Comfortable Drug Detox, Process, & Side Effects

What is Drug Detox?

The natural removal of a chemical from the body through drug detoxification. A professional drug detox program, often known as “medically managed withdrawal,” involves the use of a number of interventions (including pharmaceuticals and other therapies) to safely control the negative effects associated with stopping using drugs.

A drug detox program’s objective is to reduce any potential bodily harm that could arise from stopping the use of a drug (or substances) after a prolonged time of use.

Although the terms “detox” and “rehab” are frequently used interchangeably, it’s important to understand the difference between the two. Substance addiction rehabilitation consists of a variety of continuing services that try to socially and mentally rehabilitate someone who is abusing drugs. On the other hand, medical detox clinics work to medically stabilize patients, lessen their withdrawal symptoms, stop any potentially hazardous withdrawal consequences, and assist patients in moving on to a substance abuse rehabilitation program or another type of ongoing care.

Several people confuse detoxification and rehabilitation: drug detox is a crucial rehabilitation phase, but they are not the same.  Detoxification, or detox, is the process of letting the body remove the drugs in it.  The purpose of detox is to manage withdrawal symptoms when someone stops taking drugs safely.  Therefore, if you prefer to have a comfortable drug detox, you may need to contact a treatment professional instead of doing it independently.

Detoxification alone does not address the psychological, social, and behavioral problems associated with addiction and therefore does not typically produce lasting behavioral changes necessary for recovery. Detoxification should thus be followed by a formal assessment and referral to drug addiction treatment. [1]

What Are The Side Effects of Drug Detox?

Drug withdrawal symptoms and side effects may be experienced by those going through drug detox. Depending on the substance of choice, side effects may vary, but typical ones of drug detox may include:

• Mood swings, anxiety, despair, and agitation, among other changes in mood.
• Changes in the body, including headaches, trembling, nausea, and flu-like symptoms.
• Cravings, especially for the substance they are trying to stop using.

Types of Drug Detox

There are different types of drug detox, but the very purpose of detoxification is the same.  Detoxification is to help the patients refrain from misusing or abusing substances until all traces of it have left their system.

Detox at Home

Without medical assistance is on hand, anyone going through withdrawal who begins to exhibit dangerous symptoms is at risk of dying because of lack of treatment.

Even in cases where withdrawal itself is not fatal, its effects can be traumatic to drive the withdrawing user into self-harm or even suicide.  This can be a long-term event, with depression continuing long after discontinuing use and resulting in suicide ideation.

Furthermore, many addicts who relapse during the detox process die due to taking the previously accustomed dosages.  Still, their systems are now unable to bear the drug after a period of detox and withdrawal.  This can also be avoided with the proper therapeutic support, which is very unlikely to be available in the home environment.

Medically Assisted Detox

A medically assisted detox is going through detoxification with the help of certain medicines that can make the process of withdrawal more tolerable.  When medication is administered during detox, your body is relieved of uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, and you can better focus on therapy.  In addition, medication can be provided to help you kick any cravings.

Withdrawal symptoms can be highly uncomfortable, and in some cases, they can be very dangerous.  To safely detox from drugs or alcohol, medically assisted detox options and medical supervision are essential.

When the substance is no longer being provided to the body, the brain sends distress signals, and people experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms until the substance has entirely left the body.  Once the brain re-wires again to not need drugs to work, the withdrawal symptoms subside, and the emotional, psychological work begins.  Depending on the length and the severity of the addiction, this process can take anywhere from 3-14 days.

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Ask Dr. Al: How To Overcome Drug Withdrawal? A Patient Recovery Story

Overcoming drug withdrawal can be a challenging but crucial step towards recovery. First and foremost, seeking professional guidance and support is essential. Medical supervision can help manage the physical symptoms and ensure your safety. Additionally, establishing a solid support system through friends, family, or support groups can provide emotional assistance during this challenging period. Engaging in healthy activities, such as exercise, mindfulness, and hobbies, can help occupy your mind and ease the psychological aspects of withdrawal. Finally, maintaining a positive mindset, setting realistic goals, and staying committed to your recovery journey are critical elements in successfully overcoming drug withdrawal and starting on the path to lasting sobriety.

