Drug detox

Drug detox is a critical first step along the path of recovery, but it is often misunderstood. Films like Requiem For a Dream paint nightmarish pictures of the drug detox process, which can potentially scare people away. However, drug detox is rarely as frightening as TV and movies portray, especially if you undergo detox at a professional drug detox clinic like Oasis Runcorn. Drug detox can help you break the cycle of drug addiction, begin the healing process and plan a brighter, drug-free future.

Drug detoxification, or drug detox, is a medically supported process that eliminates all traces of drugs from your body to break your physical dependence on them. This dependence develops with chronic drug use as your body and brain get used to the presence of drugs and begin to rely on them to function “normally”.

When you stop taking drugs, it takes a little while for your body to reset, resulting in drug withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can be very uncomfortable and sometimes even life-threatening, but professional drug detox helps keep you safe and comfortable and manages the withdrawal symptoms. This allows your body to begin the healing process and lays the groundwork for the next stages of recovery.

Almost every type of illicit drug can cause physical dependence and so Oasis Runcorn provides detox for a range of different substances, including:

Drug withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the substance abused, the duration of abuse and individual health and physiology. However, some common symptoms include:

• Anxiety and agitation: As the body adjusts to the absence of the drug, psychological distress, including anxiety and restlessness, is common.
• Fatigue: Drug detox can be physically draining, resulting in feelings of extreme tiredness, lethargy and lack of motivation.
• Insomnia: Difficulty sleeping is a common withdrawal symptom, sometimes accompanied by vivid, unpleasant dreams.
• Sweating: The body may respond to detox by increasing perspiration, often coupled with cold flashes.
• Nausea and vomiting: Detox can cause gastrointestinal distress, leading to nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration.
• Muscle aches: Withdrawal from certain drugs, especially opioids, often leads to muscle discomfort and pain.

The withdrawal process timeline is unique to each individual and largely depends on the type of substance used, the duration of use, and the individual’s overall health. Generally, acute withdrawal symptoms may commence within a few hours to a few days after the last drug use and can last from several days to a few weeks. Post-acute withdrawal symptoms (commonly known as PAWS), which are primarily psychological, can persist for several months or even years and usually require ongoing professional medical support.

While the idea of home drug detox, or going ‘cold turkey’, may seem appealing due to its perceived convenience, privacy and cost-effectiveness, it is critical to understand that this approach can carry significant risks.

Withdrawal symptoms can vary from mild discomfort to severe physical pain and intense psychological distress. In certain cases, withdrawal can be life-threatening, so professional medical observation is crucial for your safety. Without professional support, there is also a higher risk of relapse due to the intensity of withdrawal symptoms. If you do relapse, it can lead to a potentially fatal overdose, as your tolerance will have decreased during the home drug detox attempt.

In addition to the physical symptoms, psychological withdrawal can be challenging to manage alone. Feelings of anxiety, depression and intense cravings are common and, without the right support, can be overwhelming.

Oasis Runcorn provides comprehensive inpatient drug detox tailored to help you safely navigate through the demanding process of drug withdrawal. We ensure a holistic approach to drug detox grounded in evidence-based treatment methods. Choosing Oasis Runcorn drug detox clinic comes with several significant advantages:

• A residential setting: Oasis Runcorn facility offers a calm, secure environment to undergo drug detox. Our residential setting provides a haven, protecting you from external triggers and exposure to drugs, which is crucial in the early stages of recovery.
• Round-the-clock care: Another benefit of inpatient drug detox is that we can support you 24/7 during the drug withdrawal process. Our team of medical professionals is always on hand to monitor and manage withdrawal symptoms, providing immediate intervention if complications arise.
• Full medical assessment and personalised detox plan: Every client undergoes a thorough medical evaluation upon admission. This comprehensive assessment considers your physical health, psychological state and substance use history, forming the basis for your personalised drug detox plan.
• Medical drug detox where necessary: Oasis Runcorn acknowledges the challenging nature of withdrawal symptoms. Where necessary, medications are used under the supervision of healthcare professionals to manage these symptoms, alleviating discomfort and reducing potential risks.
• Drug rehab: Oasis Runcorn believes in the power of a comprehensive approach to addiction treatment. Our rehab therapy programmes address the psychological aspects of drug abuse and dependency, providing the necessary tools to prevent relapse and promote long-term recovery.

Myth: Drug detox alone is enough

Fact: Drug detox is an essential first step towards recovery, but it is not a cure. Detox helps manage the physical aspects of withdrawal, but long-term therapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication are all crucial aspects of successful recovery.

Myth: Drug detox is always painful and unbearable

Fact: Detox can be uncomfortable due to drug withdrawal symptoms, but medical professionals at a professional drug detox clinic like Oasis Runcorn can manage these symptoms effectively, making the process more comfortable and safer.

Myth: Drug detox is only for those with severe addiction

Fact: Drug detox can be useful for anyone who is physically dependent on a substance. Even those with moderate substance use can benefit from detox, reducing the risk of potential complications associated with drug withdrawal.

Myth: You can detox from drugs quickly

Fact: The drug detox timeline varies from person to person depending on the type of substance used, how long it has been used and the person’s overall health. Some people may complete drug detox in a few days, while others require many weeks.

Myth: Relapse means detox didn’t work

Fact: Relapse doesn’t mean failure, or that detox didn’t work. Drug addiction is a chronic condition, and relapse is a common part of recovery. Use relapse as an indicator to reassess and adjust your treatment plan.
How to start drug detox

Starting your journey towards recovery at Oasis Runcorn is as simple as reaching out. Our team of compassionate professionals is ready to guide you through the drug detox process and support you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about our drug detox programmes.