Substance abuse creates brain changes, causing strong cravings that make sobriety seem like an impossible goal. However, no matter how hopeless you feel or how many times you tried and failed, recovery is never out of reach. Change is possible with treatments such as Beverly Hills outpatient detox and support. Addiction treatment varies based on the specific drug one has been abusing, detoxification, behavioral counseling, medication, and long-term follow-up are essential components of a successful program. Below is more information about detox.  

What is detoxification?

Detoxification or detox is an addiction treatment that involves the medicinal elimination of impurities from a patient’s body, allowing them to start therapy to overcome addiction. The process is not always part of addiction treatment, but it is often expected when entering a rehabilitation center. Because detoxification gradually reduces or eliminates alcohol or drugs from the body, the brain adjusts to the sudden drop in these chemicals. As a result, one experiences withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, insomnia, shaking, seizures, hallucinations, and fever.

Besides eliminating substances from the body, the detoxification process helps patients manage any withdrawal symptoms that occur, making the experience as safe and comfortable as possible. The best forms of detoxification programs are medically assisted and supported by trained specialists; it usually happens within a specialist detox facility or center under the care of healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses. Although there are natural ways to detox on your own, it is rarely successful; people are likely to experience unnecessary withdrawal symptoms and lose motivation because of many failed attempts.

What happens during medically assisted detoxification?

Before the detox process, your healthcare provider will conduct a thorough medical assessment to get a clear picture of your needs. The evaluation involves gathering information about a patient’s medical history and addiction. Your healthcare provider uses this information to develop a personalized detoxification plan.

As the substances in a patient’s system reduce, they typically experience unpleasant symptoms called withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms may be similar between patients recovering from alcohol addiction and drug addiction. But usually, the type of withdrawal symptoms one experiences and their severity depends on how long one has been addicted to alcohol or drugs. Other determining factors include the type of substance they are addicted to, the level of consumption, and their overall physical and mental health.

There is no medicine to eliminate or prevent all withdrawal symptoms, but some medications can help minimize depression, anxiety, insomnia, and other symptoms.

How long does detoxification last?

The detox process lasts seven to ten days, but the process can also take several years. The duration varies for different people and depends on multiple factors, including how long one has used the substance, severity of use, frequency of use, and dependence on the substance. For example, it only takes a few days for alcohol to leave the body, but it might take much longer to detox from cravings.

Consult your specialist at MindMD Wellness to know how detoxification can help you overcome addiction.