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Let’s dig a little deeper into the mechanism involved in the interaction between drugs and the complex human body to understand how to detox your body from drugs.1
The detox process refers to medically removing toxic substances acquired through drug or alcohol abuse.
1. How To Detox Your Body From Drugs
Medically supervised detox procedures focus on clearing the body of these substances and help cope with withdrawal symptoms2.
It is essential to remember that knowing and understanding what will work best for one’s system is to take the first step of consulting a medical professional.
The detoxification method depends upon the overall content of toxicity present in the user’s system and the frequency of usage. There are many more factors that determine which pathway to opt for detoxifying the toxicity3, which has been mentioned further as you read on.
2. Drugs And Human Body
It is often assumed that a person would need the fastest method that gets rid of the drug or alcohol use from their system. However, drug detox is not as straightforward as that. There is no one simple way to do the same.
How to detox your body from drugs is a question that welcomes various answers.
Something that has brought various extensive changes in a person’s life will not be treated with a mere method that works quickly. Detoxification needs proper evaluation of the internal happenings of the person’s body, their overall history, connection with the said abused drug, and the condition of their health.
While an apparent faster method may seem more tempting, it will not deliver the desired results and may even bring in some worse ones.
Drugs that are processed through the stomach generally take longer to get out of your system, whereas drugs consumed through smoking, snorting, or injection stay in much lesser.
A person’s metabolism plays a significant role in deciding which pathway to opt for a proper medical detox.
When a person consumes any drug, it is processed, and certain chemicals are released, causing the consumer to feel a certain way. Meanwhile, essential organs such as kidneys and liver get to work. The kidneys begin to filter out the toxins from the blood. Simultaneously, the liver starts to process the chemicals that have been found in the digestive tract.
These chemicals are then excreted out of the system through sweat or urine.
However, the remaining by-products remain in the body for much longer – even after the person had stopped using the drug.
3. How Long Do Drugs Stay In The Body
Substance abuse has much more complex after-effects than generally perceived or felt. Hence, there is not one single, specific way to figure out the extent to which drugs stay in the human body.
Although, a generalized calculation suggests the following drugs show up in the urine tests:
- Marijuana: for almost a week
- Heroin: 1 to 3 days
- Cocaine: 2 to 4 days
- Methamphetamine: 2 to 4 days
- MDMA: 2 to 4 days
3.1. A Common Misconception
Many people generally recommend drinking plenty of water to get rid of toxicity quickly. However, it is clear that doing so does not fasten the process. Instead, it only dilutes the traces of drugs for a little while.
Medically supervised detox or medical intervention is of utmost importance when looking for a safe way of detoxifying drugs. Many of the quicker methods may attract one, but they can be harmful to kidneys or other internal organs.
4. Natural Detox
A natural detox program aims at removing toxins from a person’s body without the presence or usage of medications. This is often what people refer to as at-home detox.4
Additional therapies such as acupuncture, yoga, and certain types of massage are also a part of this.
This is a method for detoxification that is light on your pockets but is also one of the least effective methods. The beginning stage of this method starts very energetically; however, as the person proceeds on this less effective method, withdrawal symptoms often rule and push to an apparent relapse.
4.1. Dangers To Look Out For
When wondering how to detox your body from drugs, some things must be considered. Certain heavier drugs have deadly withdrawal symptoms – literally. A person opting for a natural detox has to pay attention to minute details and consequences. For instance, if a person has a significant drug addiction to Valium, Xanax, or Ativan or an uncontrollable alcohol addiction, it is highly advised in this scenario not to attempt quitting cold turkey. (Cold-turkey: sudden or abrupt).
The person’s body has been accustomed to the use and feel of this drug in their system. A sudden stoppage will cause adverse effects and very severe symptoms.
Other drugs, such as heroin, do not cause withdrawal symptoms to such an extent, but they force one to do anything and everything to relapse to deal with the symptoms.
