Detox is the first step to sobriety for drug users. Detox centers believe it’s tougher to cure mental illness in physically ill patients. Detox treats the physical aspects of addiction so patients can focus on the mental aspects later.
What is detoxification?
When detox is complete, a person is ready for rehab. Substance abuse treatment rarely mentions it, despite widespread knowledge.
Detox ensures safety and comfort while relieving withdrawal symptoms. Detoxing is the safest technique to remove toxic toxins. In a detox facility, doctors and nurses are available to help. Self-detoxing causes demotivation and withdrawal symptoms.
Detox: Mind and Body
Detox is the first step in drug therapy. Withdrawal occurs when the body quits getting a substance it’s used to. Doctors might provide medication to reduce withdrawal symptoms and monitor patients. A person may feel worried or want to use it during withdrawal. A therapist can help them cope.
In the first 24-48 hours after stopping a drug, withdrawal symptoms may appear. When addicted, the brain and other organs need more of the substance to function “normally” or “excellently.” Drug withdrawal causes physical and mental changes. Distraction eases withdrawal symptoms. Some detox symptoms can be uncomfortable or dangerous and require medical attention.
There are a few physical signs of moderate withdrawal:
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Decreased hunger
- Sweating
- The slowness of body movement
- shaken or trembling
There are psychological indicators such as:
- Feelings of apprehension
- Uneasiness
- Tension, or fretting
- Dysphoria
Some of the more severe withdrawal symptoms include:
- Deficiency in body fluids due to diarrhea or vomiting
- Short, rapid breaths
- “DTs,” which stands for “delirium tremens” (a cluster of intense withdrawal symptoms, including seizures)
- Intensely distressing feelings of despair or panic, coupled with deliberate plans to end one’s own life
- Irregular or increased heart rate
- A state of extreme fear
7-10 days after detoxification, patients feel pain and sickness. After getting worse, symptoms improve. If symptoms are mild, the condition could continue for weeks or months. Many rehabs keep a strict record of patients and help them get sober as soon as possible so that they can resume their old life among other people. One of the top examples of rehabs as such is Massachusetts drug rehab center. People in need of a positive environment for recovery should definitely connect with this rehab.
Addiction replacement therapy helps addicts. Heroin and fentanyl may be affected. During detox and rehab, the person may be given methadone or buprenorphine until their body no longer needs opioids.
