Drug Detox | Drug Withdrawal and Detox Timeline

What is drug detox?

Drug detox is a naturally occurring process that the body goes through when you stop taking substances. Toxins that have accumulated from drug abuse are expelled from the bodily systems, and thus physical healing starts.

The primary goals of drug detox are to:

• Overcome the physical harm caused by substances
• Manage accompanying withdrawal symptoms
• Break the cycle of drug abuse

What happens during drug detox?

Your drug detox journey will begin with an initial assessment to determine your state of health and make predictions on what to expect from the withdrawal period. Our doctors will advise on the best way to detox from drugs, whether it be by a tapering schedule or cold-turkey, and come up with a plan to suit your individual needs.

Our team will monitor your condition each day and provide you with necessary medications to help you manage any withdrawal symptoms. With us, you can relax knowing that you are in safe hands, allowing you to fully focus on getting better.

The severity of your withdrawal symptoms and the length of the detox process will vary depending on the substances that have been abused, the duration and frequency of abuse and your overall health. Typically we expect to see withdrawal symptoms peak within the first few days, gradually subsiding over the course of two weeks.

Can I detox from drugs at home?

Detoxing from drugs in the comfort of your own home may sound appealing; however, it is not advised. Drug detox can be unpredictable, dangerous and even life-threatening in some cases, leading to severe health complications if not managed properly. As an example, benzodiazepine withdrawal can result in hallucinations, panic and seizures, and requires careful tapering so as to avoid serious side effects.

As well as the risk of complications to your health, the possibility of relapse is high when detoxing at home. As withdrawal sets in and cravings intensify, it is all too easy to reach for your drug of choice and start using again. This can be dangerous as your body will no longer be able to tolerate the doses it was once used to, making overdose more likely. Attending an assisted drug detox at an inpatient facility removes the temptation to use and ensures your withdrawal symptoms remain under control.

Does drug detox cure my addiction?

Drug detox helps to support physical healing, but this is only one aspect of addiction. In order for recovery to be successful, you must address the underlying psychological and emotional causes of your drug use.

Recovery Lighthouse helps you to pinpoint the complex issues that propel you to use drugs and find healthier ways of coping. This is done through a combination of effective therapies, including:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT)
• 12-step therapy
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• Mindfulness-based therapy
• Music, drama and art therapy

Recovery from drugs requires ongoing work and dedication, even after detox and rehab have been completed. For many, this is a life-long battle. Unfortunately there is no “cure” for substance use disorders. However, with the right tools and support, you can remain in successful recovery and achieve your goals.