For many individuals who are addicted to drugs or alcohol, the idea of recovery can be a frightening proposition.  Not only does the addict have an emotional connection to the drugs they use, but they may have a fear of the detoxification process that precedes recovery treatment.  When an addict stops taking the drugs their bodies have become addicted to, the body will fight back with a cascade of symptoms that are unpleasant and, if not handled properly by an experienced detox professional, dangerous.

Detox is generally not fatal but it can be severe depending upon the severity of the drug abuse involved.  Some of the symptoms are emotional, while others are physical in nature.  Each type of drug has its own set of symptoms; however, some individuals may experience more than one combination due to multiple drug addictions.

Detox for Opiates

The human brain contains proteins known as opiate receptors.  These opiate receptors are triggered by natural stimuli on the brain in the form of endorphins, dopamine and other influences.  When opiates are introduced to the human body through drug use, the body is fooled into believing there has been an event that produced the natural compounds.  The opiate receptors help control our reactions to pleasure and pain so excessive amounts of opiates will induce euphoric reactions as they affect the receptors.  Eventually, the opiate receptors are unable to distinguish between natural events for pleasure or pain and the artificial introduction of drugs.  The body begins to crave the introduction of opiates in order to feel normal.  Because the drugs are used to make the body feel normal, more of the drugs are needed over time to obtain the euphoria the drug user is seeking.

Likewise, when the opiate receptors are denied the influence of the opiate drugs, the human body reacts in several ways.  These reactions are the symptoms of withdrawal:

Detox From Central Nervous System Depressants

Central nervous system (CNS) depressants slow the workings of the brain, brainstem and the signals that travel through the spinal cord.  When an individual takes a CNS depressant, the drug will increase the amount of GABA — a neurotransmitter — which controls the level of activity in the brain.  The more GABA there is, more tranquil the brain becomes.

The only correct way to take CNS depressants (such as Xanax or sleep medications) is under the care of a medical professional in strict accordance with the directions.  Even when the directions are followed to the letter, however, it is important to not cease the medication without consulting a physician.

Ceasing the intake of CNS depressants is no different for those who are addicted to them through legitimate prescriptions or those who are taking the drugs illegally.  Abruptly stopping the intake of this type of drug can bring on a series of symptoms that can cause serious health problems.  When the chemical drug is removed, the central nervous system can come back from over-sedation with such force that the individual may suffer a seizure.

In addition to the risk of seizure, the withdrawal symptoms include:

Unlike the detox process for many other drugs, the withdrawal symptoms involving CNS depressants can be fatal if not properly monitored.

Detox Effects of Stimulant Abuse

Stimulants, such as methamphetamine and others, work by increasing the communication between neurotransmitters in the brain.  This is the opposite of the action that CNS depressants have on the brain, but it is conducted using the same parts of the brain.  Stimulants will make the individual feel excited, full of energy and extremely sociable.  However, immediately following the abuse of stimulant drugs, the individual will feel depleted and exhausted.  During this time, the person will experience increased cravings for stimulant drugs in order to feel better.

Symptoms of withdrawal from stimulants might include:

• Excessive sleep (temporary) to the point that it is difficult to be awakened
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Severe mood swings, up to and including violence
• Insomnia (after the first day or so)
• Delirium and paranoia
• Severe cravings
• Headache
• Body aches and pains

Because of the individual’s desperation to obtain the drug, coupled with the anxiety and mood swings, he or she may become violent in their attempts to get away from the detox process.

Professional Drug Detox Facilities

Some individuals may choose to detox alone or with family members.  This is not recommended for several reasons.  The most obvious reason is the fact that the individual who is going through detox may not be able to care for himself.  He will be quite ill for a number of days and dehydration can become an issue.  Dehydration occurs when the body expels more moisture than it takes in, and its symptoms can become quite severe and even life-threatening if they are allowed to go unchecked.

Because of this and other risk factors, it is best to utilize the services of a professional detox facility.  A detox center is equipped to handle the effects of detox for many different combinations of drugs.  With a medical staff watching over the individual who is going through the detox process, it is possible to administer medications to help him with the symptoms as they appear.

Medications Are Available During Detox

Many of the symptoms of withdrawal can be managed with medication.  Known as “medically managed withdrawal,” this process must be conducted by professionals in a supervised inpatient or outpatient setting.  However, with the right medications, it is possible to mitigate many of the symptoms, such as nausea, fever or anxiety.

Some providers may prescribe sleeping medications for the most severe cases where the cravings for the drugs threaten to derail any attempts at detoxification.  The types of medications prescribed will depend upon the type of withdrawal, based upon the drug classification of the addiction.

Tips for Successfully Completing Detox

Even under the care of a professional detox center and the medical staff associated with that facility, the detox process is difficult and can be unpleasant.  However, there are many ways to make the process more tolerable. 

Detox Is Only the First Step to Recovery

Detoxification takes place over the first few days of recovery.  By itself, detox is not a treatment for drug or alcohol addiction.  The treatment phase of recovery begins when detox ends.  When an individual experiences the effects of withdrawal in the first few days, the symptoms are their most severe.  It is not possible to rationalize or begin treatment in earnest until the most violent symptoms have dissipated.

Once the immediate symptoms have passed, it is time to enter a qualified treatment program. There are two types of recovery programs to choose from – inpatient or outpatient.  Regardless of the type of program chosen, it is important to begin treatment immediately following detox to reduce the chances of relapse in this critical early phase of recovery.

Detoxification takes time and effort, but gradually the immediate effects will begin to diminish.  Some addicts must deal with some cravings for the remainder of their lives, but the irritability, mood swings, shakes and other visible symptoms will eventually give way to a peaceful, drug-free existence full of potential and promise.