If you or somebody you know suffers from drug addiction, you understand how all-consuming it can be. Many people, theoretically, understand the toll drugs take on a person’s mind. These substances can rewire the brain to make them increasingly crave the drug.
However, substance abuse affects your body in other ways, too. Over time, your body comes to depend on these drugs to function. This physical dependence makes drug rehabilitation more complex.
That’s why drug detox is such a critical part of recovery. Detox for drugs allows your body time to overcome its dependence on drugs. Once you’ve detoxed, you can safely work out ways to drop your substance abuse.
If you’re concerned about drug detox, keep reading! We’ll explore what to expect during this process in the guide below.
Detox for Drugs Medical Assessment
The first thing that happens in drug detox is a thorough medical assessment. At this time, doctors examine the patient to assess their condition.
During this assessment, clinicians examine a patient’s medical history and the details of their addiction. Once they’ve gathered the necessary information, the doctor develops a drug detox plan tailored to the patient’s needs.
Substance Abuse Withdrawals
The next phase of the detox process is often the most difficult. As you gradually reduce the amount of drugs in your system, your body will experience withdrawal symptoms.
The intensity of these symptoms depends on several factors. These include the type of substance you abused, how long you used it, and your general health.
Several types of symptoms can afflict your body at this time. First, you’ll likely experience physical symptoms, such as:
- Nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting
- Trembling or shivering
- Increased heart rate
- Abdominal cramps
- Exhaustion
- Unpleasant dreams
Unfortunately, many drugs cause psychological withdrawal symptoms as well. These may include symptoms like:
- Irritability
- Paranoia
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Confusion
Fortunately, detox specialists come prepared for these problems. We’ll explore the role they play in the next section.
Supplemental Medication
As you can see, withdrawal symptoms are often unpleasant at best. Fortunately, you don’t have to deal with them alone. Instead, doctors will prescribe controlled medication to help you through your drug detox.
No medication can combat every symptom. However, some prescriptions can combat anxiety and depression, helping you stay motivated.
Others allow you to get the sleep you need. Sleep is a crucial tool in combatting your withdrawals and stabilizing your health.
You may receive other medications depending on the type of symptoms you suffer. However, you’ll receive much more fundamental care as well.
Medication can do a lot to combat drug withdrawal. However, a detox program also relies on compassionate, 24/7 care from medical professionals.
Clinicians like those at Hope Rising will supervise every stage of your detox. You can rely on them for any aid you need during your detox.
Start Combatting Your Drug Addiction
Undergoing detox for drugs is the first step in combatting drug addiction. The process can last for varying amounts of time but usually lasts for 7-10 days. Once this painful step ends, you can fight your addiction in full force.
So, don’t hesitate. Find a drug detox program you can trust to help you in your recovery!
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