Detoxing is the first necessary step in every individual’s recovery from substance abuse. Detoxing can bring about uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and, depending on the severity of your addiction, can potentially be life-threatening. That’s why medical detox is highly recommended, especially for those overcoming severe cases of addiction. In this article, you’ll learn more about what is medical detox, how long is medical detox, and so much more.
Veritas Detox is a top-rated drug and alcohol detox center in California that’s committed to helping patients safely and effectively achieve lasting sobriety. You should never feel afraid to ask for help in taking back control over your life. Contact us today to learn more about how we can best support your road to recovery.
What is Medical Detox?
Before diving into the question “how long is medical detox,” it’s first important to understand what medical detox is. Detoxification entails ridding the body of the substance it has become addicted to. Depending on the severity of an individual’s substance use disorder, some people may experience life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
All individuals struggling with substance abuse experience withdrawal symptoms as their body adapts from using drugs to not taking them; however, the severity and duration of these withdrawal symptoms depend upon the severity of your addiction. For example, research on the complications of alcohol withdrawal details the range of uncomfortable and even life-threatening symptoms, from seizures to sleep disturbances, that can occur as you detox from alcohol. Medical detox helps people overcome addiction and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms with the help of medical professionals.
During medical detox, you are under the supervision of medical professionals who can provide comfort and support as you overcome withdrawal symptoms. In some severe cases, you may be given medications to help your body adjust during the detoxification process.
How Long is Medical Detox?
Now that you know what medical detox entails, you may be wondering “How long is medical detox?” Medical detox can vary depending on a wide variety of factors, from the severity of your addiction to your age and gender. Below are three key factors that can influence how long your medical detox will last.
Severity of Your Addiction
One of the most important factors that impact the timeline of your medical detox is the severity of your addiction. For example, someone who’s only been addicted to drugs for a few months most likely will have a faster time transitioning through the withdrawal process than someone else who has been struggling with drug addiction for years. Typically, most recovering individuals take around one week to detox and overcome withdrawal symptoms. However, individuals struggling with more severe cases of addiction can struggle for up to two weeks or longer.
General Health Factors
Next, general health and lifestyle factors are more variables that can impact the length of time you take to effectively detox. For example, factors like your age, gender, or metabolism can impact how fast (or slow) your body is able to overcome the withdrawal process so you can then progress along your path to recovery.
Specific Detox Protocol
Finally, your unique detox protocol will impact the length of your detoxification process. During your medical detox, you may be advised to gradually taper off the substance you abuse. While this can extend the length of time it takes for your body to detox, it can greatly help minimize withdrawal symptoms so your body isn’t completely shocked. Depending on your unique addiction history and treatment plan, your team of medical professionals will determine which path through the withdrawal process may be best suited to your recovery needs.
Help Is Available
Medical detox ensures that individuals struggling with a severe form of addiction can safely and effectively detox and overcome uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms so that they can take steps toward long-term recovery.
At Veritas Detox, we’re here to help you break free of your addiction once and for all. No longer do you have to remain chained to old unhealthy habits keeping you from being the healthiest, happiest version of yourself. Our drug and alcohol detox in Los Angeles can help you get through detox and transition to other levels of care at our luxury residential inpatient rehab. With a range of treatment options available, we’re here to help you every step of the way to regain control over your life. Contact us today!
