The first step to recover from addictive drugs is often detox. Detox helps people wean their bodies and mind off drugs. However, when someone goes through the detox process, they’re likely to experience withdrawal symptoms that can sometimes be dangerous. This is why at-home detox is not recommended. If you or a loved one is gearing up to start detoxing, here are some things to know.
Ways to Detox Your Body from Drugs
At first, most people will try to detox from drugs with a cold-turkey approach. This often involves cutting the substance out entirely. Unfortunately, this approach can cause withdrawal symptoms that can be dangerous. Withdrawal symptoms include delusions, physical symptoms, and intense cravings. As they experience these symptoms, they’re highly likely to use their preferred drug of abuse again and experience an overdose.
Let’s explore some safer ways to detox your body from drugs to prevent withdrawal symptoms and overdose risks.
1. Preparing to Detox Your Body from Drugs at Home
People with mild to moderate addictions might attempt to detox their bodies from drugs at home. If you’re planning to do this, it’s essential to prepare ahead for work, school, and other responsibilities. In most cases, you’ll need between five to ten days to detox, depending on the substance. If you’re planning to do a detox at home, make sure you have everything you’ll need at home, such as a strong support system, a clean home environment, and access to medical attention if possible.
It’s imperative to have a secure and non-toxic environment to detox from drugs at home. There should not be any drugs or alcohol or easy access to addictive substances in your home. The better you prepare for your at-home detox, the better your chances of completing it.
2. Consider a Detox Center
Quitting drugs on your own or cold turkey can be risky. Some drugs, such as opioids, can cause severe withdrawal, putting you at risk of deadly symptoms. Consider checking into a detox center equipped to handle all the side effects of detoxing. Rehab centers have staff available 24/7 to supervise and support you. Doctors may provide medication-assisted treatment to help you cope with withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and prevent relapse.
3. Follow a Detox-Friendly Diet
Drug abuse often leads to vitamin and other nutritional deficiencies. Detox withdrawal will cause digestive symptoms that can be uncomfortable. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are very common. During this process, your body needs nutrients, especially niacin, vitamin C, and other minerals that can help ease these symptoms. It’s essential to follow a detox diet rich in protein, lean meats, legumes, and vegetables.
4. Learn About Withdrawal Symptoms
Anyone choosing to detox at home should learn about the withdrawal symptoms. Because some of these can be life-threatening, it’s crucial to learn how to recognize them and act quickly to prevent severe consequences. The most common drug withdrawal symptoms include:
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Nausea and vomiting
- High blood pressure
If you or someone you see is experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical attention. If someone experiences overdose signs, such as severe dizziness and confusion, call 911 and get emergency medical services. For those with loved ones struggling with addiction and considering detox at home, having Naloxone and other overdose-reversing drugs can be life-saving.
5. Let Your Support System Know
Detox can be an incredibly uncomfortable experience. IF you’re getting ready to start this process, reach out to your support system. The more support you can have to talk about your feelings, fears, and symptoms, the better. This is why many people choose to detox at a rehab facility because they’ll count on the support and guidance of their therapists and mental health specialists.
6. Find Out The Best Way to Detox Your Body from Drugs
Lastly, you need to know that not all drugs follow the same process. For example, cocaine abuse detox can be done in an outpatient setting. However, opioids, heroin, and alcohol often result in more intense withdrawal symptoms. In this case, most specialists recommend medication-assisted treatment to control the cravings, prevent relapse, and ease withdrawal symptoms.
Treatment Beyond Detox
While detox is the first and most decisive step for recovery, it rarely lasts. For long-lasting recovery and sobriety is vital to seek addiction treatment. Consider talking to a rehab center about the different treatment options and therapies available to help you. Recovery from addiction is possible, detox is the first step, but rehab is the route to recovery.
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