Research suggests that 75% of people with drug and alcohol addictions recover. Addiction is a chronic condition, and recovery isn’t always a straight line. One way to treat addiction and get on the road to recovery is detox.
However, detoxing can be strenuous and dangerous to your health. Preparation is crucial if you’re considering a drug detox in Calabasas, CA. Follow along as we discuss the detox process, what to expect, and how to prepare to increase your chances of success.
Understanding the Detox Process
When a person becomes dependent on drugs or alcohol, their body adapts to the presence of these substances. Over time, the drugs disrupt the body’s natural balance, and it begins to rely on drugs to function. When someone decides to detox, they are committing to break free from this dependence and allow their body to return to a drug-free state.
During detox, the body undergoes physiological changes as it adjusts to the absence of drugs or alcohol. Withdrawal symptoms may arise as the body eliminates these substances in its system.
These symptoms can vary depending on the type of substance used, the duration of use, and individual factors. Common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Cravings
Sometimes, these side effects are dangerous. That’s why it’s best to avoid doing it alone, no matter what substance you’re detoxing from. The gold standard is seeking medical help from addiction specialists or going to a residential rehab facility.
If you cannot access professional detox services, try detoxing under the supervision of someone you trust. Having someone there to help or call for help could save your life if you’re withdrawal symptoms are extreme.
Detox Effects of Different Drugs
Different drugs have varying detox effects, each presenting unique challenges. Let’s take a closer look at the drug detox process for commonly abused substances:
Marijuana
It may surprise you that marijuana is on this list because you’ve heard it is not addictive. But that’s not the whole truth.
According to NIDA, up to 30% of marijuana users develop a dependence on the drug, often known as marijuana use disorder. Marijuana use disorder can “take the form of addiction in severe cases,” according to the agency. And like other drugs, marijuana detox has associated side effects that include:
- Irritability
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Loss of appetite
- Tremors
- Fever
- Headaches
People report that marijuana detox symptoms can last up to two weeks, causing prolonged distress. Stress-reducing activities like yoga or meditation can help you manage marijuana symptoms.
Opioids
Also called narcotics, these pain-relieving drugs can be addictive and harmful. Aside from prescription medications, illegal drugs like heroin also fall into this category. Someone detoxing from opioids may experience the following side effects:
- Body and muscle aches
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
Opioid detox can last as little as three days but sometimes takes as long as one week. Individual drug detox timelines may vary slightly.
Alcohol
Depending on the severity of one’s addiction, detoxing from alcohol can take as long as one week. Aside from the loss of sleep, the side effects of detoxing from alcohol also include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Hallucinations
Alcohol detox can be so severe that by 48-72 hours after the last drink, one may experience a racing heart, fever, and profuse sweating. Because it’s so dangerous, we recommend having professional supervision during your Calabasas drug detox.
Benzodiazepines
Medical professionals often prescribe benzodiazepines for anxiety and sleep disorders. But long-term use or high doses of these drugs can lead to physical or psychological dependence. People in benzodiazepine withdrawal may experience:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Muscle pain
- Headaches
- Heart palpitations
Depending on the dosage and length of abuse, benzodiazepine withdrawal can take several months. However, a more common drug detox timeline for this substance is around five days to one month.
Preparing for a Drug Detox in Calabasas, CA
Preparing for the drug detox process can help ease the process and increase your chances of success. Individuals can impact their detox outcomes by investing time and effort into mental and physical preparation. Here are a few ways you can prepare for a drug detox in Calabasas, CA:
Consult with a Healthcare Professional or Detox Facility
Schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional or contact a drug detox center to assess your physical health and receive personalized guidance. They can evaluate pre-existing conditions, provide recommendations, and ensure you are prepared for detox.
Seek Supportive Communities
Attend support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or connect with counseling services specializing in addiction recovery. These resources provide a safe space to share experiences and receive guidance. You can also gain valuable insights from people who understand the challenges of detox and recovery.
Embrace Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Mindfulness exercises, meditation, or relaxation techniques are invaluable stress and anxiety management tools during detox. They help you focus on the present moment and cultivate a sense of inner calm.
These techniques can reduce overwhelming feelings to help you better cope with detox’s emotional and physical demands.
Maintain a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet can support your body’s healing process during detox. As you prepare for detox, consider adding fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your daily diet.
These nutrient-rich foods provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that improve your well-being. Consider working with a nutritionist or dietitian specializing in addiction recovery to develop a meal plan tailored to your needs.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is essential for your body’s functioning and can help flush out toxins during detox. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Carry a water bottle with you as a reminder to drink fluids.
Incorporate Regular Exercise
Exercise is crucial in preparing the body and mind for the strenuous detox. It can help improve your physical ability to cope with the challenges during detox.
Exercise also releases endorphins, natural feel-good chemicals in the brain, enhancing mood and reducing stress. It promotes better sleep, boosts energy levels, and improves physical stamina. By exercising, you proactively prepare yourself for detox by nurturing your health and resilience.
Removing Triggers and Temptations
Creating a clean and safe environment is crucial for a successful drug detox. Identify and remove any substances, drug paraphernalia, or triggers from your surroundings.
Consider using local substance disposal services available in Calabasas, CA. These services ensure the proper disposal of drug-related items. By eliminating triggers, you create a supportive atmosphere that promotes your recovery and reduces the likelihood of relapse.
Establishing Aftercare Plans
Planning for aftercare is an essential part of the detox process. Research services you can take advantage of that provide ongoing support after detox. These may include addiction treatment programs, therapists, and support groups in Calabasas, CA.
You can also explore relapse prevention strategies. For example, you may consider outpatient treatment or joining a sober living community.
Next Steps to Drug Detox in Calabasas, CA
No matter how much you prepare, the road to recovery is long. And the detox process may be dangerous. The safest way to complete a drug detox in Calabasas, CA, is under the supervision of trained medical professionals.
By seeking professional help at Paradiso Recovery in Calabasas, CA, you can access professional support and a personalized detox plan tailored to your needs. Detox is the first step if you want to break free from your addiction. Learn more about our medical detox program today, and let us guide you toward a brighter future.