Do You Need Detox? How to Tell a Loved One

Written by: Editorial Staff

Last updated on September 18, 2019

The detox process involves ending a person’s physical dependence on an intoxicating substance, such as alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines, while also managing symptoms of withdrawal. This is a very important step in the overall process of rehabilitation, so both medical professionals as well as friends and family should be brought in to support the person while they end their body’s dependence on drugs.

Doctors can provide medications to ease withdrawal symptoms and develop a tapering regime to slowly ease the body off the substance without triggering withdrawal symptoms that feel overwhelming. Individuals involved in socially supporting the person going through detox should encourage the person to enter a full rehabilitation program once they have successfully detoxed.

What to Expect from Detox

Although “cold turkey” withdrawal can take up to two weeks for most addictive substances, working with a physician to taper off the substance of abuse can take a little longer, depending on the drug. This might feel frustrating initially, but some substances can produce physically dangerous side effects if the individual does not receive medical attention to withdraw safely.

When a person decides to end their addiction to a substance, detox is only the first step, and no matter what the drug of abuse is, they should find medical help to safely overcome their addiction. Here are three examples of intoxicating substances that require medical detox:

1. Alcohol: Withdrawing from an alcohol use disorder, especially for people who have struggled with this addiction for a long time, or consumed large amounts of alcohol regularly, requires medical supervision because of a condition called delirium tremens. This is a withdrawal syndrome that includes symptoms like seizures, paranoia, hallucinations, vomiting, and extreme anxiety, including panic attacks. In some cases, a physician may administer small doses of benzodiazepines to ease symptoms. Medical professionals will also monitor clients carefully for signs of addiction to the benzodiazepines. Delirium tremens typically begins within 12-48 hours after the last drink, and it can last around 10 days.
2. Opioids: Opioid addiction is an epidemic in the United States, and overcoming this condition requires medical attention. Many people who struggle with addiction to prescription painkillers may switch to heroin or a stronger, illicit narcotic because it is less expensive and easier to find. Opioid withdrawal is rarely dangerous, although for people who have struggled with taking large doses of narcotics for a long time, withdrawal symptoms may be very uncomfortable. As a result, they can lead to relapse without professional help.A doctor can prescribe replacement medications like buprenorphine, or the more tamper-resistant Suboxone, to ease the body off physical dependence on narcotics. Without a tapered approach or the use of replacement medications, the person may experience PAWS, or post-acute withdrawal syndrome. PAWS symptoms involve primarily psychological challenges, such as increased anxiety and depression, intense mood swings, and suicidal ideation. Sometimes, the person may also develop seizures and hallucinations.
3. Benzodiazepines: Typically, a person who struggles with benzodiazepine addiction was exposed to these psychiatric medications to ease their anxiety, insomnia, or panic attacks. Because benzodiazepines are very habit-forming, the person may have discovered that they experienced withdrawal symptoms, including rebound anxiety or insomnia, when they stopped taking the medication. This could, potentially, lead to a cycle of addiction. At higher doses, benzodiazepines create a sense of relaxed euphoria, similar to alcohol or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants.If a person struggles with benzodiazepine addiction for a long period of time and at high doses, then they may experience benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome (BWS) if they attempt to end their addiction without help. This condition means that withdrawal symptoms last for longer than two weeks – typically about one month – and some symptoms, such as seizures, can be physically dangerous and even lead to death. To reduce or avoid these dangerous symptoms, many doctors work taper clients off the benzodiazepine slowly over time or replace it with a long-acting drug like diazepam (Valium) and then taper that medication.

What Is Medical Detox?

• Medical detox means that medical supervision is provided during the withdrawal process and often prescription medications are used to ease withdrawal symptoms. For many people who have struggled with addiction to an intoxicating substance for a long time, the physical symptoms of withdrawal can be uncomfortable and, in some cases, dangerous. Intense discomfort can lead to relapse, especially if the person does not have adequate social support during this time. Prescription medications, such as antidepressants or over-the-counter painkillers, can ease aches, pains, nausea, and psychological cravings. While some versions of medical detox, such as drug replacement and tapering, can extend the withdrawal period, it is generally a safer and more effective approach.
• Social support is critical during the detox process and into ongoing recovery. Ideally, family and friends will support the individual’s decision to end the addiction. They can help during detox by reminding the person that withdrawal symptoms will end and the end result is well worth the discomfort of the short-lived process.
  How to Reach Out to Loved Ones for Help
  Sometimes, it can be difficult to reach out for help from loved ones, particularly after a long struggle with addiction. However, it is vital to find a way to ask for help from friends and family during this time. Some people may choose to reach out through a letter or email. Here is a sample letter requesting support: