Drug detoxification, commonly referred to simply as detox, is when all traces of substances are removed from the body. Detox is generally the first step toward recovery from drug or alcohol addiction and is followed by a comprehensive addiction treatment plan.
The main goal of detox is to address the physical aspects of addiction so that patients can acknowledge and work through the underlying psychological factors that contributed to their addiction.
At Spokane Falls Recovery Center in Spokane, Washington, we understand that the thought of going through detox is often a deterrent to seeking addiction treatment. Many of our team members have been in that exact spot, and so not only understand those fears but are representatives of the fact that recovery is possible. Conquer your fear today by calling 844.962.2775 to learn more about drug detox.
What Happens During Drug Detox?
Detox begins with a complete medical assessment to gather information about the details of your addiction and your medical history. Honesty is a critical factor in this process because we use the information you provide to create a personalized detox plan. Throughout your detox, the team working with you needs to have the most accurate information to ensure your safety and success during detox.
During detox, you will have 24-hour care from a team of medical and clinical professionals. The average length of detox is from seven to ten days. However, several factors contribute to this, such as:
- General physical and mental health
- Type of substance(s)
- Duration of addiction
- Severity of addiction
- Method of abuse (injecting, snorting, swallowing, etc.)
- The severity of withdrawal symptoms
Often people will attempt to detox at home either by going “cold turkey” or using over-the-counter detox kits. While this might work for some milder addictions, the overall success rate is low, and with more severe levels of addiction, it can be dangerous and even life-threatening. No matter your substance abuse level or addiction, if you are considering detox services, it is always best to seek help from professionals like the team at Spokane Falls Recovery Center. Call us at 844.962.2775 to learn more about our drug detox center.
Symptoms of Drug or Alcohol Withdrawal
During addiction, the body goes through physical changes to adapt to the presence of the addictive substance, becoming dependent upon it. When that substance leaves your body, it needs to adapt to this as well. This period is called withdrawal.
As with all other aspects of substance use disorders, the symptoms and severity of withdrawal are unique to each individual. Additionally, the type of substance, duration of use, and severity of the addiction can influence the process. Furthermore, a person who detoxes more than once may experience different symptoms each time. Withdrawal symptoms can be both physical and psychological.
Physical Withdrawal Symptoms
Physical symptoms of withdrawal can include, but are not limited to:
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Shaking and shivering
- Fever, chills, sweating
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Headaches and exhaustion
- Abdominal cramps, muscle aches, bone pain
- Vivid or unpleasant dreams
These symptoms are often overwhelming, which leads many people to relapse. Fortunately, medical detox can make these symptoms less intense.
Psychological Symptoms of Withdrawal
Psychological symptoms of withdrawal can include, but are not limited to:
- Irritability and agitation
- Extreme mood swings
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Confusion
- Depression
- Intense cravings
The most severe withdrawal symptoms can include hallucinations, delirium, and seizures, but these are rare. Withdrawal from alcohol and opioids can cause rapid changes within the body that can become life-threatening if you don’t get immediate medical treatment.
Find Safe Drug Detox at Spokane Falls Recovery Center
If you or a loved one suffer from a substance use disorder, finding a safe and effective detox program is often the first step on the path to recovery. Gaining freedom from the physical dependence on drugs or alcohol lays the foundation for confronting the underlying issues of substance abuse and addiction.
If you have questions about drug or alcohol detox, reach out to Spokane Falls Recovery Center today. Use our online form or call 844.962.2775 to have our team answer your questions and help guide you on your first steps toward life-long recovery.
