What is Detox?
We’ve already defined he process of detoxification. Here, we offer additional details about what actually happens when an individual experiences the process itself.
Over any considerable period of drug abuse, the body builds up residual amounts of various chemical compounds contained in the abused drug. These compounds usually collect in the user’s liver and/or kidneys. In order to negate the addictive qualities of the drug, it—and all its component ingredients—must be purged from the addict’s system.
At the same time, because the body has built up a tolerance to the abused drug, the body must also adjust to the absence of the abused substance (a process known as withdrawal).
This must be done carefully and under medical supervision to avoid uncomfortable side effects, including bone pain, shaking, sweating, vomiting, rapid breathing, and agitation. More serious—and potentially fatal—complications of withdrawal can also occur: delirium tremens (violent excitation and emotion, combined with loss of muscle control), hallucinations, convulsions, high fever and stupor (impaired consciousness). During this process, the patient will have great difficulty eating, sleeping and concentrating.
Who Needs It?
The potential for serious withdrawal symptoms is largely a factor of the combined effects of the drug of abuse, frequency of use and length of addiction. The physiology of the addict is also a factor. Many addicts have long neglected other existing medical conditions (heart problems, diabetes, immune system disorders, etc.), which further weaken the body’s ability to tolerate the withdrawal period of detox.
The occasional drug user may be no less addicted than the stereotypical addict; however, the former may not require medically supervised detox, simply because the concentration of poisonous chemical compounds in the occasional user’s system is less toxic. This individual may—and most likely will—experience severe discomfort during withdrawal, but not the more dangerous symptoms (such as convulsions and fever spikes).
The decision as to who does, and who doesn’t, require medically supervised detox should be left in the hands of a trained professional. In such circumstances, it is far safer to error on the side of caution.
How Does It Work?
The human body has amazing capacity to recover from all manner of trauma, and withdrawal is largely a matter of the body doing what the body does whenever it deals with toxins. The primary purpose of medical detox is to lessen the severity of the symptoms of withdrawal, with medications developed especially for this purpose. Pain can be alleviated, vomiting can be controlled, and agitation can be calmed, thereby making the patient more comfortable.
Medical professionals also diligently observe the detoxing patient for signs of more serious complications. These can all be effectively treated under medical supervision.
According to Brian Maddox, a Los Angeles area doctor whose practice is dedicated to detox treatment, “Our goal should be to do all we can to make the patient comfortable during a very uncomfortable experience. We don’t want them to feel like the cure is worse than the disease!”
How Long Does It Take?
Depending on the patient, and the particular procedure involved, detoxification will last anywhere from 24 to 72 hours. Some detox facilities keep patients under observation for up to five days, to avoid any possibility of adverse reactions.