Many people think of drug detox and drug rehab as the same thing, but, in reality, the two are very different. And those who have gone through either or both understand just how true this is. First and foremost, drug detox occurs naturally once an individual stops using, and it entails the body ridding itself of drugs and other harmful contaminants. This process can happen whether someone quits on their own accord or with the help of a licensed rehab facility.
As far as drug rehab is concerned, this is what comes after an individual successfully gets through detox, and it can only happen in a licensed rehab facility. In short, drug rehab refers to treatments that help individuals overcome addiction to alcohol, cocaine, opioids, and other illegal drugs. Most rehab facilities provide such treatments in both their inpatient and outpatient programs, and they typically include the following:
- Prescription drugs to combat severe withdrawal symptoms
- Round-the-clock monitoring by licensed physicians and nurses
- Counseling with a licensed therapist
- Addiction education
- Referrals to support groups, sober living homes, or both
How Long Does Drug Detox Take?
Having established that drug detox is a critical part of overcoming addiction and how it differs from drug rehab, let’s now discuss how long this aspect of addiction recovery takes. While timeframes can vary depending on one’s drug of choice, amount consumed each day, and how long they have been using, the average time it takes to get through drug detox is 3 to 10 days. But severe addictions can extend that timeframe considerably, often by several weeks or months.
And while going through their detox journey, most people experience an array of tempest withdrawal symptoms. Some of these symptoms include the following:
- Changes in appetite
- Mood swings
- Congestion
- Chronic fatigue
- Irritability
- Muscle aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Restlessness
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Profuse sweating
- Tremors and shakiness
What Drugs Are Most Likely to Trigger Withdrawal Symptoms When Individuals Stop Using?
How mild or difficult withdrawal symptoms turn out to be once individuals stop using is predicated on many things. But all things being equal, some drugs trigger withdrawal symptoms that are harsher and more varied than others. Some of these drugs include
- Antidepressants
- Barbiturates
- Depressants
- Hallucinogens
- Inhalants
- Opioids
- Stimulants
How Rehab Facilities Help Individuals Cope With Severe Withdrawal Symptoms
Rehab facilities all across the U.S. want nothing more than to see the individuals in their care achieve long-term sobriety. That said, they are acutely aware of how quickly withdrawal symptoms brought on by going through detox can derail an individual’s addiction recovery efforts. For this reason, most offer medication-assisted detox. This aspect of addiction recovery involves round-the-clock monitoring by physicians or nurses who will provide individuals with FDA-approved drugs to combat severe withdrawal symptoms if needed. Some of the ones commonly prescribed by physicians and nurses in rehab facilities all across the U.S. include the following:
- Methadone
- Naltrexone
- Buprenorphine
- Suboxone
- Lofexidine
- Naloxone
- Acamprosate
- Disulfiram
Along with physical withdrawal symptoms, overcoming addiction can also take a psychological toll on some people. In fact, it is not uncommon for some individuals to experience anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders as they go through their addiction recovery journey, especially the detox phase. To help those struggling in this area, many facilities offer various forms of psychotherapy with a licensed therapist. The more common ones include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management, motivational interviewing, and dialectal behavioral management.
Some therapists will also offer rational emotive therapy (REBT) and the matrix model as forms of psychotherapy. After completing detox and their psychotherapy sessions, many rehabs will encourage individuals to join a support group to improve their chances of achieving long-term sobriety.
Bottom Line
Drug detox can last for days, weeks, or even months, and success in this aspect of addiction recovery requires commitment and a strong desire to get one’s life back on track. To learn more about drug detox or for help locating a rehab facility near you, consider speaking with one of our associates today at 855-334-6120.
Why Should I Get Drug Rehab Near Me?
