Detoxification, or detox, is the process of clearing the body of drugs or alcohol that an individual has consumed. The purpose of detox is to safely manage withdrawal symptoms when someone stops taking drugs or alcohol.
The Process of Detox
Detox will look different for every person. Varying substances, the severity of addiction, duration of substance abuse, and more will cause different withdrawal symptoms, making the needs of every person in detox different as well. However, in most cases, the detox process involves the following three steps:
#1. Evaluation
A medical team screens an individual for physical and mental health issues. They will also use blood tests to measure the amount of drugs or alcohol in an individual’s system. This process helps determine the level of medications needed.
The medical team will also obtain a comprehensive review of the drug, medical, and psychiatric history of the individual. This information sets up the basis for a long-term treatment plan.
#2. Stabilization
The next step of detox is to stabilize the individual with medical and psychological therapy. The goal of stabilization is to prevent any form of harm. During the stabilization stage, doctors can prescribe medications to prevent complications and reduce withdrawal symptoms.
#3. Preparing for Long-Term Recovery
The last step of detox is for the medical team to provide the individual with options to continue their recovery journey. For most people, this will include education and referrals to treatment centers. However, options may also include suggestions to attend 12-Step groups, therapy, or sober coaching.
How Long Does Detox Take?
It can take days or months to get through withdrawal symptoms. The length of withdrawal depends on several factors, including:
- The type of substance used
- Duration of use
- Severity of use
- Method of abuse
- Amount of a substance typically taken
- Family history
- Genetics
- Medical conditions
- Underlying mental health disorders
Can You Detox at Home?
Choosing to detox at home can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Quitting “cold turkey” or without medical supervision can lead to severe issues such as seizures and severe dehydration. Seeking medical care for detox is the best option.
Detox is the process of removing drugs and alcohol from your body. During detox, you experience withdrawal symptoms caused by the cessation of substance abuse. In a medical facility, these withdrawal symptoms can be managed safely and effectively, helping to minimize discomfort. If you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse, The Guest House offers a detox program where you can regain your strength and find the support you need to move forward in recovery. To learn more about our detox program, call us today at (855) 483-7800.