While many people assume that the first step in the recovery process is treatment, that is not the case. After all, before you can start treatment you first have to make sure your body is clean of those harmful substances.
The process of doing just that is called detoxification, or detox. Depending on the substance of abuse, detoxing can come with some pretty severe side effects that require medical care and monitoring. That’s why it is recommended that the detox process always be done under the care and supervision of medical professionals.
If you or someone you know may be getting ready to start the detox process, you may be wondering what it is like. Well, in this blog we will go through the detox process including signs your body is detoxing and how Agape Detox Center can help with the detox process.
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ToggleHow Do You Know If Your Body Is Detoxing?
The detox process looks different based not just on the person but also on the substance or substances that person is detoxing from and how long they were using them.
That being said, there are some fairly common symptoms and side effects that you may encounter regardless of the factors mentioned above.
Let’s take a look at the 10 most common signs that your body is detoxing:
1. Sweating
Increased sweating is common during detox as the body tries to expel toxins through all means possible, including the skin. Sweating is particularly common at night and may be accompanied by chills.
2. Headaches
Headaches can frequently occur as a result of the chemical imbalance in the brain due to the absence of drugs and/or alcohol. These headaches can range in severity based on a number of factors.
3. Fatigue
The detox process can be both physically and mentally draining. This can result in extreme tiredness and lack of energy as the body and brain work through the cleansing process.
4. Nausea and Vomiting
Digestive issues such as nausea and vomiting are frequent during detox. This is due to the gastrointestinal system reacting to the sudden absence of the substances of abuse.
5. Mood Swings
Extreme bouts of Anxiety, depression, irritability, and mood swings are all common during detox as the brain tries to recalibrate and heal.
6. Muscle and Joint Pain
In an attempt to try and flush the toxins out of the system, your body may experience aching muscles. These pains may also be the result of dehydration and lack of essential nutrients as well.
7. Insomnia
Changes in sleep patterns, including insomnia, can not only be caused by the physical discomforts of detoxing but also the shock to the body’s internal clock.
8. Changes in Appetite
You also may notice a change in your appetite during detox. This may mean a complete loss of appetite or you may find yourself experiencing intense cravings for certain foods, especially those high in sugar or fat.
9. Cognitive Issues
Cognitive issues such as difficulty concentrating, memory loss, and a general sense of confusion are prevalent during detox as the brain adjusts and recalibrates.
10. Respiratory Problems
If you are detoxing from a substance that was frequently smoked or inhaled you may experience coughing, congestion, and general respiratory discomfort during detox as the respiratory system works to clear out the residual toxins.
How Do Drugs and Alcohol Leave the Body?
Knowing how drugs and alcohol leave the body can also help you better understand the detox process. When detoxing, the body uses several organs and systems to detox itself. Let’s take a look at some of those organs and how they eliminate the substances from the body:- Skin: The skin eliminates toxins through perspiration which is why sweating is a common sign of detoxing.
- Liver: Since the liver is the primary organ responsible for metabolizing drugs and alcohol, enzymes found in the liver break these substances down in a manner that they can be excreted from the body.
- Digestive System: The digestive system expels toxins through bowel movements. Any remaining substances processed by the liver can be excreted in the stool.
- Kidneys: The kidneys filter the blood and remove waste products, including metabolites of drugs and alcohol, which are then excreted in the urine.
Detox Programs in Florida
As we touched on in the intro to this blog, detoxing should always be done under the care and supervision of trained medical professionals due to the side effects and symptoms that come with the detox process. Here in Florida, detoxing can be done at a local medical facility, a dedicated detox facility, or a treatment center that also offers detox services like Agape. No matter where you choose to go for detox, you will traditionally find the following programs offered:Medical Supervision and Monitoring
Constant monitoring by healthcare professionals to manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure safety.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Therapeutic Support
Counseling and therapy to address the psychological aspects of addiction and prepare individuals for long-term recovery.
Nutritional Support
Offering dietary guidance and providing nutritional food options to help the body heal and regain strength
Aftercare Planning
Development of a personalized plan for after detox, including referrals to inpatient or outpatient treatment programs and support groups.
Learn More About Signs Your Body is Detoxing with Agape Detox Center
Detoxing from drugs and alcohol is not just a significant step towards recovery, it is the first step towards recovery.
At Agape Detox Center, we understand not just the complexities of detoxification, but also its importance as the first step in the treatment process. That’s why we offer detox programs for a number of different substances of abuse including alcohol and opioids.
If you or a loved one is looking to start your recovery journey and needs to undergo detox to get the process started, contact us today.
Stephanie Robilio is an accomplished Clinical Director at Agape Behavioral Healthcare. With a Master of Social Work degree, LCSW license, and extensive training in Rapid Resolution Therapy under her belt, she brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Her unique combination of education and experience allows her to provide exceptional care to clients and lead her team with confidence. Stephanie’s joy comes from witnessing the moments when her patients creatively connect the dots and bravely move toward reclaiming their power. Her purpose is to help individuals understand their past so they can create a future full of hope, growth, and success. Stephanie attributes a large portion of her success to the supportive culture and strong sense of community fostered by the Agape team.