As you begin your recovery journey, it’s best to know what you’ll be experiencing as you go through Detox and withdrawal. These are two of the most common worries people have about experiencing and putting themself through when they want to deal with their addiction.
At times, detox and withdrawal can be related. Understanding the difference between detox and withdrawal can make overcoming substance use less intimidating. Keep reading to know what to expect and understand what your body will go through as you remove toxins and negative substances from your system.
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What is Detoxing?
Detoxification is the process of the body and mind filtering itself from addictive chemicals they have built up after using substances. When used in high quantities, substances and drugs can alter your body’s natural functions and disrupt your cognitive abilities. This is what makes your body reliant on substances. This is why the body has an intense reaction when substance use stops all of a sudden.
Quitting drugs can cause adverse side effects; having medical supervision during detoxification is important. Attempts to detox without professional guidance can be dangerous and make the process more unpleasant than it has to be. Fortunately, we have resources and expertise when it comes to detoxification programs.
Related Article: The Importance of Clinical Supervision for Drug Addiction Recovery
What Can Detox Feel Like?
Detoxification can be intense, to say the least. The exact side effects of detox depend on a patient’s body and overall health history. The kind of substances used and the length of an individual’s addiction factors as well in.
The most common side effects of a detox can include:
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Fever
- Rapid heartbeat
- Sweating
- Seizures
- Nausea
- Muscle Pain
- Hallucinations
It’s normal during this process for the detox to have side effects that are painful or overwhelming. It is essential to have supervision throughout the detox process. Symptoms will subside as the body learns how to regulate itself without the substance in its system and process what you’re putting it through.
What’s The Timeline For Detoxing?
The process of detoxification is different for everyone. Experienced professionals like the ones at Addiction Rehab Toronto know what to expect in terms of the patterns, cycles and symptoms of a detox. See detoxification timelines below:
- The first 12 hours: Detox symptoms are mild to start, but begin to worsen over time. Users can start to experience nausea, body pains, headaches, anxiety and mood swings.
- The first day: Symptoms increasingly grow in intensity and can include tremors, seizures, the Feeling of dizziness and being disoriented.
- The second day: The second day will be similar to the first and can just feel like a prolonged feeling of the first day’s symptoms.
- The first week: Now is when the most serious symptoms can occur. A professional detox program like the ones at Addiction Rehab Toronto can often help prevent complications and provide some pain relief with guidance and comfort.
- The rest of detoxing: After the first week or two of detoxing, the worst symptoms should be over and done with. During this time, recovering users will still be healing from their physical and emotional trauma. It’s important that users who are vulnerable and feeling their worst should seek a safe, supportive environment.
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What Is Substance Withdrawal?
Withdrawal covers a wide range of diverse symptoms. Those with a substance use issue experience withdrawal when they suddenly stop using all of a sudden, confusing their body as it has become dependent. As we know, drugs and alcohol interfere with brain functions, they interrupt connections between neurons.
The brain starts to build a tolerance for the substance. Eventually, the person feels as if they have to use it to function properly.
When a person quits drinking or using, the sudden absence of the substance shocks the system. These withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe in some cases.
Related Article: What Happens During Alcohol Withdrawal?
The Difference Between Detox and Withdrawal
When we discuss detox vs. withdrawal, the key difference is having a treatment program. Although detox involves going through withdrawal, it also includes providing users with medical supervision, advice, assistance and support. It’s totally normal for a person going through this process to go through and overcome withdrawal.
A detox program includes coming up with a comprehensive plan and guidance for an easy experience as their body gets substances completely out of their system.
Because detox and withdrawal can be painful and traumatic, they should ideally be done in an environment where professionals can help and guide. Reach out to Addiction Rehab Toronto if you’re considering going through supervised and planned-out detox. We can help.
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Reach out to Addiction Rehab Toronto
You now know the difference between withdrawal, detox and what to expect. If you need help, you might be ready to start a detox program. If you’re looking for a safe, comfortable and caring facility, visit or call Addiction Rehab Toronto.
We specialize in high-quality treatment that puts a priority on long-term results and healing.
At Addiction Rehab Toronto, we offer programs and services that address both the physical and emotional effects of substance use disorder. Our team of medical professionals can help minimize withdrawal symptoms, while our therapists can help you manage the emotional distress of this process.
For more information about our detox program and options, reach out to Addiction Rehab Toronto today.
