Drug Detox

Detoxing from drugs and managing withdrawal can be difficult if you are dependent. Detoxification is best under the care of medical professionals.

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What is Drug Detox?

Breaking the cycle of drug dependence is hard and even more challenging if you do it alone. Withdrawal symptoms can take a toll on individuals trying to quit.

The drug detox process is necessary to give the body a clean and fresh start. It can be an uncomfortable process, but the risks of continuing to live with substance dependence far outweigh the discomforts of drug detox.

Drug withdrawal is a combination of the health risks and set of symptoms that a person battling drug addiction experiences when they suddenly discontinue using or drastically reduce intake. When a person attempts to give up the addictive substance, their body goes through uncomfortable mental and physical symptoms triggered by unfulfilled cravings.

Confronting drug addiction is, in all phases, a difficult process. However, research shows that withdrawal is often the hardest part for individuals battling this addiction. Dependence on drugs puts the body in an unnatural state, whereby its functioning entirely depends on the addictive substance

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Drug Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms largely depend on the addictive substance in question and the extent of misuse.

The commonly reported drug withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Irritability
  • Muscle aches
  • Mood swings
  • Nausea and frequent vomiting
  • Irregular breathing
  • Blood pressure changes
  • Restlessness and tremors
  • Insomnia
  • Stomach upsets
  • Anxiety
  • Chills
  • Seizures
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fever and sweating
  • Hallucinations

How Long Do Withdrawal Symptoms Last?

The entire process may take 7 – 14 days. The withdrawal timeframe depends on these few factors:

  • The type of drug and addiction history
  • Whether more than one substance was abused during the same period
  • The patient’s overall health history

Withdrawal symptoms may persist for much longer than the initial withdrawal phase, some of these symptoms may be psychological in nature and may be linked to the presence of a substance use disorder (drug addiction). Treating both dependence and addiction may be the necessary approach to reduce the likelihood of relapse.

Before you commit to a detox, we recommend speaking with a medical professional to ensure it is safe to do so. Detoxing without proper support can be dangerous, and in some cases even fatal.

How we Can Help

Our highly qualified addiction treatment specialists are equipped to manage withdrawal symptoms for all drugs. Regardless of how dependent you are, our approach to detoxification is safe, comfortable and highly customised to your specific needs. Detox is offered as part of a drug rehab programme at Providence Projects.

About the Author

PAUL SPANJAR, CEO

PAUL SPANJAR, CEO

providenceproject

This content has been verified by Paul Spanjar, a leading addiction expert and CEO of the Providence Projects

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will I be safe during the detox phase?

You will be assessed before and upon arrival at the Providence Projects. Our in-house GP will provide a medical examination to ensure client safety during the early stages of treatment.

Can I detox from drugs at home?

We do not recommend detoxing from drugs at home without first speaking to a medical professional. While some substances result in minor withdrawal symptoms, others can result in severe physical withdrawal that can be dangerous if left unmanaged.

How long does drug detox take?

There’s no exact number of days because the length of detox depends on a couple of factors: the type of substance(s) abused, how long you’ve been abusing them and whether you have underlying health issues.

Will I be supervised during the detox phase?

If you require a medically-assisted detox, our medical team will provide 24/7 supervision to ensure you or a loved one are safe and comfortable.

Not everyone requires a medically-supervised detox programme, it will depend on the substance(s) you are struggling with. Some drugs do not require a medical detox.


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