Drug Detoxification
& Withdrawal

The first step toward successful rehabilitation is withdrawing from the drug, also known as detoxification. While all drugs do have withdrawal symptoms, some are much less severe than others. For example, someone withdrawing from stimulants such as cocaine or methamphetamine typically require rest and nutrition to get through the initial detox phase.

In other cases it can be more uncomfortable. Opiates like heroin and prescription painkillers have more severe withdrawal symptoms that include restlessness, aches and pains, cold sweats, vomiting and diarrhea. These symptoms can last for several days and even a few weeks, tapering off at the end. The initial withdrawal and detoxification of most opiates can be done in a drug-free social setting, meaning it is usually not life threatening and can be endured. When there are multiple combinations of drugs, extremely high quantities or methadone is involved, then a medical detox procedure may be needed.

A medical detox is typically done in a hospital-type setting where replacement drugs are given on a very short term basis, or the current drug dosages are decreased over a period of about a week until they are not used at all. By doing this, a person experiences a limited amount of withdrawal symptoms.

In some cases, a medical detox is required. Extremely high levels of alcohol, as well as daily use of benzodiazapines like Xanax and Valium and many psychiatric drugs may require a medical detox. The reason for this is that some of these drugs create a risk of having a seizure if suddenly stopped, and others have prolonged withdrawal symptoms that need to be monitored in a medically-controlled environment.

Even after someone completes a social or medical detox, it doesn't mean that their body is detoxified. It only means they've withdrawn from the drug and it is no longer detectible in their blood or urine. However, scientific evidence has proven that most drugs leave stored residues in the fatty tissue of a person's body, which are the primary cause for physical cravings a leading factor in relapse. It is essential to do a thorough body cleansing detoxificaion to remove these residues, and only a bio-physical program has demonstrated effectiveness in doing so.

Contact us for help finding an effective drug rehab or detoxification center for yourself or a loved one. Call us now at 587-400-5012.