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IMPORTANT: Never attempt to detox from alcohol or any chemical substance, without proper medical supervision and counsel. Without proper medical supervision, withdrawal and detox can cause severe medical consequences, including seizures, heart attacks, violent shakiness, dizziness. It can be fatal.
Detox and Drug Detox Information
Detox, short for detoxification, is the first step in the drug and/or alcohol treatment process. It is the process of the body naturally removing toxic material from itself. Detox, drug detox is the first step in the rehab and treatment process because until there is no alcohol and/or drugs in a person's body, withdrawal can cause cravings. Additionally, while in a drug or alcohol induced state, a person is not mentally or physically prepared to participate in the educational and therapeutic process of rehab and treatment. Until the detox process is complete, someone is simply not ready for recovery. Detox, drug detox takes anywhere from 3 to 7 days, depending on the drug, the amount of the drug in their body and the person’s overall health and age.
Withdrawal and Drug Detox
Withdrawal is the term used to describe the body’s actual physical reaction to the removal of any substance on which it is dependent. Withdrawal is caused by stopping or dramatically reducing drug use after heavy and prolonged use. The reaction frequently includes sweating, shaking, headache, drug craving, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, inability to sleep, confusion, agitation, depression, anxiety, and other behavioral changes.
Certain types of drugs require a period of medical detox, others do not. Opiates, such as heroin and methadone do require medical detox. Prescription medications, of all classifications, require medically supervised detox. Other illegal drugs, such as marijuana, crystal meth and cocaine (crack) do not require medical detox. Often, there is a significant, self induced, psychological dependence associated with these substances and therefore, a period of stabilization is advisable. Prescription drugs such as Hydrocodone, Oxycontin, Xanax, Vicodin and Lortab, all require medically supervised detox. Treatment of withdrawal (detox) includes closely monitoring the person’s vital signs, supportive care and medications. The most commonly used medication, Klonepin, primarily reduces physical symptoms. Buprenophex, anticonvulsant medications are some of the commonly used medications for drug detox. The time period for drug detox is 3 to 7 days of medically monitored supervision.
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