How to Stop Drinking and Using Drugs
The most important thing to consider when learning how to stop drinking or using drugs is the medical detox. It can be very dangerous and sometimes fatal to detox without medical support, ensure you see the doctor and they will explain how your detox will work. Never attempt to detox from alcohol or any chemical substance, without proper medical supervision and counsel. Without proper medical supervision, withdrawal and detox can cause severe medical consequences, including seizures (Delirium Tremors better known as DTs), heart attacks, violent shakes, dizziness. Approximately one in every ten cases of un-medicated alcohol detoxification leads to fatal seizures. Get the appropriate medical help before attempting to detoxify by yourself! Remember, it can be fatal!
Alcohol Detox and Drug Detox Information
Detox, short for detoxification, is the first step in the alcohol and / or drug treatment process. It is the process of the body removing toxic material from itself. Detox is the first step in the rehab and treatment process because until there is no alcohol and /or drugs in a person's body, the process of withdrawal will continue to cause physical cravings. Additionally, while in a drug or alcohol induced state, a person is not mentally or physically prepared to participate in the educational and therapeutic process of rehab and treatment. Until the detox process is complete, someone is simply not ready for recovery. Detoxification takes anywhere from 5 - 21 days, depending on the drug (even longer with benzodiazepam dependency), the amount of the drug in their body and the person's overall health and age.
Withdrawal and Detox
Withdrawal is the term used to describe the body's actual physical reaction to the removal of any substance on which it is dependent. Withdrawal is caused by stopping or dramatically reducing alcohol or drug use after heavy and prolonged use. The reaction frequently includes sweating, shaking, headache, craving, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhoea, inability to sleep, confusion, agitation, depression, anxiety, and other behavioural changes. Furthermore, our experience shows us that it is during this period that the alcoholic / addict is extremely likely to find that their mental obsession to return to a intoxicated state is so overwhelming that their attempts are futile. This is the biggest hurdle to jump! Certain types of drugs require a period of medical detox, others do not. Alcohol dependency certainly does require very safe and stable medical support. Opiates, such as heroin and methadone also require medical detox. Prescription medications, of all classifications, require medically supervised detox. Other illegal drugs, such as marijuana, crystal meth and cocaine (crack) do not necessarily require a full medical detox; however, medical supervision is suggested. Often, there is a significant, self induced, psychological dependence associated with these substances and therefore, a period of stabilization is advisable. Prescription drugs such as Hydrocodeine, Oxycontin, Xanax, Vicodin and Valium, all require medically supervised detox. Treatment of withdrawal (detox) includes closely monitoring the person's vital signs, supportive care and medications.
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