If you have a serious addiction to alcohol or drugs, one of the first steps you must take to get clean and sober is to enter detox. The detoxification process can take a varying length of time depending on a number of factors. However, each person is different, so while one person might be able to finish within one week, you might need a longer time.
Detox is the first big step toward regaining a healthy lifestyle. It’s often necessary when quitting drugs or alcohol cold turkey simply isn’t an option. Abusing these substances long-term and then trying to stop taking them on your own can be dangerous, which is why detox is necessary.
What Is Detox, and Why Do You Need It?
When you have serious substance use disorder to drugs or alcohol, your body becomes used to getting the substance regularly and in certain amounts. This results in a physical or psychological dependence and addiction. Once you conclude that you have a serious problem and need help, detox is the biggest step you can take toward regaining your life and rejoining society as a productive member.
Detox is a process that involves eliminating all traces of drugs or alcohol from your body. It also requires managing the symptoms of withdrawal commonly experienced, often with the use of medication management. Some addictions are severe and require more intervention and supervision. Others are milder and might need less intervention.
However, the detox process always has a timeline for each person. What works for one person might not be enough for the next as everyone is unique. Detox is necessary for managing your cravings as well. This can last well past the withdrawal phase and depends on the substance you have abused.
How Long Does the Detox Process Take?
Detox involves the process itself so that the drugs or alcohol can be removed from your system in a detox treatment program. If you are planning to enter a program to undergo the detox process, it’s fair to wonder how long the entire experience might take.
Overall, the process of eliminating drugs or alcohol from your body can take hours, but the entire detox process, complete with managing withdrawal symptoms, can take weeks or months. Some substances leave people experiencing cravings that make the process last even longer. Certain factors come together to determine the length of time detox might take. Each person is different, but the following play a part in how long it can last:
- The substance that you abused and whether you abused more than one
- How often you abused the substance
- How much of the substance you abused
- Whether you suffer from any co-occurring mental health disorders
- Your medical history
- Your age
- Your gender
If you abused more than one substance, there is a higher chance that you’ll have a longer detox process.
How Long Do Detox Programs Take?
Detox programs can take anywhere from three, five or seven days to complete. They are meant to help people with substance use disorder to go through the withdrawal process in an easier way while managing their symptoms. This is the first step toward drug or alcohol rehab treatment and should not be confused as a one and done program. After detox, you still need to go through rehab and therapy so you can move forward to a sober lifestyle.
The Importance of Remembering That Recovery Is a Lifelong Process
After you have completed the detox process and entered a rehab facility to continue with your drug or alcohol treatment, it’s important to keep certain things in mind. One of the most important is that your recovery is not something that happens overnight. Instead, it’s a lifelong process that requires your dedication and commitment. You might want to try different options.
For some, cognitive behavioral therapy, 12-step programs or a residential treatment facility are ideal. These are only a few of the options available to you. It’s important to be open to anything that could help you stay on the right path so you can stay free of alcohol or drugs and life a healthy lifestyle. Ready to get the help you need? We can help. Call us at 855-334-6120 immediately.
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