A drug addict requires help because he often cannot overcome his addiction alone. As an addict, you first must undergo drug detox; it would help tremendously if you went to a detox center that has various drug detox programs. It would also help if you know what qualities to look for in a detox program. Addiction to alcohol or drugs can lead to life-threatening consequencies so you want to ensure that you are getting the help you need.

• Try to find a facility that offers 24-hour medical supervision

• Find a center that offers individualized treatment plans (a plan tailored specifically for you and your condition)

• Ensure the physicians are certified by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (A.S.A.M.)

• Ensure the program offer a complete removal of drug residuals inside your body. If not, keep in mind that residues from the drug can stay in your body, causing years of cravings even after you have stopping using the drug.

It is very difficult to know exactly how long the detox will take, as a drug detox program is based on a number of considerations: how long, how frequently, and how much of the drug the client has been consuming; the individual’s physical makeup; and the actual drug that is being cleansed from the body. However, typically, most detox program lasts from several days to 2 weeks.

Alcohol Detox Programs: Alcohol detox generally lasts 3-7 days. Symptoms of detox may manifest as sweats, nausea, vomiting or shaking, with convulsions or seizures being a possibility. A good drug detox center will provide the patient with medication to minimize or nearly eliminate the withdrawal symptoms. Residential detox provides the surplus benefit of therapy sessions and group meetings while the client is getting clean.

Cocaine and Crack Detox: These drugs have a powerful psychological pull that matches the physical cravings for the drug. Detox symptoms may include anxiety, depression, hostility, and sleep disruptions. While undergoing detox, the patient may be given other drugs to help minimize these symptoms. This type of detox generally lasts between 3-5 days.

Heroin and Opiate Detox: Potent, flu-like symptoms are the most common side effects of kicking a heroin or opiate habit, with symptoms including running nose, watery eyes, and vomiting. The drug detox program may include the administration of drugs like Suboxone to alleviate the discomfort of the detox process. Medical supervision is highly recommended because quitting heroin cold turkey on your own simply doesn’t work.

Marijuana Detox: Psychologically, marijuana can be very highly addictive. For 3-5 day days, marijuana addicts undergoing detox may feel powerful cravings, thinking about nothing but the drug. The physician may prescribe certain medications to assist the patient in his withdrawal.

Crystal Meth Detox: The withdrawal symptoms associated with crystal meth detox are mostly psychological, but they are very intense. Symptoms reach their peak within 1 day, diminishing after 3-4 days. Withdrawal symptoms include: fatigue, severe depression, suicidal thoughts, and paranoia.

By enrolling in a drug detox programs you can receive the help you need to get clean and stay clean.