other behavioral changes.

Q: Is detox painful?

A: Detox can be uncomfortable both physically as well as psychologically, it just depends on the person, their health and the medical procedures followed. Often, there is a significant, self induced, psychological dependence associated with these substances which can cause problems. drug alcohol detox