What is “detox”?

The term detox is short for detoxification.  Addiction detox is the process wherein the body is cleansed of the substance that it is addicted to.  This is usually the first stage of the addiction treatment and recovery process.  Medical supervision is oftentimes recommended as part of the detox process because of the severity of the symptoms that an individual typically experiences during the withdrawal stage.  During this stage, it is not uncommon for the individual to become delirious and physically ill.  Additionally, some even become extremely aggressive and even violent.

The fact that detox and withdrawal is a very unpleasant, if not painful experience would indicate just how dependent one’s body becomes on the particular substance they are addicted to.  What we do know is that alcohol and/or drug addiction are like an allergy to the body as well as an obsession of the brain.  Addicted individuals who are going through the detox and withdrawal stages are oftentimes incapable of rational thinking and making proper decisions.

It is not uncommon for an individual to experience the following unpleasantries while they are going through the detox and withdrawal stages of treatment and recovery:

• blackouts, dizzy spells, and fainting
• delusions and hallucinations
• nausea and vomiting
• shaking or twitching violently
• sweating

Different types of detox may be required

Over the past years, numerous detox methods have been employed to help the addicted individual rid themselves of the substance that is ravaging their bodies.  One of the primary treatments has been using methadone to keep the addicted individual under control during the withdrawal stage and to help wean them off the substance they have been addicted to.

In recent years, we have seen the advent of “sauna detox” wherein the individual literally sweats these toxins out of their bodies.  It must be conducted under extremely close supervision and is not one of the detox methods recommended by our facility.  Sometimes, more rigorous detox methods may be employed based on the particular substance the individual is addicted to as well as how intense that addiction is.

Let our staff members help you

If you have an addiction problem, or someone you know has a problem, our caring and trained staff members are here to help you with your needs.  We realize that substance addiction is not just a 9 to 5, Monday through Friday proposition.  For this reason, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you in any way we can and to answer any questions you may have.  Whenever you need us, please feel free to contact us at the toll-free telephone number listed here.  We will be happy to assist you in any way possible.