Alcohol and Drug Detox
What is detox?
Alcohol and drug detoxification- also referred to as detox – is the process of clearing the body of drugs or alcohol that an individual has consumed. The purpose of detox is to safely manage withdrawal symptoms when someone stops taking drugs or alcohol. Everyone has a different experience with detox.
The type of drug and how long it was used affect what detox will be like. It can take days or months to get through withdrawal symptoms for most drugs.
The length of withdrawal depends on a number of factors, including:
- Type of substance the user is addicted to
- Duration of addiction has lasted
- Method of abuse (snorting, smoking, injecting, or swallowing)
- Amount of substance taken
- Family history
- Underlying medical conditions
How Long Does Detox Take?
The length of detox can vary based on several factors. Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol may level off inside in a week if users are attempting to quit drinking alone, especially after heavy use, and they may face serious health risks and even death during that week.
In just about every case, however, the time that it takes to get the harmful substances out of the body is generally less important than making long-term changes to ensure that the user won’t relapse, and that recurring triggers can be managed effectively. Inpatient and outpatient rehab can help those struggling with problematic use of drugs or alcohol not only get through detox as quickly and comfortably as possible, but also gain new coping strategies that will enable them handle their mental or physical symptoms of withdrawal that may occur down the line.
The Detox Process
Every client’s detox needs are different. The drug detox process helps addicted clients get personalized treatment. The process involves 3 steps:
1. Evaluation
The medical team screens incoming clients for physical and mental health issues. Doctors use blood tests to measure the amount of drugs in the client’s system. This helps determine the level of medications needed. There is also a comprehensive review of drug, medical, and psychiatric histories. This information sets up the basis for the client’s long-term treatment plan.
2. Stabilization
The next step is to stabilize the client with medical and psychological therapy. The goal of stabilization is to prevent any form of harm to the client. Doctors can prescribe addiction treatment medications to prevent complications and reduce withdrawal symptoms.
3. Preparation to Treatment
The final step of detox is preparation for a treatment program. The client is familiarized with the treatment process and what to expect. Inpatient rehab offers the best chances of success after detox.
Side Effects Of Detox
The process of drug detox can be painful and dangerous. This is why medical detox is so important. Detox with medical supervision allows clients to detox in a safe and comfortable environment. It prevents dangerous complications of drug and alcohol withdrawal.
Medical detox limits the symptoms of withdrawal but some are unavoidable. Most common side effects may include:
- Nervousness or anxiety
- Drug craving
- Nausea
- Body discomfort
- Mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating
Life After Detox
Detox is just the first part of our alcohol and drug addiction treatment in Kenya. Detox on its own is usually insufficient for a successful recovery. Individuals seeking addiction treatment need to treat the psychological part of their addiction. They can accomplish this with counseling, support groups, or an inpatient rehab program.
Start the path towards sobriety today.
If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse, call us to learn more about our addiction treatment program.
Applying care, experience, and love to heal and bring hope for communities and families affected by substance use addictions and mental health conditions.
