A Complete Guide to Medical Detox

A Complete Guide to Medical
Detox and What to Expect

Introduction
The road to recovery is riddled with hardships. But braving
through it and coming out clean from the other side is as
life-changing as it gets. The very first thing to do on the
journey to sobriety is to stop using and letting your body
remove all harmful substances that are in your system. This
is more commonly referred to as detox.

Table of Contents
‣ What is it?
‣ How to decide who needs it?
‣ How long does it last?
‣ What goes on during detox?
‣ Symptoms of withdrawal and the importance of
detox
‣ Why is assisted medical detox better than doing it
by self?
‣ Types of medical detox
‣ Dealing with the stigma
‣ Important steps to take after you are done with
detox

What is it?
The first step to becoming sober is quitting alcohol or
whatever drug the victim has been indulging in. Detox is the
process where you stop consuming said drugs, and your body
gets rid of the previously administered drugs. This process
can be painful, and withdrawal symptoms can be tough to
manage alone. Furthermore, going cold turkey after certain
drugs can be life-threatening. Medical detox is a treatment
method where medical professionals assist you through the
withdrawal and help you manage your symptoms.

How to decide who needs it?
Medical professionals take several factors into account to
decide if an addict requires medical detox and, if so, the
kind that fits them best. But it is recommended that any
addict wanting to quit should not stop using abruptly, as
their body might not react well to the sudden change.
Hence, if you are looking to quit or help a loved one do so,
consult a doctor and get their professional opinion.

How long does it last?
There is no rigid timeline for detox. It may last only a few
days for some and several weeks for others. Numerous
factors influence how long a victim of addiction might take
to cleanse their bodies of the substance they abused. Some
of these factors are:
– The kind of substance abused
– How often did the victim indulge in the substance
– The amount of substance used
– The addict’s age and gender
– The addict’s genetic makeup and family history
– The current mental and physical condition of the user

What goes on during detox?
• Once you have decided to quit, the first step is to consult
your doctor to see which kind of detox is the safest option.
After a thorough examination of your current physical and
mental health and analysis of the type and amount of
substance you took, the doctor will suggest a detox plan
tailored to your condition.
• The next step is the detox itself. Based on the plan your
doctor recommended, you will either be kept at a treatment
centre with around the clock care or be assisted periodically
while at home. You will be monitored to ensure you are not
in any danger, and you will receive medication if necessary.
• Once done with detox, you will be provided with further
treatment options to ensure your continued sobriety.

Symptoms of withdrawal and the
importance of detox
Some common symptoms that usually accompany withdrawal
are:
– Anxiety
– Body aches
– Shivering
– Insomnia
– Nausea
– Vomiting
– Lack of focus
– Mood swings
– Depression
– Increased irritability
– Disturbed sleep patterns
Along with these, withdrawal from certain drugs can also
induce hallucinations, seizures, and thoughts of self-harm
and suicidal thoughts.

Why is assisted medical detox
better than doing it by self?
Once your body has grown accustomed to a substance,
suddenly going cold turkey could be not only permanently
damaging but also life-threatening. With assisted medical
detox, the danger factor is almost completely removed as
medical professionals are involved. They can prescribe
medicines if needed and can help you manage your
withdrawal symptoms better.

Types of medical detox
• Detox by drug type: This kind of detox is based on the type
of substance abused by the patient. Some drugs lead to
physically painful withdrawals, while others, like heroin,
have a more significant psychological effect. During medical
detox, such medicines are administered that mimic the
effect of the abused substance to an extent. This eases the
body’s transition to sobriety.
• Detox based on the severity of withdrawal: Depending on
the length of time and the amount of substance abused, the
intensity of withdrawal may vary. Some people have
withdrawal symptoms that are far more manageable than
others. This is why some patients are suggested inpatient
detox with constant surveillance and care, while others can
stay at home and receive treatment through residential
detox programs.

Dealing with the stigma
Unfortunately, there is a tremendous amount of stigma
attached to the concept of addiction and detox. People
often criminalize or demonize addicts when they are just
victims. While going through detox, not having the support
of friends and family can be incredibly discouraging. If you
have a loved one going through recovery, treat them with
love and respect. Compassion can be extremely beneficial
during the recovery process and even after that. A nurturing
and understanding environment is necessary to avoid
relapses.

Important steps to take after you
are done with detox
Detox, in itself, is not the complete recovery process. It is
merely the first step in the right direction. An addict must
continue their recovery through other follow up procedures.
A doctor can suggest the appropriate long-term treatment
plan for them. These recommendations may include but are
not limited to:
– Addiction counselling
– Group therapy or social therapy
– Inpatient or outpatient rehab programs
The fear of withdrawal often holds people back from
quitting. However, with the right kind of help and support, a
victim of addiction can overcome all physical and mental
barriers. With enough strength, will, and determination,
nothing can prevent an addict from becoming their sober,
healthy self again.

Get On The Path To A New Life