Drug and alcohol detox is often considered the first step to rehabilitation from substance abuse. During the drug detox process, the main goal is to allow substances from drug use to be eliminated from the body. Once the system is clear, treatment of the actual addiction can begin.
Some drugs can be uncomfortable or dangerous to quit due to the severity of the withdrawal symptoms associated with detox. Because of this, detox centers offer supervised environments where a person can safely detox the body from drugs. The specific detoxification method chosen will depend on personal characteristics of the patient and detox center resources.
The most common types of detox include social model detox and medical detoxification. Learn more about each method so you can make an informed decision about the best drug detox option for you.
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Drug and Alcohol Detox
Many questions may arise when facing drug or alcohol detox. These regularly include:
- How can I detox my body?
- What happens when you detox?
- How long does drug detox take?
- How long does it take to detox from alcohol?
- What happens after drug or alcohol detox?
Rest assured that when choosing a reputable, accredited detox facility that all of your questions will be answered as you ask them. However, simply put, your detox experience will depend on your personal experiences with substance abuse. For example, the length of time you used substances, the number and type of drugs that were used, and your personal health will all affect drug detox.
Additionally, some drugs lead to tolerance and drug dependence when abused (for example, alcohol, prescription drugs, and opioids). In these cases, it is strongly recommended to enroll in a detox program that is experienced in stabilizing patients in a supportive atmosphere for a safe detox process.
Types of Drug Detox
Detoxing from drugs or alcohol can happen in a number of different ways. It is important to highlight that regardless of the detox method chosen, the body will remove drugs or alcohol at its own pace. Even when using the “rapid detox” technique, there is no guarantee that detox will be completed in a certain timeframe. Therefore, trying to figure out how to detox your body from drugs in 24 hours or how to detox from drugs in one day will not provide reliable direction.
Rather, the methods of drug detoxification that are generally supported include natural or social detox and medical detox. While at-home detox and quitting cold-turkey are also detox options, they are not recommended due to the potential of dangerous or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
Rapid or ultra-rapid detox is still offered in some medical facilities. However, it is often discouraged due to safety concerns and a failure to address the heart of the addiction.
What Is Social Detox?
In its purest form, a social model detox supports detoxification without offering detox medications. This means that while the patient is still monitored in a therapeutic drug rehab setting, prescriptions such as benzodiazepines, methadone, or Naltrexone would not be relied upon to ease withdrawal symptoms.
One of the benefits of social detox is that the body is able to cleanse itself without additional chemicals interfering. Additionally, eliminating detox medications assists in lowering rehab costs while teaching people how to live sober lifestyles without the crutch of other potentially addictive substances.
Medical Detox
The main difference between the medical model and social model is that social detox does not use medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
Rather, medically managed detox is detoxification supervised by medical staff in a controlled environment (i.e., drug rehab center). Usually, this process lasts about a week. During this time physicians and nurses focus on minimizing the symptoms and discomfort of withdrawal. Once detox is complete, the patient may choose to enroll in substance abuse treatment or return to their everyday lives.
Regardless of personal preferences regarding the type of detox, medical detoxification may be necessary for certain situations. If severe withdrawal symptoms due to drug dependency are expected, medical detox may be suggested. Further, the presence of any significant medical and/or mental health issues must also be considered.
Medication-Assisted Detox
Medication-assisted treatment refers to the use of FDA-approved medications to assist in addiction treatment and recovery, primarily concerning opioid addiction. MAT combines counseling and therapeutic methods with medications that reduce withdrawal symptoms and decrease drug cravings to avoid early relapse.
MAT is similar to medical detox. The difference is that MAT is generally integrated into a therapeutic addiction treatment program, while medical detox may exist as a stand-alone service.
Is Social Detox Right For Me?
The social model detox is not for everyone. Candidates for social detox are generally not physically dependent on drugs or alcohol. Therefore, withdrawal symptoms, while potentially strong, are less likely to be dangerous to the person detoxing. If a physical drug dependency is present, medical detox may be the safer option.
In reality, most detoxification programs are likely to use a combination of both methods. This means that some social detox programs will use medications to ease withdrawal symptoms, and some medical programs will offer limited medical intervention. The best drug detox method for you will depend on your unique situation and the evaluation provided by the detox center.
Life After Detox in Las Vegas, Nevada
When it comes to a life in recovery, detox is only the beginning. In most cases, addiction treatment to address the mental elements of addiction is the next phase of the recovery process. Without this critical step, a person is far less equipped to understand the reasons behind their addiction and they will be more likely to relapse.
Deciding to commit to addiction treatment is a huge step towards recovering from addiction. At the Vance Johnson Recovery Center (VJRC), you can take comfort in the fact that you will be fully supported throughout detox and addiction treatment. At VJRC, our continuum of care is a commitment to support you throughout your recovery which includes before, during, and after treatment at VJRC.
If you’re ready to take your first step towards recovery with detox, contact our facility at 888-828-2623, we can often get you admitted on the same day you call. Alternatively, you can ask any treatment-related question through our confidential contact form. However, the sooner you commit to detox, the sooner your life in recovery can begin. We are ready when you are at VJRC!
- How do you detox your body from drugs?
Luckily, our bodies are equipped to naturally eliminate toxins around the clock. When you stop drinking alcohol and using drugs, you are well on your way to detoxifying your system.However, if you’ve been using drugs or alcohol for a long time, complications could arise in the form of withdrawal symptoms while your body is detoxing. For this reason, it is recommended to enroll in a detox program that will monitor your symptoms around the clock when detoxing from substance abuse. This will ensure that you remain safe and comfortable during detox. - How long does drug detox take?
The time it takes to detox from drugs depends on the substance(s) used, the amount of time they were used for, and personal health. The average length of drug detox in a rehab center is around seven days.It is important to clarify that detox and drug rehab are not the same things. Detox refers to detoxing the body from alcohol while drug rehab, or addiction treatment, is a therapeutic program meant to address the heart of why addiction is present. - How long does it take to detox from alcohol?
Alcohol detox takes anywhere from hours to weeks depending on your history with alcohol use or abuse. When you enroll in a detox center and explain your personal history with alcohol use, a professional drug rehab counselor will be able to give you a more precise timeline of what to expect.
The post Social Detox in Las Vegas, Nevada: Is It Right for You? appeared first on Vance Johnson Recovery Center.
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Original Author: Vance Johnson Recovery Center
