Whether you’re trying to overcome addiction from drugs or alcohol, one of the first steps that you’ll have to endure is the detoxification process. During this period, you will have to go against the substance that your body has become dependent on and go through symptoms that are painful and uncomfortable for you. You need to get the harmful substance out of your system and going through this process is the only way, but you don’t have to do it alone. With any rehab facility you choose, this will be one of the first steps you have to overcome on your journey to a sober lifestyle.
Detoxing from Substance Abuse
It is highly advised that you seek the guidance of a certified rehab facility and medical professional before you decide to detox at home and with the help of friends or family. You should also consider choosing a quality rehab facility instead of any at-home treatments.
The first stage of detoxing will consist of violent outbursts and irritation. This usually happens after the first few hours of detoxing and is a sign of your body starting to go through the symptoms of withdrawal.
The symptoms of withdrawal will depend on the type of substance you use, but will usually involve mood disturbances, the inability to sleep, chills, sweating, tremors, shaking, flu-like symptoms, vomiting, headache, and nausea. This is extremely difficult to overcome by yourself and even with the help of friends at home, you may fall victim to relapse. If you find you are unable to go through withdrawal at home, seek the assistance of a rehab facility.
Detoxing has a variety of different methods that are implemented by rehab facilities, based on your personal drug or alcohol background. The most common methods are “Cold Turkey” (quitting the substance entirely with only medical supervision to guide you through it in case of an emergency), “Short-Term Medical Detoxing” (medication to ease withdrawal symptoms prescribed by medical professionals), and “Long-term Medicated Detoxing” (where you are prescribed long-term medications like Methadone and Suboxone over a long period of time to wean you off the substance).
There are at-home options such as trying the “Cold Turkey” method or drug detox kits, but these are highly dangerous and are not as successful as a certified rehab facility.
Detoxing is one of the most physically demanding aspects of overcoming your addiction, but it’s also the shortest step, usually taking 5-7 days to complete. Seek the help of medical professional to talk about getting started in a program today.