Detox Doesn't Mean You Have to Suffer

Initial withdrawal from drugs or alcohol can be physically distressing, painful and even dangerous. Without appropriate care, withdrawal symptoms can include increased blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, severe muscle cramping and seizures.

Alcohol Detox & Drug Detox

Certain types of drugs require a medical detox. Medical detox generally includes monitoring vital signs, medical supervision and prescribed medication to ease withdrawal symptoms. Examples of drugs that require medical detox include: Alcohol, benzodiazepines (i.e., Valium, Xanax) and opiate-based drugs including heroin and prescription painkillers such as Oxycontin, Vicodin, Hydrocodone, etc.

Other drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamines and marijuana do not require medical detox. However, as with any drug dependent upon amount and frequency of use there remains the significant potential for psychological dependence and given this, a period of stabilization followed up by a recovery program is advisable for long-term success.

Alcohol detox

Alcohol poses one of the most dangerous forms of withdrawal. An abrupt cessation of alcohol (going “cold turkey”) will result in withdrawal symptoms within hours and the time necessary for complete alcohol detox can range from 3 to 14 days. Alcohol detox can result in a variety of physical and/or psychological symptoms. Mild withdrawal symptoms include headaches, nausea, vomiting, perspiration, restle