Lucas Furst MD is the former COO of Innovative Detox in Las Vegas, Nevada. In the following article, Dr. Furst discusses what happens to the body during detox treatments and the benefits of recovery.

Substance abuse is an American epidemic.

According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, half of those 12 years or older have tried illegal drugs at least one time in their life. In 2020, 37.3 million of those individuals were using illicit drugs.

Lucas Furst reports that each year in the United States, more than 70,000 people die from a drug overdose. That number increases by 4% annually.

For many individuals struggling with drug and alcohol abuse, detox is often the first step in rehabilitation and achieving sobriety. It’s an essential step that’s often the difference between life and death.

It’s not an easy process, but it’s a vital one, no matter the level of dependency and the history of drug abuse.

Lucas Furst MD on the Basics of Detoxification

Detoxification is among the first steps to target the physical impact of alcohol and drug use and is a common approach to help people cope with withdrawal from such substances.

Lucas Furst MD explains that the primary goal of detox is removing a range of toxins from the body. It returns the body’s systems to proper working order and bolsters the immune system. There are usually mental health improvements that occur simultaneously with strengthened physical health.

Detoxing essentially rids the body of alcohol and drugs, but the overall goal is to manage symptoms of withdrawal safely.

The approach and length of treatment depends on the type of substance used and how long the addiction has taken place. Detox can take mere days but commonly requires months to conquer certain withdrawals.

The method of abuse — injecting, snorting, swallowing — is also a factor in detox length. Preexisting medical conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, may also increase the time frame for recovery.

On average, Lucas Furst says that detoxification from alcohol use usually takes about a week, but the use of stronger drugs may require a detox program that’s at least two weeks. It often begins with a thorough medical evaluation, where the history and usage is uncovered.

The Body and Recovery

Doctors and other health care professionals start with a goal of stabilization or working to prevent the patient from experiencing any type of harm from withdrawal.

Lucas Furst MD observes that a common first step is entering a treatment program. Detox from alcohol and drug use is rarely successful — and highly dangerous — when one attempts to stop on their own. Medical detox is supervised by professionals in safe environments through both outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation.

During medical detox, a healthcare team supervises the entire process, preventing possible and serious complications, including death. Vital signs are regularly monitored, and the protocol usually includes various types of prescribed medications shown to successfully reduce withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal issues can be psychological as well, such as those involving certain drugs like cocaine. However, physical symptoms can be just as serious, and may include seizures in some patients.

Lucas Furst reports that side effects are common, however. During the detoxification process, it’s common to experience anxiety and mood swings, as well as physical conditions ranging from general discomfort to nausea and insomnia. Concentrating can also be challenging.

The most dangerous drugs are often the hardest to recover from, including heroin and opioids, which usually require medication assistance, as does alcohol.

Withdrawal symptoms can occur very quickly for certain substances and usually start around 6 hours after the last ‘hit’. Levels of dopamine and serotonin drop dramatically. As the brain begins to produce more glutamate, a type of neurotransmitter, it leads to symptoms like increased irritability and agitation. Physical symptoms include sweating and shaking, vomiting, and diarrhea.

After a program is completed, the body has a hard time coping if drug and alcohol use continues. Lucas Furst MD says that this abnormal stress on the body is what often leads to death during relapse.

Benefits of Medically Assisted Detoxification

Lucas Furst MD reports that detox saves lives and can lead to healthier lifestyles in the long haul. For example, alcohol and drug recovery greatly lowers a person’s risk for stroke, cancer, and heart disease. The body’s immune system is no longer weakened, making it capable of fighting germs and bacteria again.

Those who complete recovery programs see a range of mental health improvements as well. Addiction is linked to serious mental disorders, such as depression and schizophrenia. Sleep is improved and nutrition is better managed. Better memory is restored.

Perhaps the greatest benefit is the chance of relapse is greatly reduced. Physical pain in the short term is eliminated during detox, but perhaps its greatest power is its ability to lower the chance of physical pain throughout a lifetime.