Consumer Guide to Detoxification.

Drug Detox

Drug addiction is something that most people assume will never happen to them, but it's more common than most of us like to think. A drug addict doesn't have to be some grungy, suspicious looking person on the street corner; a drug addict can look just like every other person you see at the mall, in the office, or even in your own home at social gatherings. Addiction knows no social or racial boundaries. We are all just as susceptible to drug addiction that is why it is so important that everyone is educated about the problems that drugs can cause and how one can undo the damage that their addiction has done to their body as well as their life.

Why Detox is Always a Better Choice

Drug addicts usually do not like the fact that they are addicted to their drug or drugs of choice. In fact, if you talk to enough recovering addicts or those that are in the throws of their addiction, you'll realize that most of them hate the drug as much as they love it. Unfortunately, their physical need for the drug drives them to continue to use it even though they don't want to anymore. Drugs are usually a coping method for life, for pain, or because the addict was never taught any other coping skills.

While it is a hard choice to make, Detox is always a better choice than to continue to abuse the drugs that one is addicted to. Depending on the drug that one is addicted to they can cause kidney, liver, and heart problems. Drug addicts usually suffer from poor skin, weight loss or gain, unhealthy hair, as well as severe dental problems. Not only do drug addicts suffer physically, their relationships with other people suffer as well. Drug addicts generally know that their friends and family wouldn't approve of their addiction so they isolate. Others resort to stealing from their family and friends when they run out of money to pay for their addiction. Many drug addicts lose their jobs or aren't able to hold a job regularly because their addiction simply does not make them reliable enough for most employers.

The all around negative impact that drug addiction has on the addict's life makes detoxification a better choice every time. It's not an easy choice, and the addict may not succeed the first time around, but it's worth every moment that the addict is willing to dedicate to their detox and treatment. Sometimes an intervention will allow the addict to see that the drugs are not just hurting them, they are also hurting the people around them that love and care about them. This can be a particularly difficult time for the addict, but it's essential to get the individual to take that first step toward recovery and a life without drugs.

When Detox Is In Order

Detox is short for detoxification, which is considered the first step in the drug treatment process. Withdrawal is what most people will experience on some level or another if they stop taking their drug of choice. Because their body is dependent on the drug, their body will crave more when there is not any of that drug in their system. Detoxification is an important first step because when the behavior or mindset of a person is clouded by drugs that cannot adequately receive the education and treatment they need to begin the recovery process.

Detox is something that has to come at the right time for each person. No book can tell you when the perfect time for detox is, because a person has to really want to get clean for all the effort to be worth it. Usually detox will take place when the addict is ready to get clean or has been ordered by a court of law to participate in a detox program. The support of family and friends at this stage of the game is very important because an addict is likely to push forward through the detox process even when it is painful and something they would like to go back on.

What Will Happen During Detox

How detox goes really depends on the drug that is being abused. Generally there will be mild to severe withdrawal symptoms that include sweating, shaking, severe headaches, craving for the drug, nausea, vomiting, cramping, diarrhea, insomnia, confusion, irritation, depression, anxiety, as well as other behavioral changes. Many types of drugs require a medical detox, specifically opiates such are heroin and methadone and most prescription medications. Other drugs such as marijuana, crystal meth, and crack cocaine usually do not require a medical detox.

Usually with drugs there is a psychological dependence on the drug as much as there is a physical dependency. For this reason, most experts agree that a period of stabilization is advisable. Drugs that will require close supervision are hydrocodone, oxycontin, Xanax, Vicodine, and Lortab. This close supervision will require monitoring the vital signs of the patient and well as supportive care and medication as necessary. Specialists have found the use of Klonepin very helpful with easing the pain of the withdrawal symptoms of these drugs as well as many anticonvulsant medications. Medically supervised detoxifications usually last three to seven days, though this is a very general period of time, as some people require more time and others don't need nearly as much.

After Detox

The period after detox can be a very intense and tempting time for the addict that is why it is very important for the detoxed addict to get into a treatment program as soon as possible. Most cities have a variety of inpatient and outpatient programs for those that have been detoxed from drugs of all sorts. Treatment or rehabilitation programs give an addict the best chance at staying off of the drugs and learning to live life in a positive way that won't involve the use of any drugs. An addict should get involved with one of these programs as soon as possible to help avoid the temptation of getting involved with the drug again.

Drug Detox Providers