The goal of drug detoxification, also known as toxin elimination, is to ensure that a person suffering from addiction to a toxic substance stops using it as quickly and safely as possible.

Addiction to narcotic substances can lead to behaviors that may affect the brain and behavior, characterized by dependence on one or more drugs which, when abused, can be harmful to the body. At this stage, it becomes very important to take action.

The most common symptoms experienced by patients addicted to a drug, depending on the substance, include:

• Anxiety: the addict feels anxious about consuming the substance.

• Loss of control: the inability to stop drinking, smoking, or snorting, depending on the case.

• Physical dependence: which causes withdrawal syndrome, leading to sweating, fever, tremors… when the substance is no longer consumed.

• Tolerance, in other words, the need to consume increasingly larger amounts of the substance to achieve the same effects.

Furthermore, excessive consumption of these substances over time can lead to serious health problems, both mental (psychosis) and physical: damage to the liver, brain, etc., or even death from overdose.

What a detox treatment consists of

Detox treatments are medical processes that help patients overcome their addiction by eliminating or controlling withdrawal symptoms. They usually consist of three stages:

1. Detoxification: in this first step, many addicted individuals must enter a treatment center, where different professionals can assist them in removing alcohol or other drugs from the body and achieving physical stability, so that the body no longer depends on the substance. This process must always be carried out under the supervision of a doctor and a psychiatrist who monitor the patient’s progress.

2. Rehabilitation: this step is carried out in individuals who are already detoxified, meaning they no longer suffer from withdrawal symptoms. It is usually done on an outpatient basis. Rehabilitation is a process in which the person tries not to return to substance use. The goal is to live without consumption, improve psychosocial functioning, and develop healthy habits.

3. Reintegration: finally, in this stage, the patient’s progress is consolidated and future life plans and projects are developed. Professionals will remind the patient of their commitment to their new life and provide continuous support.

Once the first detox step has been completed, options such as self-help groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous, or behavioral therapy can greatly help patients learn to control their drug cravings and rely on support from others.

Self-help groups provide emotional support, helping to reduce feelings of shame and isolation that can lead to relapse, by sharing experiences with others in the same situation. They also help patients understand that addiction is a chronic disorder with a risk of relapse.

Behavioral therapy can be applied as part of a drug addiction treatment program. It is a form of psychotherapy in which a psychologist, psychiatrist, or licensed addiction therapist provides techniques and strategies to help the patient cope with drug cravings and thus avoid relapse.

Fortunately, cases of cannabis addiction represent a very small percentage compared to other much more dangerous addictions such as alcoholism or the use of cocaine and opioids.

In a future article on our blog, we will analyze in more detail the detoxification and elimination of cannabis from the body.