Photo: Kyle Miller

How does the body feel when detoxing?

Common physical reactions include muscle tension, racing heartrate, difficulty breathing, and tightness in the chest. Other common symptoms include profuse sweating, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms can put the individual through tremendous stress.

thewalkercenter.org - The Stages of Detox: How the body and mind react during withdrawals

Does hot water burn calories?

Weight loss A study published in 2003 found that switching from drinking cold water to hot water could increase weight loss. Researchers found that...

Last updated May 10, 2019

Why does inflammation not go away?

Several things can cause chronic inflammation, including: untreated causes of acute inflammation, like an infection or injury. an autoimmune...

Last updated Mar 26, 2018

Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Promotion

The Stages of Detox: How the body and mind react during withdrawals

Detoxing is a challenging process on every level: physically, emotionally, and mentally. Detoxification is defined as “a set of interventions aimed at managing acute intoxication and withdrawal.” When someone has become dependent on a substance, removing that substance can send shockwaves through the mind and body. These feelings of withdrawal are intensely battled both physically and psychologically. Detoxification in a treatment center is structured in three phases:

Evaluation Stabilization Fostering readiness for and entry into substance abuse treatment

While withdrawal symptoms can be draining and painful, know that these difficult stages are normal experiences along the path to recovery. Here are some examples of what to anticipate in the stages of detox.

Physical symptoms of withdrawal

When someone abuses a harmful substance, the body becomes physically reliant on that substance to function. When an addict is initially cut off from drugs or alcohol, the body goes into a series of reactions to compensate for the missing drug. Common physical reactions include muscle tension, racing heartrate, difficulty breathing, and tightness in the chest. Other common symptoms include profuse sweating, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms can put the individual through tremendous stress. In extreme cases, high-risk alcohol and tranquilizer users may be susceptible to stroke, seizure, heart attack, or hallucinations. The Walker Center offers 24-hour clinical supervision through its Withdrawal Management Program. When people begin treatment, they are evaluated, monitored, and administered medication by a certified medical staff to reduce the physical pain of detoxing. Going through supervised stabilization under the direction of a physician is critical for anyone at risk of withdrawal symptoms. This keeps them physically safe and able to participate in the treatment program.

Emotional challenges

An addict going through detox experiences heightened levels of anxiety and restlessness as the body and mind learn to function without drugs or alcohol. Typical emotional states include irritability, social isolation, depression, and feelings of extreme loneliness. Depending on the severity of the addiction, the addict suffers from intense cravings for the substance to numb the emotional trauma of detoxing. These symptoms will generally subside with time, and the physician may prescribe short-term, non-addictive medications to help manage anxiety and cravings.

Mental recovery

Detoxing can be as mentally demanding as it is physically demanding. Individuals often experience slower processing, poor concentration, weakened sense of judgement, impaired memory, and increased sensitivity to sound, light, and tactile sensations. The body’s dependence on the substance makes it extremely challenging for the addict to relax or sleep. Detoxing addicts often experience insomnia, creating a feeling of desperation for alcohol or drugs. When someone attempts to detox alone, that person is at high risk of relapsing in order to calm their physical and mental agitation. Learn more about risk factors of relapse. At The Walker Center, an addict’s emotional and mental recovery is guided by coaches and counselors on staff. Since detoxing can present feelings of isolation and hopelessness, the support of a staff trained in addiction recovery is vital to helping the addict process their emotions and work toward a clearer state of mind.

Seeking out help

While these stages of detox are demanding in any setting, addicts set themselves up for success by enrolling in a structured, residential detox program. If you’re ready to make a change, view these tips on how to find the best treatment options.[1] SAMHSA, “Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment: A Treatment Improvement Protocol”

What happens if I drink only juice everyday?

Drinking juice can lead to weight gain and obesity It's important to maintain the balance of nutrients for good health. Too much weight gain is...

Last updated Aug 25, 2020

When losing weight What happens first?

The first stage of weight loss is when you tend to lose the most weight and begin to notice changes in your appearance and how your clothes fit. It...

Last updated Jan 16, 2020

Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days

Contains a potent powdered supplement blended right into water or your favored beverage to be appreciated as a scrumptious morning smoothy.

Learn More »

Promotion

What foods empty your bowels in the morning?

Incorporating the following foods into your diet, especially at breakfast, promotes and maintains regular morning bowel movements. Fruits, such as strawberries, raspberries, kiwi fruit, and figs. Vegetables, especially greens such as spinach, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli. Whole grains, such as wheat, rye, and quinoa. More items... •

mylifeinfused.com - How to Empty Your Bowels Every Morning - Life Infused

The ideal time to go to the bathroom is first thing in the morning. It’s best within 30-minutes of waking up, according to Dr. Kenneth Koch, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center’s Gastroenterology Chief. Going in the early morning makes the most sense for the body’s systems. The small intestine spends the night breaking down food from your last meal. That means digestive waste is ready for elimination by the time you wake up. Some bowel movements (BMs) provide a “poo-phoria” experience. “Poo-phoria” Is a term coined by Dr. Anish Sheth and Josh Richman in their book “What’s Your Poo Telling You.” The authors noted that stimulation of the vagus nerve causes the satisfying sensation of a successful defecation. The relaxing “chills” many people sometimes get during a BM is the stimulation of the vagus nerve. A positive BM experience is a good way to start the day. Conditioning your body to go every morning is also practical. It allows you to go about your routine with no potty interruptions and without an unexpected or sudden urge to go. Morning BMs are also the most effective way to promote and maintain regularity.

How many pounds of poop is in your body?

One product claims that we have anywhere from six to forty pounds of waste, feces and undigested food stuck in our bodies. Another one compares the...

Last updated Sep 29, 2018

Are grapes good for inflammation?

Grapes contain anthocyanins, which reduce inflammation. In addition, they may decrease the risk of several diseases, including heart disease,...

Last updated Nov 26, 2019

Purple weed obliterates 72lbs of flab

The main ingredient for a potent powdered supplement, based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »

Promotion

Which is better apple cider vinegar or lemon water?

Lemon water and apple cider vinegar have similar health benefits. Therefore, people are often confused about which one of the two they should go...

Last updated Apr 8, 2022

Tasty breakfast juice melts 59lbs of wobbly fat

A scrumptious morning smoothy based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »

Promotion

How can you tell if juice is real?

Look on the product label to find the percentage of fruit juice. The only way to confirm if your fruit juice is 100 percent pure is to read the...

Last updated Dec 7, 2018