Drug detox is the most important part of becoming free from addiction, and because of this drug detox should be handled with great care.
Drug detox is a medical procedure.
Drug detox should be handled in a medical facility under great supervision.
The reason for this is because drug detox can be fatal.
What happens to the body when one becomes addicted is a chemical change, and to take this chemical away from the body all at once without proper care from the drug detox can turn from a positive process to a fatal one.
If you elect to enter a rehab facility, you will have the guidance and help you need to get through the detox procedure.
However, if you decide outpatient rehab is more your speed, you must contact a doctor and be under his or her supervision while you are ridding your body of drugs.
The physical symptoms of detoxification vary according to what type of drugs you are coming off of.
Because there are thousands of chemical reactions that occur in our body as a result of the drugs, taking the drug away will affect those chemical reactions.
Symptoms range from cold sweats to shaking to things as serious as convulsions and heart palpitations.
Here is what you can expect from specific drugs Stimulants such as Cocaine, amphetamines.
These drugs enhance nerve cell signaling.
As a result, the nerve's native signaling chemicals are depleted.
This and sleep disturbance are the neuro-biochemical reasons for the "come down" from cocaine and speed.
Benzodiazapenes such as valium, Xanax, Ativan, Ambien.
Drugs in this category turn down the signal of nerve cells.
They make you sleepy and relaxed.
When these drugs are stopped, the nerves are sensitive to the smallest stimulation.
Taking these drugs out of your system will make you very jittery and shaky.
You may have trouble sleeping, and in severe cases, you could have convulsions.
Alcohol is a very subtle foe and a sneaky drug.
Initially, consuming alcohol can make you energized and focused, but after a few drinks, the sedative effects kick in making you relaxed and clumsy.
In your brain, millions of chemical reactions are taking place.
The brain becomes more sensitivity to cope with those sedative effects.
An abrupt cessation of alcohol can cause seizures or even heart attack.
Hallucinations, sleep disturbance, and anxiety can occur as well.
Opiates such as Heroin, Vicodin.
These drugs are used as pain killers and are meant to soothe and calm the body.
Withdrawal from opiates can be particularly painful and severe.
Expect sweating, severe muscle aches, nausea, and intense cravings.
Because these symptoms are so painful, detoxing from opiates often lead addicts to begin using again.