4.2. Word Of Advice
A person who opts for a natural detox must always be thoroughly informed about this procedure’s side effects, threats, and mechanisms. Keep in mind to eat nutritious food and complete meals. Other than this, make sure to keep a trusted friend or family member around in cases of medical emergencies and overall safety.
5. Medical Detox
A medically supervised detox may feature a natural detox but systematized medical supervision. In some cases, medications may also be used. Medical detoxes can be done in two ways: inpatient detox or outpatient detox. For cases that are much more severe, inpatient programs are advised strongly.
This method highly focuses on dealing with the withdrawal symptoms rightly and drives one’s focus toward rebuilding themselves.
5.1. Procedure
The overall steps involved in a medical detox are as follows
5.1.1. Evaluation
The first and foremost step involves a thorough evaluation ranging from substance addiction, history, and another related background study.
5.1.2. Stabilization Process
This step involves the introduction of medication and monitoring further symptoms. As the medications begin, the patient is kept under the precise eye to detect whether the prescribed medication has been successful or not.
5.1.3. Mind Matters
As the medications go on, it is essential to realize that addiction treatment needs a strong will to complement external efforts. Committing to sobriety demands emotional support, therapy sessions, and strong support groups. Other than that, it all depends upon the overall mental health of a person to follow the path of recovery and drift or prevent relapse.
5.2. Medications Involved
Concerning opioid addiction, there are generally three medications that are prescribed and approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). These are:
5.2.1. Naltrexone
This is often prescribed after the patient has undergone the entire process of detoxification in order to prevent relapse. Even if a person has gone through proper detoxification, it is possible that certain instances may trigger and push toward a relapse. Being on Naltrexone helps cope in these situations.
5.2.2. Methadone
This activates the brain’s opioid receptors and helps deal with drug cravings and incoming withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms are thought to be the most challenging part of stopping drug use or alcohol.
5.2.3. Buprenorphine
This medication helps with the reciprocated symptoms as well. Although, it is given by combining Naloxone. This combination causes a withdrawal reaction if, in any case, the user attempts to abuse this.
When it comes to Alcohol addictions, the following medications are generally prescribed
5.2.4. Disulfiram
This is a fierce medication, as it switches off the enzyme, which plays a significant role in metabolizing alcohol. This means that when the person attempts to consume alcohol amidst the treatment, they will feel utterly uncomfortable chugging down alcohol.
5.2.5. Acamprosate
These help deal with withdrawal symptoms during and after detoxification.
5.2.6. Naltrexone
This blocks the brain’s opioid receptors the same way it does in drug abuse cases.
5.2.7. Another Common Misconception
What sets medical detox apart from a natural detox is the use of detox medication formulated to relieve symptoms faced during withdrawal. This often incorrectly directs towards “drugs as a substitute for drugs.” But this is not so. Under medical supervision and proper precautions, the prescribed medications do not cause adverse effects or new addictions. In drug abuse cases, the person consumes it in an uncontrolled manner in an accessible setting. However, when certain medications are formulated specifically to help fight addiction, it does not fall under the category of drug abuse. The consumption of a medically prescribed medication is done within a limit and is carefully monitored.
6. Which One To Go For
Traditional drug detox has not been as varied, however, with newer methods coming out, a person is bound to get confused. Drug addiction is not something to be taken lightly, and the technique to fight it must be well thought out. It is a given point that consulting a doctor for medical advice is the first and foremost step.
However, other factors that must be kept in mind when opting for a substance abuse treatment regarding how to detox your body from drugs:
- The severity of the drug abuse
- Financial resources
- Personal thoughts and will toward committing to recovery
A thorough assessment by the treatment center or medical professional will help pave the way much more clearly.
7. Things To Be Careful About
As a person is set with treatment plans, there are a few factors that must be taken care of.
7.1. Quitting Drugs Abruptly
If you have set your mind on how to detox your body from drugs, there are some side effects that must be kept in mind.
