Detox Process

While detox alone does not constitute recovery, it’s the first step you need to undergo when you’re ready to enter one of the best drug rehabilitation centers in Europe. Detox is the short form for detoxification, which is the process by which all traces of drugs and/or alcohol are removed from your body. At the same time, it implies that your drug withdrawal symptoms are managed by the staff when you enter treatment.

Detox Process

Different substances take different timelines to leave your body, depending on the drug, how long you used it for, and in what quantities. When you seek the drug rehab with the highest success rate, you’ll find trained counselors who provide detox services and treatment for addiction to:

• Meth
• Marijuana
• LSD
• Heroin
• Oxycodone
• Methadone
• Opiates
• Alcohol

Why You Need to Detox

Your body can become physically dependent on certain types of drugs. Drug withdrawal symptoms from these substances can sometimes be life-threatening, which is why you need a trustworthy, competent, and highly trained treatment center staff. They’re experienced medical professionals who work with detox and know what to expect from the various drugs.

A detox program at the best drug rehab overseas provides you with medications and an environment to make your process as comfortable and pain-free as possible. You’ll have assistance with any medical issues you might encounter or bring with you into treatment, which is another reason to seek help at a top drug rehab clinic. A smooth detox and immediate transition into a planned program prepare you for long-term recovery, free from the grip of an addiction.

Certain Drugs Mandate Supervised Detox

While beating any kind of addiction is difficult at best, certain drugs demand a medically supervised detox to prevent serious consequences that could include death. Typically, the drugs that require the closest supervision are:

• Benzodiazepines. Drugs in this category, commonly called benzos, include brand names such as Valium, Ativan, and Xanax. Some treatment professionals even include non-benzodiazepine products used as sedative hypnotics, such as Lunesta and Ambien, in this group. These are powerful drugs that play a role in sedating your brain. Timelines for detox from benzos range from seven to as long as 90 days for acute withdrawal symptoms to abate. Post-acute symptoms of withdrawal can last up to two years. Other drugs, such as Flumazenil, sometimes support a rapid withdrawal; otherwise, you may need to be weaned slowly off the drug with a doctor’s assistance.
• Physical drug withdrawal symptoms from drugs such as phenobarbital usually become most serious within two to four days. Once you’ve stopped, withdrawal can lead to seizures, dizziness, and psychosis. Though not as common today, barbiturate detox must be medically supervised.
• Alcohol. One of the most common drug addictions in the world, alcohol dependency leads to extensive drug withdrawal symptoms that are life-threatening. Withdrawal begins within six to 24 hours after your last drink, and the timeline for a complete detox usually finishes within a week, when you can begin the rest of your treatment.

While not always as life-threatening as the above processes, other drugs that require supervision to ensure a safe and speedy detox include:

• Stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamines. Drug withdrawal symptoms from cocaine cause irritability, depression, and extreme cravings for more, but the severity timelines are usually limited to less than five days. You won’t die from this withdrawal, but you may entertain thoughts of suicide during this time. The same is true of meth drug withdrawal symptoms, which also include reduced sexual desire, increased appetite, and paranoia.
• Heroin. Like alcohol, heroin requires higher doses the longer you use it. But unlike alcohol detox, the drug withdrawal symptoms for heroin are rarely life-threatening or even medically challenging. But they’re definitely uncomfortable. They include nausea, chills, fever, body aches, and high blood pressure. Withdrawal is worst in the first 48 hours and can last up to a week.
• Opioids. These drugs are often prescribed and abused, as well as sold on the street to addicts. Brands in this category include OxyContin, Percocet, Vicodin, and Lortab. Drug withdrawal symptoms may not be considered a medical emergency, but they are also quite uncomfortable. Detox symptoms include muscle aches, insomnia, runny nose, diarrhea, fever, and sadness.

Detox in Treatment for Best Results

While you may be tempted to detox at home by going cold turkey, the consequences aren’t worth the risk. Drug withdrawal symptoms and timelines vary substantially from one drug to another, and you may not be prepared. Other reasons to seek treatment in the best drug detox abroad include:

• Reducing your risk of relapse. Very often, just using your drug of choice once immediately mitigates the drug withdrawal symptoms, which is so tempting when you’re feeling sick.
• Making the process as comfortable as possible. Professionals surround you and know how to treat you while keeping you safe.
• Minimizing your risk of serious health consequences, even death. Detox timelines are periods of serious physical and emotional turmoil, so make sure you get the help you need when you need it.

At the best drug rehab in Europe, your treatment just begins with detox. After detox, you’ll meet others who have gone through the same experience and can share how they’re doing in continued treatment. You’ll receive one-on-one and supervised group counseling. You’ll be introduced to community groups that hold 12-step meetings, and you’ll leave treatment with a clear direction toward a life free of drug addiction. And you won’t ever have to detox again!