The first step to entering rehab is to undergo a drug detox. During detox, the primary goal is to get all the drug out of your body and help you start to break the physical need for the drug. However, the drugs that you have used in the past and the length of time you’ve been using will have an impact. How long does detox take? Symptoms can start in just a few hours, but most detox programs stop at 7 days.
When you enter detox, try to bring in clothing that is comfortable and breathable. As your body sheds toxins, your skin may feel itchy or tingly. It’s also possible that you may perspire a great deal. Stomach upset is common; you may struggle with nausea or diarrhea. During a monitored detox, you may receive an IV to stay hydrated or medication to help you keep down food and water.
Notify Your Care Team of What’s In Your System
Your detox care team needs to know what’s in your system. If you’ve been using hallucinogens and you develop a headache, you may need access to a painkiller. Depending on what else is in your system, the right painkiller is critical.
Because insomnia is a common reaction among those detoxing from some drugs, your care team needs to know if you’ve been using substances such as alcohol, barbiturates, marijuana or opioids. Those who have developed a tolerance for benzodiazepines may also suffer from rebound insomnia. There are natural ways to manage insomnia, but your care team can’t help if they don’t know what’s been in your system longest.
Symptoms to Expect
Nausea and dehydration are common symptoms during detox from most any drug. As possible, do your best to at least stay hydrated on your own. The body can survive for a time on minimal food, but doing without water will quickly become dangerous and leave you feeling very bad, very quickly.
Muscle pain and cramps can occur within just a few hours of stopping the drug. Again, it is critical that you do not attempt detox on your own or in the company of a loved one. You are not going to be a pleasant person. The pain and nausea could make you verbally abusive and even physically dangerous. Get professional help for your detox to lower the risk to your loved one and to yourself.
Next Steps
As you come through the most intense physical symptoms of detox, you will probably feel quite fragile. You may have become dehydrated or gone too long without food. Be gentle with yourself. Drink fluids as you can and enjoy a warm bath to help relax your body. Eat as you are able and, when possible, move your body to avoid cramps.
By the 3rd day of detox, you may notice the severity of your unpleasant symptoms wearing off. The drugs in your system may take longer to finally clear away; you may need physical support from your care team through the 5th day. By your 7th day of detox, the majority of the unpleasant symptoms from all the chemicals leaving your body should be fading.
Do take care to discuss your emotional upheaval with a counselor, particularly as you move from detox into rehab. Addiction is incredibly hard on the brain; you may be feeling a great deal of anxiety or even depression. Getting help for the mental health issues that can rise up during detox can get you started on the right footing as you train and practice for sober living.
The choice to got to detox takes a great deal of courage. Your body, brain and spirit will be subjected to some terrible hardships as you work through this very challenging time. Keep your focus simple when cravings hit or when nausea becomes too severe. If your ability to move is limited because you have to get an IV to reduce your risk of dehydration, try to use this time to center and quiet your spirit. Our counselors are available 24 hours a day. Call 833.970.2054 for information on the first steps you need to take on your detox and rehab journey.
