Understanding Drug Detox: Symptoms, Process & Recovery

The purpose of drug detox is to clean the body of toxins that have built up due to a drug addiction. Withdrawal, which involves removal of the drug, is the first step. After discontinuing the use of the drug physical and behavioral symptoms can occur.

Significance

• Depending of the drug and the severity of the addition, withdrawal symptom will vary. Successful drug detox should include counseling and therapy along with detoxification.

Considerations

• When a person goes through drug detox, the body goes through many changes. The body's systems are reacting to the removal of a substance they have come to know and anticipate. Discomfort is to be expected.

Warning

• A person can go through periods of anxiety, paranoia, depression and suicidal thoughts. Sleep can be disrupted and weight loss can occur.

Effects

• Drug detox patients may also experience muscle aches and joint pain. The may get the chills and become fatigued. Exhaustion is not uncommon.

Duration

• Symptoms can last anywhere from two day to two weeks depending upon the person. For those undergoing the detox, the time can very well seem like the longest period in their life.

Expert Insight

• Drug detox is not the same as drug rehab. The detox must take place first before the rehabilitation can begin. Getting the abused system out of the bloodstream is the first step in avoiding relapse.