Detoxification is the first step in a drug treatment program to help your body adjust to coming off drugs or alcohol safely and successfully. You may already be familiar with some withdrawal symptoms for your drug of choice and fear the physical sensations of the early stages of sobriety. Fortunately, medical detoxification can help you adjust through this period and reach a point of feeling better.
To learn more about drug treatment, you can read this article detox that will further explain what to expect during treatment and the medical reasons for detoxification.
What is detox?
Detox is a medical program to help your body safely eliminate drugs or alcohol from your system. If you’ve been using a substance for a long time, you might have symptoms like shakiness, sweating, and nausea as you try to quit. Depending on the severity and length of your substance use, you might also be at risk for severe complications like seizures, so it’s important to let a doctor help you through the detox process. You can learn more in a doctor video about detox.
What can medical detox do?
Medical detox might involve a variety of treatments. You may need consistent monitoring in an inpatient facility for signs of severe symptoms. In some cases, medications – either for your specific addiction or to treat general symptoms like nausea – can help you feel better. Staff will work to keep you comfortable and calm as you recover. A doctor video about detox will explain what to expect in the facility and the role of medical staff.
Why do I need medical detox?
In addition to the possibility of severe symptoms from sustained use, detox can help anyone to get past the uncomfortable first stages. You might fear withdrawal and be tempted to avoid it. Some symptoms may seem scary and difficult to control, but with medical help, you can better understand your experience and move through it.
Many people who attempt to quit drugs or alcohol on their own relapse without the proper support for detox. When you get help, you can keep yourself safe, cope better, and move on to the next stages of rehabilitation.
How long does detox take?
Detox typically takes 3 to 10 days for most drugs and alcohol but could last for weeks or months, depending on your specific substance abuse disorder. Detox also works better as the first stage of an inpatient or outpatient drug treatment program, so expect to spend more time working toward sobriety with a trained and caring medical team.
A Doctor Video About Detox Can Explain More
Look for a doctor video about detox and other resources to help you learn more about detox and what to expect for your specific substance abuse disorder. There are many resources available online to help you understand your next steps and choose a program. Detox is a difficult process, but it will change your life. Medical detox will give you the help and support you need to succeed.