As mentioned earlier, quitting drugs or alcohol very suddenly after a prolonged will deem harmful. This is because, in an authorized settling, while a person aims for rapid detoxification, this abruptness can cause severe symptoms of withdrawal along with other health problems.
Withdrawal symptoms range from seizures to hallucinations, and even heart attacks. Specific mental health problems are also noticeable, such as depression and severe anxiety.
7.2. Seek Immediate Treatment
Detoxing from drugs can sometimes bring along many complex side effects. It is crucial to have a support system around in a medical emergency.
7.3. Go For The Safer Option
How to detox your body from drugs is not an easy process. Ideally, a medically supervised detoxification is a much safer method. It can be all-natural but in a more supervised setting, which helps deal with medical complications.
Other than this, medically supervised detox programs are of two ways: outpatient detox program and inpatient. This gives the patient the freedom to either stay at the hospital as the treatment goes on or come in as and when the treatment is called for.
7.4. Talk It Out
Severe withdrawal symptoms are something that must not be taken lightly. It helps in a medical setting, under doctor supervision, to be well aware of one’s health status. However, any slight health difficulty must be shared with the doctor or a trusted family member.
7.5. Eat Well
As your body embarks on addiction recovery and makes its way towards how to detox your body from drugs, flushing out harmful toxins and fighting drug cravings can be altogether heavy to go through. It is essential to consume healthy foods properly to stay fit and undergo the treatment successfully.
8. Conclusion
Now that you have read about how to detox your body from drugs, here is the final note.
The thought of detoxing from drugs is a commendable first step toward the path of recovery. It comes with various challenges, several tempting instances of relapse, physical difficulties such as muscle pain or body aches, and more. However, the entire journey towards a better, more straightforward life is entirely worth it.
Personal commitment plays a significant role when it comes to drug and alcohol detoxification. Something that has drastically altered one’s daily life is bound to demand fixing, which is equally thorough.
Mental health services administration is what detox patients must reach out to in cases of severe mental trouble. Detox programs can vary broadly depending upon the history of usage, and other factors discussed earlier. Detoxing out harmful toxins is not the only concern; in this case, a person who has undergone a thorough detox program may still need to be a part of support help groups, therapies, and activities that help them achieve total freedom toward the path of long-term recovery.
FAQs
1. What can I expect after completing a drug detox?
A: Detox is just the initial step in the recovery process. After completing drug detox, it is important to engage in a comprehensive treatment program, which may include therapy, counseling, support groups, and other services. This helps address the underlying issues contributing to drug use and develop strategies for long-term recovery.
2. How can I prevent relapse after completing a drug detox?
A: Preventing relapse involves adopting a holistic approach to recovery. Some strategies include attending support groups, building a strong support system, developing healthy coping mechanisms, identifying triggers, engaging in therapy or counseling, and making positive lifestyle changes. Ongoing support and aftercare programs can also be beneficial in maintaining sobriety.
3. Is drug detox a cure for addiction?
A: Drug detox alone is not considered a cure for addiction. It primarily addresses the physical aspects of addiction by removing drugs from the body. However, addiction is a complex condition, and addressing the psychological, behavioral, and social aspects is crucial for long-term recovery. Comprehensive treatment programs that include detox, therapy, and support are generally more effective in achieving lasting recovery.
Read more
- Fife, Bruce. The Detox Book: How to Detoxify Your Body to Improve Your Health, Stop Disease, and Reverse Aging. Piccadilly Books, Ltd., 2017. ↩︎
- West, Robert, and Michael Gossop. “Overview: a comparison of withdrawal symptoms from different drug classes.” Addiction 89.11 (1994): 1483-1489. ↩︎
- Alsukaibi, Abdulmohsen KD. “Various approaches for the detoxification of toxic dyes in wastewater.” Processes 10.10 (2022): 1968. ↩︎
- Fleeman, Nigel D. “Alcohol home detoxification: a literature review.” Alcohol and Alcoholism 32.6 (1997): 649-656. ↩︎
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