Purge the Toxins from Substance Abuse through Detox

The goal of drug and alcohol detox is to help the body purge the toxins from substance abuse.  The very first step of detoxification is to support someone as they go through drug and alcohol withdrawal.  The definition of withdrawal is defined as the discontinuation of using drugs and alcohol and the physical and psychological adjustment which follows.  Once a person has stopped using drugs and alcohol, withdrawal symptoms will follow.

The length and severity of withdrawal will be different for each person, depending on what drugs or the amount of alcohol that was regularly used.  Very few people with addiction are only using one drug alone and most will suffer from poly-addiction because of using multiple substances in conjunction with alcohol. 

It is normal to see someone in a drug and alcohol detox who has been abusing alcohol along with meth, heroin or cocaine or prescription drugs, among other things.  Detox is a process which applies to individuals who have acquired a physical dependence and supervised withdrawal is the best way to diminish someone’s cravings for their substance of choice.

Drug and alcohol detox is done in many different ways depending on the type of facility that is elected.  Most detox programs will provide treatment to alleviate the symptoms of physical drug and alcohol withdrawal.   Ideally, the program you choose will help you through the use of medications and supportive therapies which are administered by experienced and compassionate detox professionals.

The duration of drug and alcohol withdrawal will normally last for about 3-5 days in total.  However, there are other people who have such severe addiction issues that going through withdrawal may take more than a week and sometimes it can last for months.

Drug and alcohol detox should include all aspects of the individual’s withdrawal from drugs and alcohol.  The removal of the toxins from drug and alcohol abuse is the key to preparing someone for seeking further drug and alcohol treatment.  If the drug and alcohol toxins are not purged from the body, it can wind up causing residual cravings a person may experience for years after having quit.

Someone going through detoxification should realize is a vital step in the healing process and for somebody with physical dependence issues, it is necessary.  An addicted person must have the accumulated toxins from drug and alcohol removed from their system, in order to build their body back up and to prepare themselves physically and psychologically for more treatment. 

You can find a drug and alcohol detox services through speaking with a treatment program or you can locate one through performing an online search for these programs in your area.  Although you may be scared about the unknown you face as you take the steps needed to become clean and sober, it should serve as a turning point in your life and give you hope for the future.  If you or someone you love is faced with a physical dependence on drugs and alcohol, please call us at the California Addiction Network today and talk to our caring clinicians and specialists about detox and let us help you.