Drug Detox

Drug detox is the process of safely removing addictive substances from your body under medical supervision. It is typically the first stage of addiction treatment and involves managing withdrawal symptoms, which can range from being mildly uncomfortable to more serious physical reactions.

How do I know if I need a Drug Detox?

Signs that you may require a drug detox include:

Attending your place of work or study under the influence of drugs
Behavioural changes or behaving out of character
Carrying out normal daily tasks under the influence of drugs
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you do not take drugs
Feeling down and/or experiencing depression as a result of drug use

How does a Drug Detox programme work?

When you first begin a drug detox you will suffer withdrawal symptoms as your body continues to crave drugs. To help with these symptoms, you might be offered prescription medicines such as Naltrexone and Buprenorphine until you can reach a point where you no longer need them.

The first two days of a drug detox are always the most difficult as your body is cleansed of the substances you were formally taking. Rest assured that at Step 1 recovery we will do all we can to supervise and support you in your journey towards living a life that is free from drugs.

We will always be sympathetic and understanding to what you are going through, and know about the debilitating effects of withdrawal symptoms. However, with our support we can help you through this difficult period. It is good to know that drug withdrawal symptoms are not life-threatening, even if they do cause great discomfort and worry.

When you undergo addiction treatment with Step 1 Recovery, you will only be surrounded by highly-qualified professionals who will ensure the medically assisted detox program suits your needs.

Please note that detox timelines vary by substance. Opioids typically peak at 72 hours, benzodiazepine detox can take 1 to 2 weeks and stimulant detox is largely psychological.

What happens during a drug detox?

Following your medical assessment, with which a clinician will thoroughly assess the core details of you, your medical history and the severity of your addiction, you may go through a period of withdrawal.

Withdrawal symptoms occur when the drug contents within the client’s body is reduced. There are many different symptoms which can occur during a client’s detoxification from drugs, and these vary from person to person. Typically, they are influenced by the severity of the addiction, so things such as how long the person has been addicted to drugs, the quantity of whichever substance they have taken as well as which drug they have been addicted to. The following are examples of withdrawal symptoms that you are likely to face during a drug detox:

Vomiting
Shakes
Insomnia
Flu like symptoms (runny nose, headache etc)
Excessive perspiration
Feeling sick
Achy muscles
Mood swings
Reduced appetite
Feeling tired
Hallucinations
Seizures

Medication involved in a drug detox

It is not uncommon that you will be prescribed medication during your drug detox. Whichever medication you take will be related to whichever drug the client currently has a dependence on, for example; if you have an addiction to Heroin, you may be prescribed methadone. The medications prescribed are typically utilised to alleviate the symptoms mentioned above. These medications include: Methadone, Lorazepam, Buprenorphine, Diazepam, Chlordiazepoxide and Clonidine.

The science behind a drug detox

Whenever you take a drug, it disrupts the balance of work which is maintained by the body and brain, known as homeostasis. Whenever you take drugs, your bodies homeostatic state is compromised and so it needs to adjust itself based on the new substance which has entered itself into your body. This often influences the levels of neurotransmitters within your brain, which interact with the reward system of your brain. The types of neurotransmitters that are typically increased during drug taking include dopamine and serotonin.

Withdrawal symptoms of a Drug Detox

Drug withdrawal symptoms will always depend on the kind of substance you are taking, and the amount you frequently take. When you do a detox off of some substances, you will experience no physical withdrawal symptoms, as the addiction is only of a psychological nature, while others may cause you to have physical symptoms such as muscle aches and cramps, insomnia, sweats, watery eyes and nose, dry mouth and a general feeling of twitchiness, particularly in the legs and arms.

Mental withdrawal symptoms vary on the individual but may include paranoia, cravings, mood swings, depression, feeling lonely, anxiety and anger. Some of these psychological symptoms can prove so severe that a user can be a danger to other people and themselves. We have the facilities and staff to prepare and treat patients for this.

We regularly get asked if it possible to avoid withdrawal symptoms, however with most drugs, if your body has built up a dependency, it will be virtually impossible to avoid these side effects and this is why it is important addicts receive quality medical supervision to prevent any potential health problems.

Your guide to Drug Detox with Step 1 Recovery

When you get in touch, we will discuss your needs and drug addiction in detail, and the reasons why you feel it is the right time to attend a detox programme. You will be assigned a therapist who will discuss your treatment plan in full, covering how it may affect you and how withdrawal symptoms will be treated. They will also discuss your drug history and any underlying mental health issues to ensure we provide you with the most reliable drug treatment programme possible.

Everyone is different when it comes to detox programmes, as the results will depend on the individual, the condition of their body, their general health and their mental determination to succeed.

There are generally two different types of detox programme you can undertake:

Short-term detox – Usually people spend around a week with us when following this treatment programme. We consider using additional medications to ease the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms.
Long-term detox – This is where you have a programme that lasts anywhere between 14 days and a month, depending on how you respond to treatment. This treatment slowly weans you off of drugs by detoxing your body gradually, to ensure that withdrawal symptoms are not so uncomfortable. There is also a strong focus on long-term aftercare and therapy.

How to Prepare for Drug Detox

Making the decision to enter detox is the hardest part. Once you have made it, knowing what to do next can make the difference between following through and putting it off again. Here is what to do in the days before you arrive.

Pack light and practical. Comfortable clothing, toiletries, any prescribed medication in its original packaging, and some form of photo ID. Leave valuables and anything that could connect you to old habits at home. If you’re not sure, don’t worry. Our admissions team will give you a full list on admission.

Who to tell

You do not need to disclose everything to everyone, but a small number of people need to know. Your GP should be informed, so your medical records are accessible. A trusted family member or friend should know where you are. If you are employed, most people find it easier to arrange time off as a medical absence. Many employers are more understanding than people expect.

What to expect on your first day

Your first day will involve a medical assessment where one of our clinicians reviews your history, current use, and physical health. This is how we ensure your detox plan is safe for you to follow.

Having a Drug Detox with Step 1 Recovery

In addition to our UK centres, we have a location in the warmth of the Costa Brava. As well as enjoying the sunny climate, our clients are encouraged to enjoy meditation on a frequent basis to help calm their thoughts, as well as yoga.

Our retreat has a gym, health and beauty services and a pool, so you will have lots of calming activities to keep your mind occupied.

Your drug detox should be a peaceful process that you find empowering. We have a team of experts who can help you plan and succeed in your rehab from drug addiction.

Our medical professionals are some of the most respected in Europe, allowing us to provide high-quality treatment options. From London to Barcelona, or rehab clinics span the continent ensuring you get the best treatment at a convenient location.

You will receive the best support from our staff at all times, who are passionate about what they do. We select our team for their dedication to addiction therapy, as well as their sympathetic, understanding approach towards detoxing.

Once your time with us at our drug rehab centre ends, our support doesn’t just end there. Our aftercare packages is second to none and is designed to arm you the ability to tackle destructive temptations of this nature.

We truly believe that with a combination of help from family, friends and support groups, a long term recovery from substance abuse and mental health problems can be possible. Take the first step today by getting in touch with our medical team and addiction specialists.