When someone is ready to fight an addiction, the first thing to do is to go through detox. Detox includes removing harmful substances (drugs or alcohol) from the system. Some people prefer to do it at home while others choose rehabilitation clinics.
Depending on the severity of your case, you may not be able to go through detox on your own. Professional medical assistance can simplify the process and make sure you don’t go back to using drugs before detox is over.
Let’s take a closer look at detox best practices to help you and your loved one kick the bad habit as soon as possible.
How Long Does Detox Take?
The duration of the detox depends on many factors including:
· The substance abused by the user (some drugs take longer to leave the system than others)
· The number of substances abused (multiple substances need more time to clear out)
· How often the user was abusing the substance (the longer you use, the harder it can be to go through detox).
· How much substance the user tool the last time.
· If the user has underlying mental health issues.
· User’s medical history (chronic conditions)
· User’s age and gender
Detox programs usually take 3, 5, and 7 days. For example, detox from alcohol can take up to 72 hours. Meanwhile, it can take up to a week to detox from heroin.
Many addicts believe that they can detox on their own. However, quitting a harmful substance could be dangerous for your body. By securing medical assistance, you won’t just monitor your condition, you can get prescription medication to ease the withdrawal symptoms.
Best Detox Practices
Here are a few detox practices you should keep in mind for yourself and your loved ones who suffer from addiction.
Ask for Help
Even if you decide to detox at home without any medical assistance, you need to ask for the help of a friend or a relative. Detoxing on your own can be unpredictable. Some people experience extreme nausea while others have seizures.
You must have someone by your side to help you get through the process. If a friend or a loved one can’t be by your side 24/7 for the first 48 to 72 hours of your detox, consider checking into a rehab center.
Explore Alternative Options
Quitting cold turkey may not be the best option for all drug and alcohol addicts. Sometimes, the body is too hurt to recover on its own. You may want to help it by exploring alternative options.
Consider reading about the benefits of Ibogaine treatment or similar products that may simplify the withdrawal process.
If you have a heroin addiction, you may need your doctor to prescribe medications for safe detox. Make sure to consult a medical professional before trying to quit opioids on your own.
Stock up on Liquids
Whether you are detoxing from drugs or alcohol, you are likely to feel dehydrated. Make sure you have sufficient liquids at home to keep you hydrated. Your body may not be too happy about you trying to drink water. It can react with nausea.
However, hydration is the key to detox. Make sure the person who stays with you during the process understands that and keeps offering you freshwater or juices. The more water you drink, the faster the toxins will leave your body, thus speeding up the detox process
Choose a Healthy Diet
You may not be able to eat for the first day or two of your withdrawal. However, when you are able to start again, make sure the diet is balanced. Your body suffered a tremendous hit while you were drinking alcohol or using drugs. Now it needs to recover.
Consider eliminating unhealthy food and focusing on plenty of products that contain antioxidants.
Keep the Air Fresh
Fresh air is another important part of the detox process. Many people feel like hiding in their rooms while going through withdrawal. In reality, they would feel much better breathing fresh air.
Consider taking short walks or simply sitting outdoors. If that doesn’t seem possible, keep your windows open at least for several minutes every hour.
Final Thoughts
Even the best detox practices may not be sufficient to get you through withdrawal safely. Make sure to consult your doctor before taking action.
Remember, physical detox is the first step toward leading a normal life. Once the drug is out of your system, you would need further treatment to get rid of the psychological dependency.
