What Is Drug Detox?

When an individual is struggling with substance use problems, in many cases, the first step is drug detox. During this process, all of the toxic and addictive chemicals in a patient’s body are allowed to leave, and the patient’s withdrawal symptoms are managed. Successful long-term recovery depends upon ensuring that the drugs to which an individual is addicted are no longer in their system. In this way, their brain chemistry and physical health can return to normal, and the actual work of rehabilitation can begin.

If you or someone you care about is suffering at the hands of addiction, detox might be an excellent place to start. Contact The District to learn more by calling us at 844.287.8506.

Drug detox is, simply put, the process by which the body rids itself of the dangerous substances in your system. The process is always accompanied by some degree of discomfort as the brain and body become re-accustomed to operating without the substance. Detox specialists like the ones at The District determine the length of the process by taking several factors into account. Among these are the individual’s age and medical history, the substance to which they are addicted, and their history with the substance, including how long they have been using it and when their last use was.

Once you have committed to drug detox, the team of specialists at The District will be with you every step of the way.

The Importance of Medically Supervised Drug Detox

One of the most enduring myths about substance use is that it is merely a question of willpower or moral character. Addiction specialists have, in fact, known for decades that substance use disorder is a disease that affects the brain’s chemistry and is similar in pathology to many other diseases. This means when someone is severely addicted to a substance, it is not only difficult to quit or to reduce their use of the substance — it can also be dangerous.

The critical piece of information here is that each substance leaves the body with different effects and to different rates. Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms one encounters are:

Uncontrollable shaking
Profuse sweating
Headaches
Racing heartbeat
Chills
Anxiety
Depression
Insomnia
Exhaustion
Blood pressure spikes or crashes
Seizures

On the one hand, the symptoms are difficult to manage, which is why an enormous percentage of individuals who try to “solo detox” relapse almost immediately. On the other hand, these symptoms can be physically dangerous or even deadly if not managed properly. In a drug detox program like the one at The District, out detox specialists can help you address these symptoms and make sure that your detoxification is as comfortable and safe as it possibly can be.

The Benefits of Medically Supervised Drug Detox

There are many advantages of beginning your journey on the road to recovery with medically supervised drug detox. Among these are:

Medically supervised detox completely removes the substances to which a patient is addicted from their body. This allows them to focus on the psychological and emotional aspects of their recovery.
Detox ensures that a patient has the forward momentum and peace of mind they need for long-term recovery.
When medically supervised, clinicians can often ease the discomfort associated with many of the withdrawal symptoms that patients encounter.
Although not a guarantee, medically supervised detox gives patients the best chance of avoiding immediate relapse.
Not every patient needs medical detox. But if you or someone close to you is struggling, it might be the right first step.

Reach Out to The District to Learn More

To learn more about the drug detox program at The District or any of our other many substance use disorder treatment programs, don’t hesitate. Our services for addiction recovery include:

Outpatient treatment
Vocational development program
Addiction treatment therapy
Medication-assisted treatment
Experiential and adventure therapy options

What Is Drug Detox?