While safe withdrawal may be possible at home, medical intervention may be needed to provide medications and life-saving support. Many people in recovery also find support groups to be a helpful resource to lean on. People may experience physical, behavioral, and cognitive symptoms when discontinuing substances. These symptoms may range from mild to severe depending on the person, their history of use, and the substance or substances used. Nearly 20% of people in the United States have used recreational drugs and over 20 million people over the age of 12 in the United States experience a substance use disorder. Substance withdrawal—a syndrome with physical, behavioral, and cognitive symptoms that happens when a person stops using a substance after regular use—is one reason people struggle with this.
This may include counselling, therapy or accessing medication for any other conditions. The earliest stages of detox can begin as soon as a couple of hours after the last use of a drug. That is because the body is just starting to crave the substance it relies on, and often, there may still be some working its way through. This stage is a prime time to seek help because, https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/addiction-vs-dependence-what-is-the-difference/ in many cases, the person struggling with an addiction is coherent enough to recognize their need for help and willing to agree to treatment. Once they have entered a treatment facility, their clinicians can develop and implement a plan to address and manage the next phase of withdrawal. A physician may also prescribe medication to ease specific side effects.
The Best Online TRT Clinics In 2024 – Reviews, Benefits, Price, Side Effects, How To Start?
Alcohol detoxification could be challenging, depending upon the history of alcohol abuse. The higher the alcohol abuse in people, the higher would be the incidence of severe withdrawal symptoms. In addition, at-home detox from alcohol is dangerous since an individual may not have the support needed to overcome the body’s psychological and chemical dependence on alcohol. Detoxification (detox) is the process of clearing the body of drugs or alcohol that an individual has consumed. The purpose of detox is to safely manage withdrawal symptoms when someone stops taking drugs or alcohol.
However, the intensity and type of exercise should be appropriate for the individual’s condition and should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Detox can be emotionally challenging, drug detox and individuals may experience mood swings, depression, or anxiety. Emotional support is crucial during this phase to provide guidance, coping strategies, and encouragement.
Does Rapid Detox Work?
During this time, staff can work with clients to help them understand what will happen during the detox and treatment processes. AddictionResource aims to present the most accurate, trustworthy, and up-to-date medical content to our readers. Our team does their best for our readers to help them stay informed about vital healthcare decisions. Many friends and family members of people who use substances want to help but are hesitant for various reasons or do not know where to start. Support is available for friends and family members through organizations such as Al-Anon and Nar-Anon.
- Ridding the body of the chemical grip drugs and alcohol have on it significantly impacts a person’s ability to complete a rehab program and regain control of their life.
- The type of drug you have been abusing and how long you have been abusing it for will play a role.
- Detoxing on your own without medical support can sometimes be dangerous.
Substance addiction and withdrawal are challenging for those who use substances, as well as for those around them, including friends and family members. If you are someone you know is experiencing substance addiction or withdrawal, help is available. Reach out to a healthcare provider, such as a primary care practitioner, psychologist, or addiction specialist for support. Detox often includes medications that mimic the effects of drugs to reduce withdrawal symptoms. Medications may also target co-occurring disorders or general discomfort.
Detox at Home: How to Detox from Drugs at Home Correctly
If you have decided to get help, you might be trying to determine which type of medical detoxification program is right for you. Every treatment facility is a little bit different, and you should always consult your doctor and the facility before making any treatment decisions. The body has become accustomed to operating with the help of these substances. It reacts to the missing chemical with a strong, and sometimes severe, response.
- “A balanced diet of mostly whole foods and plants supports overall health, including the body’s natural detox systems,” Tamburello says.
- After successfully detoxing, you may feel better and have greater mental clarity to address the psychological issues related to substance use disorder.
- The purpose of a drug detox is to treat the physical dependency on the drug in the first instance so that other aspects of the addiction can be addressed.
- The strong withdrawal symptoms that occur as the body adapts to the absence of drugs can be very unpleasant.
- Know that you are not weak; this is challenging for almost everyone.
- The severity of withdrawal symptoms depends on a variety of factors, such as the substance being abused, method of abuse, how often, and how much of the substance is being abused.
- Plan healthy, simple meals you can put together quickly — or in advance.
If the medicine label says not to drink while taking the medicine, do not drink for the entire time you are on the medication. “Other individuals may be masking more traditionally extreme eating disorders (i.e. anorexia nervosa) through engaging in detoxification, fasting and other trendy buzzwords,” says Dr. Tabone. When you access support for your drug use, you will have an initial appointment where they will ask you about your drug use. They will also ask you about your personal circumstances, including work, family and housing situation.
