Medical drug detox is the act of clearing all substances out of the body while managing any withdrawal symptoms that may occur. Withdrawal symptoms will occur when a person has become physically dependent or addicted to a substance. Drug detox is a process that should not be hurried because withdrawal symptoms have to be monitored and comfortably managed by medical staff. The British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology says:
Detoxification refers to the safe discontinuation from a substance of dependence and is distinct from relapse prevention. Detoxification usually takes between a few days and a few weeks to complete, depending on the substance being misused, the severity of dependence, and the support available to the user. Psychosocial therapies alongside pharmacological treatments are essential to improve outcomes. Dependence on illicit, legal, and prescription drugs continues to have great health and societal costs, and the alleviation of dependence remains the most desirable outcome. The goals of detoxification treatments are to minimize any withdrawal effects and alleviate any side effects, with the primary aim of completing the withdrawal procedure and therefore providing the opportunity for sustained abstinence. (NIH)
A medical drug detox usually takes place in a treatment facility where the individual can be monitored by medical professionals and medications can be given to help ease the withdrawal symptoms. Detoxing from alcohol and drugs at home can be very dangerous and is not advised. Some detox can be life-threatening if not under the care of a medical professional. 
Length of a Drug Detox Program
The length of a medical drug detox depends on several factors. As stated above, drug detox is a process. It can take anywhere from a few days to several months. Detox programs are usually about 7 days long, but some substances have a much longer detox process, especially psychologically. For instance, alcohol leaves the body in a few days, but a person can continue having cravings for months after it has left their system. The same goes for a lot of other substances.
Medical Detox Length Varies By Your Drug of Choice
The drug may be out of the individual’s system, but then they will experience severe mental and emotional withdrawal symptoms that could last for months. Especially if they have been using the drug every day for several years. Overall, the length of a medical drug detox depends on the person. Here are some factors that come into play when trying to determine the length of a medical drug detox program:
- The substance that was abused.
- If multiple substances were being abused.
- How often the person abused the substance.
- How much of the substance they were taking.
- Are there any underlying medical or mental health issues?
- The person’s age.
- The person’s gender.
When an addict finally decides they have had enough and are ready to go to treatment, the absolute best course of action is to commit to a 30-day treatment program with a medically supervised detox. This way they can be monitored and treated for their withdrawal symptoms accordingly. It takes time for the brain and body to adjust to the sudden drop of chemicals when a substance or substance that a person has been using daily is removed. Detox is only the beginning of a lifelong process with recovery. Once a commitment is made to get clean and sober, it takes a lot of work! However, it can be done with the proper supervision, support, medication management, and counseling!
Treatment for Drug Abuse and Dependence
If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction issue and need a detox facility, our addiction specialists are available around the clock to assist you. Evoke Wellness assists men, women, and families throughout the United States that are struggling with substance abuse and are searching for addiction treatment. We can help you get on the road to long-lasting recovery. You don’t have to suffer any longer. Call us today to learn about the medical drug detox programs offered at our detoxification facilities.
