First and foremost it is imperative never to attempt a detox from alcohol or any chemical substance without proper medical supervision. Without a professionals overview your withdrawal symptoms can cause severe medical consequences, including seizures, violent shakes, dizziness and the possibility of a heart attack or fatal seizure.
Alcohol Detox and Drug Detox Information
Detox, short for detoxification, is the first step in an alcohol and / or drug treatment process. It is the process of the body removing any toxic substance.
This is because until there is no trace of alcohol and /or drugs in a person's body, the process of withdrawal will continue to cause physical 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. Until the detox process is complete, someone is simply not ready for recovery.
Detoxification takes anywhere from 5 - 21 days, depending on the drug (even longer with benzodiazepam dependency), the amount of the drug in their body and the person's overall health and age.
Withdrawal and Detox
Withdrawal is the term used to describe the body's physical reaction to the removal of any substance to which it is dependent. Withdrawal is caused by stopping or dramatically reducing alcohol or drug use after heavy and prolonged use. The reaction frequently includes sweating, shaking, headache, craving, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhoea, inability to sleep, confusion, agitation, depression, anxiety, and other behavioural changes.
Our experience shows us that it is during this period that the alcoholic / addict is extremely likely to find that their mental obsession to return to an intoxicated state is so overwhelming that their solo attempts are futile.
Certain types of drugs require a period of medical detox, others do not. Alcohol dependency certainly requires safe and stable medical support. Opiates, such as heroin and methadone also require medical detox, and prescription medications, of all classifications, require medically supervised detox.
Other illegal drugs, such as marijuana, crystal meth and cocaine (crack) do not necessarily require a full medical detox; however, medical supervision is recommended. Often, there is a significant, self induced, psychological dependence associated with these substances and therefore, a period of stabilization is advisable.
