Drug detox can sometimes be a scary prospect. Although detox is necessary for real recovery, there are a lot of concerns that you and your loved ones have about the process. Among them is this – how long does drug detox take? Explore the answer to that question and get a better understanding of what detox entails when you’re overcoming drug addiction. If you’re considering a drug and alcohol detox in Wellington Florida, then you’re already on the right track.
How Long Does Drug Detox Take on Average?
Exactly how long does drug detox take? Without knowing the individual and the type of drug addiction, it is tough to determine an exact length of time. No two situations are identical, and there is no guaranteed time that detox might take.
Several factors can influence how long a drug detox takes. Age, health and the type of drug being used can all play a role. For many, however, a drug detox will take fewer than 10 days to complete. This is just an estimate, but it can help guide your plans as you work toward recovery.
Drug Detox Duration Depends on the Substance
The length of a drug detox will largely depend on the drug addiction. Although heroin and prescription opioids are highly addictive, the withdrawal period is a relatively short five days. Compare that to a benzodiazepine detox, which can last for two or three weeks.
The withdrawal symptoms for a cocaine detox may last for about 10 days for many clients, but psychological symptoms can last for months. For those addicted to methamphetamine, detox symptoms can last for about 14 days.
Of course, the severity of the drug addiction can also impact the length of the drug detox. Someone who has been using cocaine for a decade will generally have a longer detox than someone who has been using cocaine for a few months.
How Health and Age Play a Role in Detox Length
The type of drug abused is the key to determining how long a drug detox will last. However, the health of each individual is also important. Those who are physically stable will find that detox may go faster.
A person who is in poor health might suffer from worsened detox symptoms. This is especially true for those with severe health issues or those who are older. While recovery and health are still very much possible, it may take a little longer for these individuals.
Overcoming Drug Addiction Once and For All
By opting for a medically supervised drug detox program, you’ll have access to a wide range of resources and support. Some of the things you can expect in a drug detox program include the following:
- Outdoor recreation therapies
- Group therapy
- Relapse prevention training
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Family therapy
How long does drug detox take? There are plenty of factors that can influence the final number. Whatever it takes, drug detox is the right choice for anyone struggling with drug abuse or addiction.