Drug Detox Recovery Story Inspired By True Events

Dr. Al and the We Level Up drug detox treatment team played a pivotal role in helping a patient, who we will call Jane Doe, recover from drug addiction. Jane Doe had struggled with substance abuse for several years, and her life was spiraling out of control. Dr. Al and We Level Up started by providing a compassionate and nonjudgmental environment, allowing Jane Doe to share her struggles and fears.

Together, they developed a personalized treatment plan that included a combination of therapy, medication, and support from a network of addiction specialists. Dr. Al closely monitored Jane Doe’s progress, making adjustments to her treatment as needed. With his guidance and unwavering support, Jane Doe began to rebuild her life. She learned to identify triggers, manage cravings, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Dr. Al and We Level Up’s encouragement and empathy were instrumental in Jane Doe’s journey to recovery, and over time, she regained her health, confidence, and a drug-free life. Jane Doe’s success story is a testament to the positive impact that dedicated healthcare professionals like Dr. Al can have in helping individuals overcome addiction.

Dr. Al and the We Level Up drug detox treatment team’s commitment to Jane Doe’s recovery extended far beyond the confines of the clinic. He tirelessly worked with Jane Doe to rebuild her self-esteem and self-worth, emphasizing the importance of setting achievable goals and finding purpose in her life. Together, they explored her interests and talents, helping her discover new passions that replaced the void left by drug addiction. Dr. Al and We Level Up also encouraged Jane Doe to mend relationships with her family and friends, guiding how to rebuild trust and communicate more effectively.

Over time, Jane Doe’s transformation became apparent not only to herself but to those around her as well. Dr. Al and the We Level Up team’s unwavering support continued as she transitioned to a life free from drugs. He connected her with local support groups and aftercare programs to ensure a strong foundation for her continued sobriety. Through his dedication and the tools he provided, Dr. Al not only helped Jane Doe overcome drug addiction but also empowered her to embrace a brighter, healthier, and more fulfilling future. Jane Doe’s journey is a testament to the profound impact of a caring and committed healthcare professional like Dr. Al in addiction recovery.

Introducing Dr. Al: A Specialist in Addiction Studies and Mental Health Disorders.

With over 15 years of expertise in behavioral health, Dr. Al has dedicated his career to transforming lives. He, his team, plus the We Level Up treatment center network have successfully guided countless patients through the most daunting obstacles they have ever encountered. Join Dr. Al and We Level Up on a journey toward healing and triumph. Learn more about Dr. Al here.

Drug Detox Statistics

Sadly, less than 42% of those who seek treatment for drug and alcohol abuse really finish it. The frequency, length, and substance type of drug use are only a few variables that affect how well each patient responds to treatment.

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Comfortable Drug Detox: What to Expect

It is important to us to be transparent about the topic of detox because it will not be an easy process.  A person will likely experience many different side effects from their drug use.  These side effects may be emotional, physical, or mental.  For example, someone in withdrawal will probably experience many uncomfortable feelings and negative thoughts about life during the process of detox.  Unfortunately for those with a physical dependency, detox is an unavoidable first step to recovery.  The benefits of medical drug detox are the most freeing and valuable part. Here are some:

• Your loved ones will surely appreciate that you have decided to get help and are now detoxing.  This will let them sleep better at night and not wake up to the constant fear that they will lose you.
• Though you might feel terrible in the early stages of detox, your health will already be starting to improve.  You will notice the color coming back into your face and the dark circles leaving your eyes reasonably quickly.  After you get past the peak of detox, you will feel more energetic and feel better than you have since you started using.
• You will notice that you begin thinking clearer and that things begin to make more sense.  This is because your mind is no longer being filled with the cloud of fog that drug use was causing.  Your emotional state will also improve.  You will be able to handle challenging situations in life much better and more reasonably.
• Beginning a medical detox process will surely boost your self-esteem.  You will feel as if you can walk tall and hold your head up high once an addictive substance is no more extended ruling you.

