What to Expect at Detox

One of the primary reasons why drug addicts continue to abuse is to avoid the terrible withdrawal symptoms that go along with kicking drugs and alcohol. To help addicts through this process, detox centers administer medications, maximize the addict's comfort and prevent the addict from acquiring more addictive substances.

Withdrawal

• Withdrawal from addictive substances often takes seven days. Acute withdrawal can have horrible side effects that vary from drug to drug.

Symptoms

• Withdrawal symptoms are similar to those associated with the worst flu, such as fever, chills, vomiting and stomach cramping.

No Sleep

• During withdrawal, the addict might not be able to sleep during the whole process. Therefore, the withdrawal symptoms will also be combined with the symptoms of sleep deprivation.

No Appetite

• Withdrawal can cause enormous stomach cramps and nausea, making food unappetizing.

Kicking the Habit

• Getting rid of an addiction can be a very long process, especially if the drug abuser has been using the drug for a long period of time. The process of getting clean must extend beyond the detox.

Detox Medications

• Certain medications are used in order to treat the symptoms of drug withdrawal. Alcoholics are sometimes given librium or valium, while heroin addicts use methadone.