What to Expect When You are Detoxing

What to Expect When You are Detoxing

Addiction is a chronic brain disease that has the capability to affect anyone. This condition requires proper professional treatment in order for those suffering to enter recovery. The first step to treating drug and alcohol addiction is for the patient to enter a stage known as detox. Detoxing can cause withdrawal symptoms in a patient, ranging from mild to severe.

These symptoms can often come about erratically and will change from person to person. This is why it is necessary that the detox period takes place in a controlled environment. This way the patient will be able to be monitored and treatment can be modified to help manage symptoms.

Withdrawal Symptoms During Detoxing

It is important to remember that every drug can react differently and every person’s body is different. For this reason, no two people will have the same reaction to certain drugs and the same is true for withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms occur during detox because your brain is suppressed when there is drug and alcohol present. Your brain slows down the production of neurotransmitters.

When drugs and alcohol are no longer present, your brain shoots back up due to no longer being suppressed. This can cause a wide range of different symptoms. Minor withdrawal effects include sweating, nausea, difficulty sleeping, and headaches. Those who have been suffering from addiction for a long time may experience more severe withdrawal effects. These symptoms may include seizures, hallucinations, and confusion.

Since withdrawal symptoms can often be sporadic, complicated, and life-threatening. It is important that the process of detoxing be done in a controlled environment with supervision from a medical professional. Treatment centers allow you or your loved one who is suffering from addiction a safe place to detox.

Medical professionals will be able to track your vitals during the process, adjusting your treatment plan and medication accordingly. If you are experiencing any adverse symptoms or pain, this will allow you to have someone you can communicate with. They will help to minimize any discomfort you feel during the process.

Drug And Alcohol Detox Timeline

The detox timeline will mostly depend on several factors, which will be unique to the individual. Factors that can influence a detox timeline may be the type of substance that was being abused, duration of the abuse, method of abuse, genetics, and prior medical history. Withdrawal symptoms can begin to surface soon after drug or alcohol use has ceased. There is no definite timeline that is recognized by the medical community in regards to detox. However, the outline detailed below provides you with a general idea of what you can expect when you are detoxing.

The First Day

During the first portion of the day, you may begin to notice mild withdrawal symptoms. You may wish to start a journal at this time, as a way to jot down any withdrawal symptoms you are experiencing to discuss with a medical professional at your treatment center.

These mild symptoms may include headaches and anxiety. As the day progresses, your symptoms may as well. These symptoms will develop alongside the previous symptoms you have been experiencing and may include confusion, dizziness, and seizures.

The Second Day

The end of the first day and into the second day will likely be when the most painful and severe symptoms will develop. You may begin to experience more advanced symptoms, such as delusions or panic attacks. It is important that you report any adverse symptoms or discomfort to your medical team, so they can help you manage your withdrawal symptoms appropriately.

The Second Week

Some symptoms may persist and may last for weeks. However, most people who hit the second week of detox have reported significantly less withdrawal symptoms than the week prior. Severe withdrawal symptoms may cease entirely, but weaker symptoms may stick around longer. These prolonged symptoms can include difficulty sleeping and low energy levels.

Prepare Yourself Mentally

Recovery relies on change. People tend to get nervous before they take the step towards detox, which is completely understandable. Change is often the most frightening when a person does not feel equipped. To better equip yourself for detox, there are steps you can take prior to enrolling at a treatment center. Seek the support of friends and family.

If you know someone who is suffering from addiction and they have decided to detox, one of the best things you can do for them is to show them that they have your full support. Feeling the rally of positivity behind them will help to fuel this change.

Keep yourself motivated and positive when you are in the decision-making process. It may be helpful to write down all the reasons why you have chosen detox as your next step and how it will vastly improve your life. When you enter the treatment program and you begin to discuss detox, ask your healthcare professional any questions you may have about the process. They are there to help you feel comfortable and supported during the whole treatment process and will have no problems answering any questions you may have.

Seek The Help You Deserve Today

To give the detox process the greatest chance of success and limit any possible life-threatening conditions, it is imperative that detoxing be supervised by medical professionals at a treatment center. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe and all individuals need a unique customized care plan to best fit their needs. Detoxing from home is not a safe option and could lead to deadly consequences. The first step towards recovery is recognizing there is a problem, seeking help, and enrolling in a detox program that will change your life for the better.

The dedicated team of professionals at Arizona Addiction Recovery Center has made it their life’s mission to help those suffering from drug and alcohol addiction. Their healthcare professionals will create a unique customized plan that will best fit your needs.

At Arizona Addiction Recovery Center you will be monitored during the detox process and any discomfort will be recorded, allowing the medical team to tweak your plan to help make the process more comfortable for you. After detox, your treatment plan will continue to help you down the path to sobriety. Take the first step today and call to find out more about everything they have to offer.