What is Detox?

Detoxification, or detox, is the process of cleansing your body from drugs or alcohol that you have consumed. This process is most common amongst individuals who have an addiction to alcohol and/or drugs.

Each individual’s detox experience is different and the length required to detox will vary but it is an important first step towards a healthy and sustainable recovery from addiction.

How Long Does Detox Last?

Detox is the first step towards withdrawal from alcohol or drugs. The length of the detox process is different for each individual and depends on various factors, including: 

• The type of substance the user is addicted to. 
• How long the user has been addicted to the substance. 
• The method of substance abuse (snorting, smoking, drinking, etc.). 
• The amount of substance being taken. 
• The individual’s family history.
• The users underlying medical conditions (if any).

Depending on the substance the withdrawal length and process differs. Generally, alcohol withdrawal symptoms take a week to taper off. Other drugs, like Opioids, will require a longer detox process and last for 14 days or more. 

Even though it is possible to self detox from home, it is highly recommended to not do this as there are various risks, including higher rates of relapse, serious health issues, and even death. 

When an individual goes through a detox program, there are two common types of programs to choose from — Inpatient Detox and Outpatient Detox.

Inpatient Detox Programs

Inpatient alcohol and drug detox programs occur inside an addiction treatment facility. This program is referred to as a medical detox and conducted by medical professionals who monitor for dangerous symptoms, progress, and provide medications to make the withdrawal process more tolerable and safer for the individual. Usually an inpatient detox program takes 7 – 14 days.

Outpatient Detox Programs

Outpatient alcohol and drug detox programs occur outside of an addiction treatment centre. Usually, either the individual will go to the recovery centre on a weekly basis or a medical professional will come to the individual’s home on a regular basis. On average, outpatient detox programs take 7 days, but can range from 3 to 14 days.

Side Effects of Detox

As the first step in the withdrawal and recovery process, detox enables an individual to safely recover from a drug or alcohol addiction. During the withdrawal process, detox limits the symptoms of withdrawal but unfortunately some are unavoidable, including: 

• Anxiety 
• Nausea 
• Body aches and discomfort
• Mood swings
• Nervousness 
• Poor sleep 
• Loss of appetite 
• Difficulty focusing 

Although these symptoms may seem daunting and scary, an effective detox program enables an individual towards recovery, happiness, and better health.

What Happens After Detox?

Detox is the first part in your journey to recovery and addiction treatment. On its own, a detox program is usually not enough for a sustainable and successful recovery. That is why individuals seek a program that provides both detox and rehabilitation programs to increase their chances for success to a life of complete recovery. 

At Muskoka Recovery, we provide both inpatient and outpatient detox programs located in King City, Ontario. After a successful detox program we provide luxurious rehabilitation programs that are always scientifically approached, individualized, and holistic. 

If you or a loved one are seeking help for alcohol or drug addictions, fill out the form below to begin your path to recovery.