Detox & Tapering

Weaning someone off a medication gradually can help with withdrawal symptoms. This process is known as tapering. Typically, clinical staff will do this by following a set schedule and giving drugs in gradually decreasing quantities. The method is occasionally applied when drugs are given to treat opioid, alcohol, or benzodiazepine withdrawal. While making decisions about tapering, clinical professionals in a drug detox context must use their best judgment along with tools and protocols.

Quitting Drugs Cold Turkey

It might be risky to stop using one or more drugs “cold turkey” or all at once depending on the substance. obtaining aid and recovering from addiction When alcohol usage has been prolonged and chronic, stopping suddenly might result in seizures, delirium, diarrhea, and perhaps even death. Although suddenly ceasing opioid use is rarely lethal, it can nonetheless result in very unpleasant side effects like nausea, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, and other symptoms. A common side effect of moderate to severe opiate withdrawal is drug cravings. When these occur all at once, suddenly, a person frequently relapses and resumes using opioids.

Consequently, it’s a good idea to speak with a doctor before stopping using any medication abruptly. To ascertain whether or not a medically managed detox program is appropriate for you, it may also be good to get in touch with a drug detox facility.

Overdose and Death

Synthetic fentanyl is the number one cause of overdose deaths, but other street drugs are also significant contributors.  Drug overdose and possible death are the greatest risks with taking these illicit substances.  There is no way to know how much will cause an overdose because there is so little known about the composition of these substances.

Unaware of what addictive substances are present, a street drug user may develop signs of addiction as well.  Every single time an addictive drug is ingested, you may be progressing your addiction in addition to your risk of death.  Get the help of a drug detox program to save the life of yourself or a loved one and keep an addiction from progressing even further.

What Happens After Detox?

Detox is merely the initial stage of addiction therapy, and it is rarely enough to assist a person in achieving long-term recovery. After completing their detoxification program, patients frequently choose to enroll in a drug and alcohol recovery program. Drug misuse and any related medical, psychological, social, occupational, and legal issues must be addressed in effective therapy. Age, gender, ethnicity, and culture of the patient should all be taken into consideration during treatment. Although behavioral therapies are the most widely used kind of treatment for substance misuse, medication may also be employed.

People may need to redefine previous notions about what recovery entails in order to define success in the field of addiction therapy. Restoring a person to productive functioning in their family, work or school, and community is the aim of addiction treatment. Because addiction is similar to other chronic illnesses, some people will relapse, but this does not necessarily indicate that treatment was ineffective. Alternatively, it can entail modifying the course of therapy or going back to a facility where more emphasis can be placed on helping patients change their deeply ingrained patterns.

We Level Up New Jersey Comfortable Drug Detox Program

For anyone who suffers from addiction, just the thought of having to stop using can cause severe mental distress.  But, with the help of a medical detox center, the medical detox process is managed.  A comprehensive team prescribing medications can alleviate your withdrawal pains while monitoring your health 24 hours.  We are assuring both your safety and comfort.

We Level Up NJ’s thorough approach to rehabilitation supports several levels of care to ensure the best possible outcome for every patient who enters our doors.  From an intensive and more supportive atmosphere for those in the early days of recovery to a comfortable residential-style living dynamic upon completion of detox, we are here to help guide you down the safe and results-based path to your sobriety.

To start reclaiming your life from addiction and undergo a comfortable drug detox, you may contact us, and we will guide you to recovery.

Experience Transformative Recovery at the We Level Up Treatment Center.

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Voluntarily testimonials from the We Level Up Treatment Center network vary. Not intended as a guaranteed treatment or outcome as each person's journey is unique.