The term "detox" no longer needs to be explained in this day and age. It has become as recognizable as rehab. When the human body is dependent on chemicals, drugs or illicit substances there is a need for detox to return the body to a natural state. The detoxification process varies for the differing drugs and illicit substances.
Benzodiazipine (benzos) drugs can play havoc on the body due to their short elimination half life. The common benzos are Xanax, often called "Bars", Valium, Klonopin, and Ativan. When the body is reliant on "benzos" and the abuser or dependent individual ceases the use of these substances cold turkey deathly side effects can occur. Seizures that surpass that of the grand mal stature have the ability to cause cardiac arrest and shut down the patients vital organs such as the respiratory system causing a painful death.
Opioid drugs such as actiq, buprenorphine, codeine, darvocet, demerol, dilaudid, fentanyl, heroin, hydrocodone, lorcet, lortab, methadone, morphine, oxycodone, oxycontin, roxicet, percodan, suboxone, ultram, vicodin, and others are analgesic drugs (pain relievers) and have been used both medically but more commonly recreationally. This class of drugs is the oldest class of pharmaceuticals and is extremely addictive. Detox from opiate or opioid drugs is a painful process if not handled medically and may result in death depending upon the amounts and length of time of use or physical dependence. Due to the potency of these drugs today gone are the days of shaking it off with flu like symptoms for a few days. Today detox is often a medical necessity.
Cocaine detox can play havoc on the body and mind as well. Cocaine is a stimulant and effects the users nervous system as well as other vital life systems. The detoxification process is best handled in a supervised setting where blood pressure and respiration can be monitored. Often individuals are afflicted with panic attacks and extreme nervousness when detoxifying from cocaine or other stimulants such as methamphetamine and amphetamines. The effects of continued use of cocaine effects brain chemistry often leading to major depressive symptoms as well. Medical supervision is best sought for cocaine addiction.
Drug detoxification programs are the starting point for any drug rehabilitation protocol. Drug rehab requires the individual seeking relief from addiction to be in a state of mind that can absorb, learn and respond to therapy, lectures, education, and other modes of therapeutic intervention to be effective. If you want to achieve abstinence from drug dependence, abuse or addiction drug detox is the start.
