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Drug DetoxWhat is drug detox?Drug detoxification is necessary once a person becomes physically dependent on drugs. Drug addiction can occur very quickly given the neurochemical, physiologic changes that develop upon repeated ingestion of various substances. Some are natural, plant-based drugs, some are semi-synthetic, and still others are totally man-made. Regardless of their composition, drugs are potentially life-threatening substances, especially when taken for purposes other than prescribed. Drugs alter the body’s production of endorphins, dopamine, and other naturally produced brain chemicals that help the body function normally. Drugs distort a variety of brain functions that interfere with bodily responses. Once this neurologic transition occurs, medically assisted detox is necessary. Medically assisted detox will prevent the body from going into shock related to the absence of the substance it’s become dependent upon and will ease the withdrawal symptoms that accompany detox from drugs. The type and severity of symptoms depends upon the drug, the length of time addicted, and the patient’s medical condition. It is advised to detox in a facility that offers 24-hour medical care. It is also strongly advised that a patient immediately follow detox with drug addiction treatment. Detox alone will not halt a person’s need, desire, or habit of using. Regardless of the drug, detox will fall within one of these four categories:
The following information is general. It should never be used to self-diagnose or develop a detox protocol. Detoxification can be a life-threatening process and should be done under medical supervision. The exact detox treatment provided for an individual is determined by his or her medical condition, medical history, psychological state, and a host of other factors. A medical doctor trained in addiction medicine will determine the exact detox protocol needed for each patient. Sedative Detox
Benzodiazepine Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Detox For High Dose Withdrawal
For Protracted, Low Dose Withdrawal
The quantity of benzodiazepines taken and the rate at which it releases into the body will affect the withdrawal symptoms. Psychological factors also contribute to the severity of withdrawal symptoms. People with personality disorders need to be closely monitored, as they are unusually sensitive to the start of withdrawal. Symptoms can begin anywhere from the first day of cessation and up to 18 days after. And, withdrawal symptoms can last anywhere from three to five weeks. Alcohol Detox The symptoms of alcohol detox begin within six and twenty-four hours of the last drink. There are a variety of symptoms that may be experienced early in the withdrawal process. Withdrawal symptoms are dependent upon the person’s medical condition, length of alcohol abuse, and amount consumed. Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Detox
Other physical manifestations can occur at varying times throughout detox. These include delirium tremens (anywhere from 48 to 72 hours after cessation of drinking), convulsions, and a variety of hallucinations, such as seeing animals, hearing things, or seeing things of a religious or political nature. There is evidence that withdrawal symptoms alter with the number of times that an individual detoxes. Seizures have been known to get worse with each detox experienced. Stimulant Detox:Cocaine and Crack Cocaine is a powerful stimulant. Crack is a form of processed cocaine. Without the “high” of cocaine or crack in the system, a cocaine user will suffer severe psychological withdrawal symptoms.
Cravings and thoughts about use may last long after cessation of drug use, but these will diminish over time with the appropriate drug addiction treatment, therapies, and ongoing abstinence.
Discomfort can last anywhere between three to five days. Medications can help ease the transition off of cocaine or crack. The psychological response to withdrawal, which includes cravings, is usually the greatest challenge to a patient. The most widely used class of medication to ease withdrawal from cocaine and crack are antidepressants, although these drugs are not the only treatment option.
Amphetamine Cravings and thoughts about use may last for some time and can only be handled with abstinence and behavior modification. Drug addiction treatment is recommended. Symptoms of Amphetamine Withdrawal
Discomfort can last anywhere between three and five days. Medications to ease the transition off of amphetamines can be given. The psychological response to withdrawal and cravings will be the addict’s greatest challenge The most widely used class of medications to ease withdrawal from amphetamines are antidepressants, though these drugs are not the only treatment option. Drugs that mimic the euphoria created by amphetamine while activating the natural neuron receptors in the brain can help ease the psychological symptoms. HallucinogensHallucinogens are a class of drugs that have psychotropic qualities. These include LSD, PCP, Mushrooms, Peyote, Mescaline. There are no specific withdrawal symptoms, there symptoms that can accompany use, especially if one has a “bad trip”. These symptoms can last for hours. Heavy users can experience memory impairment, mental confusion, difficulty with abstract thinking. Symptoms of a “bad trip” can include:
Regular users and/ or those who have had a bad trip can suffer from “flashbacks” months or years after use has ceased. Often times these flashbacks are difficult to manage and will require psychotherapy and medication.
Opioids include three subcategories of drugs: natural occurring, semi-synthetic, and synthetic. The list below contains only a few of the more common opioids.
Semi-synthetic:
Synthetic:
Signs and Symptoms of Opoid Withdrawal
The return to normal body functioning can occur anywhere from one week to six months. Without comprehensive drug addiction treatment immediately following detoxification, it is more likely that opioid abusers will relapse and return to using. |
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