Detox Levels

Recovery from substance abuse is a long-term process.

Detox is the first step in substance abuse treatment. The focus of detox is to rid your body of addictive substances. The process can be accompanied by severe withdrawal symptoms, but it can be completed safely under the supervision of a physician.

Effects

Many addictive substances are depressants.

Alcohol and many drugs depress the brain's activity level. To adjust to the presence of a depressant, the brain heightens its sensitivity to excitatory, or stimulating, neurotransmitters. If you abruptly stop drinking or taking drugs, the brain continues to race forward, causing unpleasant and dangerous side effects.

Function

Detox eliminates the addictive substances from your body, but counseling and support are also needed to help you deal with addiction.

Alcohol and drug detox occurs over two phases. The first and acute phase of detox occurs over a period of three to 10 days. During this phase, detox can be fatal. Typical withdrawal symptoms include tremors, nausea, hallucinations, restlessness, difficulty sleeping, excessive sweating, shakiness, delirium tremens, convulsions, anxiety, seizures and possible heart failure. Addicts are less likely to experience harmful symptoms when treatment drugs are used during this phase of detox.

Time Frame

The second phase of detox occurs over several months as your brain slowly returns to a normal state. Although there can be long-term withdrawal symptoms, these symptoms generally diminish and are not dangerous. They include insomnia, cravings and anxiety.

References

• Recovery Connection: Drug Rehab and Alcohol Addiction Treatment - FAQ
• Treatment USA: Levels of Care
• How to Detox From Alcohol: Alcohol Detox Protocol
• AlcoholismHelpOnline.com: Using an Alcohol Detox Protocol
• the Canyon: Alcohol Detox
• Choose Help: Alcohol Detox Can Kill You