Drug and alcohol detoxification is a natural process that helps the body get rid of the toxins that build up from routine use. For many people, detox means a time of not being able to use these substances after spending months or years using them. Detox is worrisome for anyone. At America’s Rehab Campuses, we provide a medical detox program that’s designed to help you get through this process in the most effective way possible.
Detoxing the full body takes time, but how long it takes depends on how much you’re using, what you’ve been using, and the amount you’ve used. Your body’s metabolism also plays a role in what you can expect to occur. Take a look at what detox is and how it may impact you.
What Is Detox and When Is It Necessary?
A person who is using drugs and alcohol over time may develop dependence. When this occurs, the body becomes dependent on the substance to feel and work as it should. The National Institute on Drug Abuse noted that physical dependence occurs with regular use of the substance even if it is prescribed.
Many drugs interact with the brain to create significant changes. They may target the brain’s reward system and flood it with dopamine. That feel-good neurotransmitter encourages the brain to seek out additional use of the drug to get the same type of results. Over time, the brain craves this so much that it becomes impossible for a person to stop using.
You may benefit from detox if you have symptoms of dependence. Some of those symptoms include:
- Being unable to stop using the drug even if you wanted to because of intense cravings
- Feeling muscle or bone pain when not using
- Struggling with intense feelings of being ill when you don’t use
- Thinking about using drugs often
- Seeking out drugs because they are so important to your everyday needs
A person will often experience these symptoms when they have addiction and dependence. When that happens, professional detox is often necessary to help a person to stop using.
How Long Will It Take to Get Rid of Drugs from Your System?
Entering into a medical detox program like what we offer at America’s Rehab Campuses opens the door to breaking this dependence. We provide the tools and resources you need to stop using and not struggle with withdrawal symptoms you have.
One of the most common questions people have, then, is how long with this take? Because detox can be uncomfortable, many worry about what they will experience. In our hands, you’ll be safe and well protected.
Here are some examples of how long it may take to stop using drugs and alcohol and get through the detox process.
- Alcohol: Symptoms typically peak around 72 hours, but cravings may linger for some time
- Benzodiazepines: Benzo withdrawal may take several days to weeks, often because a step-down approach to stopping use is necessary to detox safely
- Marijuana: Withdrawal symptoms typically last for several days
- Opioids: Peak symptoms typically occur in 2 to 3 days after no longer using, but some people may suffer some complications for 6 months or longer
- Stimulants: Drugs like cocaine and meth typically cause a significant amount of damage to the brain and may cause withdrawal symptoms to linger for months
Keep in mind that many factors play a role in the type of symptoms you may have. For example, those using a large dose of substances or who have been drinking for years may find it much more difficult to stop using.
How Our Team Makes a Difference
The National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that effective drug addiction treatment takes time and needs to be individualized for that individual. In short, relapse can occur if thorough support is not provided even after the detox process ends. We provide that level of help for you. Long-term treatment is available to you.
We offer a detox program that’s designed to provide you with medications and therapy to minimize the symptoms of withdrawal and eliminate cravings. You’ll have a team of professionals ready to support you through the recovery process. Contact us now to get started.
