The word detox is commonly used to refer both to “natural” methods of cleansing the body and as the process of cleansing from substance abuse. In this article I clarify what each means and then explain detox for alcohol and drug abuse and the occurrence of headaches in the withdrawal process.
What Is Detox?
Promoters of natural health products often feature “detoxification” in the form of diets, regimens or therapies, sometimes called “cleanses”, as a way to remove toxins from your body, lose weight or promote health. This may be as simple as an at-home “coffee” detox where you reduce or stop your caffeine intake, fasting, drinking only certain juices, using special herbs, following a complete special diet, or as complex as a complete colonic cleansing treatment done with a licensed provider.
The claims made about these detoxes are largely unproven medically and scientifically. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH), there have been no studies on the long-term effects of “detoxification” programs [1].
However in the field of addictions, “detoxification” refers to the process of removing all drugs or alcohol from the body. While some may do this alone at home, it’s strongly recommended in most cases to do as a medically-assisted detox in a healthcare or residential addictions treatment setting.
Detox from Substances vs Detox from Toxins
Detoxification is the physiological or medicinal removal of toxic substances from the body. This is mainly carried out by the liver, but also through carbon dioxide in the air we exhale, the kidneys and colon.
Heavy metal detox or detoxification is the removal of toxic heavy metal substances (toxins) from the body. Humans are exposed to them by occupational exposure or consuming foods that contain these elements. These substances can cause toxic effects that affect health and well-being. A toxin is a poison made by living cells and organisms. There is a sound scientific basis for these treatments and various evidence-based medical techniques to do so, such as dialysis and chelation therapy
Detoxification from substance use, whether alcohol or drugs, is a process whereby the user’s system is brought back to normal (homeostasis) after being habituated to the abused substance for a long time.
In the case of alcohol abuse, this involves a process where certain neurotransmitters (GABA) in the brain are brought back to normal levels. It is one of the first elements in a continuum of care during recovery. For drug abuse, detox involves reducing or relieving withdrawal symptoms as the brain and body adjust, while helping an addicted person get used to life without drug use. In neither case is it substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation.
Approaches to detox from substance use have evolved in the past fifty years. In the “medical model” doctors and nurses administer medications to assist people safely through withdrawal. The “social model” was developed in opposition to the medical model and rejects the use of medication. Instead it relies on a supportive non-hospital environment to ease the withdrawal process. Typically most types use a mix of these approaches [2].
Can Detoxing Cause Headaches?
Yes it can. Many people going through detox from alcohol or drugs experience headaches as they withdraw. This is one of the most noticeable effects of your body responding to the lack of substances it has become accustomed to. It also may be related to a reduction in tension and stress. Headaches are usually the mildest symptom of detox.
The exact causes of headaches are poorly understood but the most common is due to dehydration in which your body is not replenishing fluids fast enough. Headaches for those who are alcohol abusers may also be caused by inflammation of the nervous system due to out-of-balance histamine levels.
For many, headaches may form four to six hours after you last used and last for up to three days during the acute withdrawal phase. Some have a prolonged acute withdrawal lasting longer than the standard 72 hours or so. Headaches may persist during this time.
More severe cases such as those with Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS), may have an ebb and flow of headaches lasting 3 days on then 3 off, then 4 days on and off etc. Depending on the individual this may last 6 months to a year. You should consult a doctor. In time they should go away.
Other Detox Signs
During detox, it is common to experience other symptoms of drug withdrawal. These can cause intense pain and discomfort. They vary with the substance but generally include:
| Physical | Psychological |
| Sweating | Anxiety |
| Shaky Hands | Fear |
| Vomiting | Shame |
| Insomnia | Mood swings |
| Seizures | Difficulty concentrating |
| Depression | |
| Disorientation | |
| Dissociation | |
| Hallucinations |
How To Help the Body During the Detox Process
Here are several tips that can help with headache prevention or management as well as generally strengthen and improve your ability to have a successful detox and withdrawal.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids. Make it interesting. Drink multivitamin beverages or sports drinks with electrolytes. Fruit juices and kombucha are good but may be low in sugar.
- Nourish Yourself: Eat nutritious food. Exercise. Get enough sleep. These can help ease withdrawal symptoms during detox.
- Eat healthy snacks: High in carbohydrates, low in sugar such as pretzels, apples, cheese and crackers to help satisfy cravings
- Manage Stress: Keep stress as low as possible, although not always easy.Try to make your living environment soothing. Do relaxation activities. Practice mindfulness meditation
Bring Professional Help to Your Recovery Path
You may choose to enter a residential treatment center such as we have at The Encino Recovery & Detox Center. Trained staff are equipped to provide the support necessary for you to reach your treatment goals. Participating in residential care greatly enhances your success rate at avoiding relapses.
Typical therapy approaches include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- 12-Step Program
- Somatic Experiencing and Body Work
- Mindfulness Meditation
- Exposure therapy
Safe Detox in Los Angeles
At the Encino Recovery and Detox Center in Los Angeles we don’t just treat addiction. We nurture the spirit, heal the mind and help you to regain your life. If you or a loved one is seeking a way out of substance abuse, private, confidential help is just a call away. Reach out to our Admissions team now.
Sources
[A] National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. 2019. “Detoxes” and “Cleanses”: What You Need To Know.
[B] Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment [Internet]. 2006. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US). (Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 45.) 1 Overview, Essential Concepts, and Definitions in Detoxification
