Withdrawals and detox are just a part of addiction recovery. There is much more to effectively treating addiction than just sending a person to detox. Unless they receive additional treatment, they are at high risk for resuming their previous behavior and relapsing after leaving the facility.
Learn more about drug addiction withdrawal and detoxification now.
Facts About Drug Withdrawal And Detox
Addiction is not simply about getting someone to stop using drugs or alcohol; the underlying reasons for the addiction must be addressed as well. However, unless a client is chemical-free, participating in addiction treatment is not going to be effective. For this reason, detoxification is the first phase of the addiction treatment process.
Addiction is not simply about getting someone to stop using drugs or alcohol; the underlying reasons for the addiction must be addressed as well. However, unless a client is chemical-free, participating in addiction treatment is not going to be effective. For this reason, detoxification is the first phase of the addiction treatment process.- During the detox process, an addict’s body is getting rid of the chemicals that have accumulated. In some instances, a person may start to experience withdrawal symptoms as quickly as a couple of hours after last using drugs or drinking alcohol.
- The detox process can be challenging. It can result in physical and psychological symptoms, including cravings for the drug. These symptoms can range from mild ones that resemble the flu to severe ones that require medical attention, such as hallucinations, seizures or irregular heartbeat.
- Drug and alcohol detox should be performed under the supervision of medical professionals. The client’s withdrawal symptoms can be carefully monitored and medications and/or holistic therapies may be provided, if necessary, to ease discomfort.
- The length of time required to detox from drugs or alcohol will vary depending on the age and health of the person, the type and amount of substance taken, and the length of time the chemical was being used. It can take a couple days to 2 weeks for the process to be completed.
- People who have been to drug detox and then start using again are likely to find that they have a higher level of tolerance to their drug of choice and an even greater dependence on it.
- Not everyone who tries to get through a detoxification program succeeds on their first attempt. Some people find that the cravings or the withdrawal symptoms are more than they were prepared to deal with, even with support. This doesn’t add up to failure. Making a life change is not easy and it may take more than one attempt to get through this process and move onto the next phase of treatment.
Residential Outpatient Treatment Recovery
Maryland Recovery offers three distinct phases of residential outpatient treatment, including a Partial Hospitalization Program as a starting point for our clients. Call us now to learn more about our unique addiction treatment programs and how we can help you get clean and sober – and stay that way.
Reviewed by Christopher Schwartfigure MS, LGPC, CAC-AD
