Detoxification Isn't Easy But Worth The Effort

Detoxification, or detox as it is called, is the removal, by physiological or medicinal means, of toxic substances from a living organism, such as the human body. Detoxification could also refer to a time period during which an organism returns to normal after an addictive substance being used.  A toxic substance is anything that limits or alters normal body function. The lymph and circulatory system, liver, colon and urinary system in good working order will keep toxins from collecting in the body. When those systems are over loaded they become overworked and allow toxins to build up in the body.

Alcohol detoxification is the process in which the heavy drinkers system is brought back to normal after being bombarded with alcohol on a continuous basis. Mild withdrawal from alcohol can start within 12 to 36 hours after the last drink and can last from a few hours to a few days. Symptoms may include restlessness, sweating, muscle spasms, quickened heart rate, vomiting and dry mouth. Severe symptoms may begin within 5 to 10 hours after the last drink. They can get worse over the next few days and last up to a week. Symptoms may include seizures, severe stomach pain, body tremors and chest infections. Withdrawal from long term alcohol addiction without medical care can cause severe health problems. Detox is not treatment for alcoholism. It is merely the method used to prepare the body for treatment to identify and correct the underlying reason that a person drinks so excessively.

Drug detoxification is the method used to reduce the withdrawal symptoms while helping the addicted individual to live without drug use and preparation for long term treatment. Drug detox may be achieved drug free or with medication. The actual detoxification process begins when drugs are no longer introduced into the body. The severity of symptoms will vary depending on the frequency the drug was used, the type of substance used, the length of time the drug was used, the mental state and physical health of the drug user. There are 3 main steps to drug detox. In step one the user is evaluated for detox including a psychological evaluation. This will help determine the underlying cause or causes of drug abuse. Step two is stabilizing the drug user especially if they are suffering from withdrawal symptoms. Medication may or may not be used in the process. If the user is not stable a family member may be present to assist with the process. The third step is to get the user into treatment and recovery process which means enrolling in a drug treatment program.

Ending, healing and recovering from drug abuse should include therapy to identify and address the issues that led to drug abuse. This will reinforce the healing process and make it more permanent. Find a treatment facility that offers long term, comprehensive care. The ultimate goal is for the drug abuser to apply the elements of life learned in treatment and apply them to a life that is meaningful and productive.