As a teen, what is detox?

It’s basically a form of treatment that removes you from the toxic substance to which you’re addicted. Detox can be very useful, but physical withdrawal produces lots of discomfort, so substitutes may be employed to ease the transition.

For example, nicotine patches are often used when someone tries to quit smoking, allowing him or her to gradually wean from nicotine without the adverse symptoms that can occur from stopping a multipack habit cold turkey: diarrhea, irritability, stomach upset, headache, and sleeplessness or too much sleep. For heroin and narcotic withdrawal, detox is most safely done in a treatment setting, to help with the acute physical and emotional consequences of withdrawal. A substance abuse specialist can prescribe medicines if needed.    

Find out more about this book: YOU: The Owner's Manual for Teens: A Guide to a Healthy Body and Happy Life

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