How to Detox Your Body From Drugs?

The human body has the property of autoregulation; with its own organs, enzymes, substances, and processes, our bodies can work efficiently, unless some illness or problem disrupts the normalprocesses. When humans use prescribed drugs and even harmful drugs and substances, they usually create modifications inour body and its functions.

But what is a drug? A drug is any substance that, once consumed, inhaled, smoked, injected, absorbed via skin or sublingual (under the tongue), causes physiological or psychological changes in the body. These changes could be temporary or permanent.

TIP: Download the complete guide to detox.

Prescribed drugs, made from natural components or by organic synthesis, are made to provide treatment, cure, prevention, and sometimes aid in the diagnose of certain diseases. The main goal of creating them is to improve human health. If they are administrated to treat an illness, they will provide us with the substance or enzyme that the body has needs to accomplish its functions. All medicines have controlled and uncontrolled effects in the body; which is why the pharmaceutical industry continues to work in creating new alternatives with less side effects for the patients.

Other known drugs not used for medicinal purpose, are also called recreational drugs. In this group of drugs there are 3 widely consumed substances: alcohol, nicotine and caffeine.

Alcohol is referred to as ethanol, the main alcohol in alcoholic beverages. People who drink more than moderate, can get intoxicated, which is the same as drunk. Being drunk makes people feel dizzy, laugh and talk loudly, speakslur words, have blurry vision, trouble staying on their feet, or sway when they walk, they mayfeel sleepy and relaxed, throw up, pass out, and get violent. Getting drunk can lead people to do or say things that they may regret later on. It also makes them more likely to have an accident and get hurt. People addicted to alcohol progressively need to drink more to get intoxicated. They might feel the need of having a drink in the morning to calm down or stop a hangover. They might start drinking alone, trying to keep their addiction a secret.

Caffeine is the most widely used drug in the world. It can be consumed through coffee and tea, and sometimes it is also added to some medicines, foods like chocolate, and beverages like energy drinks, and cola soft drinks. Not everybody has the same reaction or effects when using caffeine; some people can get an undesirable reaction, and even health problems with a moderate rate of consumption. Some of the problems related to caffeine are: insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, shakiness, dizziness, rapid or abnormal heart rhythm, dehydration, and dependence.

Nicotine is a very addictive substance. What makes it addictive is its stimulant and relaxant properties in mammals; it is a cause of drug-reinforced behavior, psychological effects, physical dependence, and tolerance.

Other recreational drugs include cannabis, cocaine, hallucinogens, heroin, LSD, methamphetamine, PCP, bath salts, ketamine, and others. All of these drugs can change the thinking and judgment of the person that use them. The consumptions is going to affect not only who used them, but their families, and even unborn babies.

Drugs detoxification

To clear your body from drugs of all types, it is important to understand that mostof these substances are going to produce, in mild or higher way, some withdrawal symptoms. Depending on the drug, the exposure time, and the detox methods, it can be necessary to undergo a medical intervention to cleanse the body and protect it from life-threatening symptoms that usually come with drug abstinence. One example is people trying to quit drinking, who might feel nervous and sad, shake, sweat, or have trouble sleeping. After a regular use of caffeine, stopping its consumption can lead to withdrawal with symptoms such as headaches, irritability, drowsiness, lack of concentration, and nausea. However, if caffeine is not consumed again, the symptoms will disappear after a few days.

If somebody is a heavy recreational drug user, he will probably need health care, because quitting some substances like narcotics, sedatives, and stimulants can lead to severe consequences as seizures, and even death. Sometimes, controlled medications can be used temporarily to help control withdrawal symptoms. In this case, the detoxification is performedmedically.

If you are thinking about quitting drugs, and planning a natural detoxification, you can include some of these changes in your lifestyle:

1. Stop consuming the substance you want to detox your body of.
2. Avoid places and people who would trigger your consumption and relapse.
3. Drink plenty of water, between 6-8 cups a day.
4. If you’repregnant, look for health care. Acupuncture or traditional medicine can help as well.
5. Reduce the levels of stress in your life. Enhance your coping strategies and support systems.
6. Look for psychological support: counseling, DA (drugs Anonymous), AA, or behavior modification.
7. There are nutrients that support your body’s processes: vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K, Folic acid, biotin, and minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium for their calming effects.
8. Consider herbal therapies: white willow bark for pain, valerian root for anxiety and insomnia.
9. Start a cleansing diet: Consume cleansing herbs -garlic, parsley leaf, echinacea, cascaraSagrada, ginger root, yellow dock root, and oregon grape root. - Add to the dairy diet olive oil (3-6 teaspoons), liquid chlorophyll (2-4 teaspoons), and increase your fiber intake.
10. Eat daily vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
11. Avoid sugars and sweetened foods, maintain adequate protein intake.
12. Exercise, especially outdoors, to oxygenate your body.
13. Practice deep breathing with yoga or QiGong.
14. Use relaxing therapies: hot baths or showers, saunas or hot tubs, swimming, massage.

The most important thing to remember the importance ofmotivation. Keep close contact with friends or relatives that encourage and support your decision, and look for professional advice and care if you need it. The detoxification process can take longer in different people, and sometimes it can be very stressful. Follow the advices, take one step at a time, and you’re your motives always in mind. You sure have plenty of reasons to start this new journey.

References:

1. Dorsman, J. (1998). How to Quit Drugs for Good: A Complete Self-Help Guide. Three Rivers Press.