True Detox: Tough, not Trendy

In a world saturated with wellness trends and pseudoscientific promises, it is important to reclaim the true meaning of ‘detox.’ Originally rooted in medical necessity, detoxification is a life-saving procedure designed to rid the body of perilous levels of alcohol, drugs, or poisons. Join us as we unravel the stark disparity between authentic medical detox and the trendy, often misleading, detox concepts infiltrating the health-conscious landscape.

Before “detox” became a buzzword in the recent wellness trend, it referred to a vital and distinct medical procedure: detoxification, aimed at purging the body of dangerous, life-threatening levels of alcohol, drugs, or poisons. This authentic form of detox is administered in hospitals or clinics, utilising a carefully curated blend of drugs and therapies tailored to the nature and severity of toxicity.

However, in the current wave of health consciousness, a different narrative has prominently emerged – one of the soothing cleansing procedures, often propelled by pseudoscientific wellness language, often included in a girls’ weekend spa package. These trendy approaches claim to rid the body of alleged toxins responsible for an array of symptoms, from headaches to fatigue, frequently recommending unregulated detox products available in retail stores or online.

As the concept of “detox” expands to include popular scientific cleansing procedures, it’s crucial to unravel the distinction between medical detoxification and the trending detox fads. Let’s take a closer look at the original form of detoxification, focusing on the critical process of eliminating alcohol and drugs from the body, and understanding when it comes into play in addiction treatment.

What is substance detox(ification)?

Substance detoxification, in essence, is the systematic removal of a specific substance from the body. When your body is dependent on a substance, detox involves eliminating all traces of that substance. Broadly speaking, if you stop taking drugs, this invariably triggers a detox process.

During detox, the body undergoes significant adjustments. When addicted substances are gradually reduced and removed, the brain is compelled to adapt to the sudden decline in these chemicals. This adjustment often leads to the onset of unpleasant symptoms collectively known as “withdrawal symptoms.” Recognising the dangers associated with abrupt cessation, commonly referred to as the “Cold Turkey” approach, the gradual detox process aims to alleviate the negative effects of withdrawal symptoms and to minimise the potential physical harm that may arise from quitting a drug.

What are the different types of detox?

During a medical detox programme, a clinical team of physicians and nurses use certain medications to help you safely detox.[i] This can take place in a wide variety of settings and at varying levels of intensity such as ambulatory detoxification with or without on-site monitoring (a monitored outpatient service), a clinically managed residential detoxification (with minimal medical oversight, focusing on peer and social support), medically monitored inpatient detoxification (24/7 care and supervision and support for patients experiencing withdrawal symptoms), and medically managed intensive inpatient detoxification (the most restrictive placement level of care with 24/7 care and supervision for patients experiencing withdrawal symptoms in an acute care inpatient setting).[ii]

How does detoxification work?

Professional detox from alcohol and drugs involves three key steps:

Evaluation

Clinical professionals assess your physical and psychological condition, considering factors like intoxication and withdrawal potential. This evaluation guides the recommendation for the detox level of care and a personalised treatment plan.

Stabilisation

Your individualised treatment plan with therapies and medications ensures a safe withdrawal experience. Various medications may be used to help manage withdrawal symptoms safely, comfortably, and within a controlled environment.

Transition to long-term treatment (rehab)

Facilitating your transition into longer-term addiction treatment enhances your prospects and reduces the risk of relapse. While detox alone cannot address the complex psychological and social aspects of drug use, it serves as the initial stage of addiction treatment, preparing you for the subsequent phases of rehabilitation—whether short-term or long-term residential treatment or outpatient care. It’s crucial to highlight the distinction between medical detox and rehab: the former focuses on medical stabilisation and transitioning to further care, while the latter involves ongoing services for social and psychological rehabilitation, addressing drug abuse and associated medical, psychological, social, and vocational issues. Although medication may be part of rehab, behavioural therapies are the most commonly used form of treatment for substance abuse.

Lastly, it is essential to note that these are merely standard components and goals of detoxification, but individual goals, treatment duration, and processes may vary among patients.

Are there side effects of detox?

If you undergo medical detox, you may encounter various symptoms and side effects associated with substance withdrawal. They can vary depending on the drug in question, but common experiences during drug detox include mood changes (mood swings, anxiety, depression, agitation), body changes (flu-like symptoms, shaking, nausea, headaches), and cravings.[iii]

How long does detox last?

The duration of a drug detox program typically spans about a week for most patients. The length of drug detox varies based on several factors, including the specific drugs used, the quantity and duration of drug use, and the individual’s overall health.[iv]

Can I detox on my own at home?

Please be aware that solo detox attempts often end in frustration, with persistent withdrawal symptoms and dwindling motivation. Opting for detox at home is risky and may even be life-threatening. Alcohol detox, in particular, can escalate to the highly dangerous ‘delirium tremens’, posing the risk of stroke, seizures, heart attack, and death if untreated.

That’s why we always strongly recommend choosing a hospital or rehab centre detox.

Please consider reaching out to an experienced drug detox centre, consulting with your physician or therapist, or contacting us for free guidance on safely detoxing.