Detoxing from Alcohol & Other Substances

Detoxing is the process of eliminating toxic or harmful substances, typically drugs or alcohol, from the body. It involves going through withdrawal symptoms, which can range from mild to severe. Detoxing is often the first step in recovery from substance abuse.

The length of time it takes to detox varies depending on the substance, the individual, and the severity of the addiction. It can take anywhere from a few days to several months.

Below are the typical detox time frames for some commonly abused substances:

Alcohol: - Within the first 6 hours: Headache, mild anxiety, and stomach upset. - After 12 to 24 hours: More severe withdrawal symptoms, including hallucinations, may appear. - After one to two days: Symptoms like seizures and tremors can occur. - After two to three days: Withdrawal symptoms intensify, including delirium, hallucinations, hypertension, and fever. - On day three: The most severe withdrawal symptoms, which can persist for up to five days.

Stimulants (Cocaine, Amphetamines): - Immediately after stopping: Anxiety, sadness, or aggression. - Between 24 and 36 hours: Fatigue, depression, and prolonged sleep may follow. - Up to three weeks or more: Symptoms like anxiety, fatigue, and paranoia may continue.

Opioids (Methadone, Heroin, Codeine, Oxycodone): - Within the first 12 to 30 hours: Anxiety, agitation, and insomnia. - Detoxing from opioids is complex and can take time.

Benzodiazepines (Casually referred to as "benzos"): - Between 3 and 14 days: Depending on the addiction's severity, withdrawal symptoms like short-lived anxiety and insomnia may occur. - Between 10 and 14 days: The most severe withdrawal symptoms may appear. - Recovery after this period depends on your treatment and response.

Marijuana: - Cravings, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and irritability during detox. - Symptoms peak on the third day of detox. - Marked improvement in symptoms by the end of the first week. - Feeling more robust and stable by the end of the second week. - The drug typically leaves the body 30 days after cessation.

What to Expect When You Are Detoxing

When detoxing from any substance, withdrawal symptoms are expected. These can include:

• Mood swings
• Insomnia
• Headaches
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty concentrating
• Paranoia
• Nausea and vomiting

Considerations: - It's recommended to undergo detox in a treatment program or facility for support and a structured treatment program. - In some cases, medication may be provided to help cope with severe withdrawal symptoms.

Can You Detox on Your Own? - Attempting to detox alone can be challenging and risky. Medical experts advise doing it in a medically-assisted facility. - Detoxing from substances like marijuana could be done independently, while others, like opioids, require medical supervision.

What Happens When You Are Done Detoxing? - Detoxing is the first step in a recovery journey that may involve months or years of hard work and determination. - Recovering from substance abuse takes time, so patience and persistence are essential.

Conclusion: Detoxing is a highly individual process that requires consistency and a commitment to avoiding relapse. Timelines are only guidelines, and the key is to take it one day at a time. The journey doesn't end with detox, as recovery is an ongoing process that requires dedication.