Detox Centers for drugs and alcohol in Quebec

In Quebec there are approximately 27 detoxification centers where people who are addicted to illegal or prescription drugs can go to purge their bodies of the drug residue that has accumulated in their fatty cells and brain tissue after years of use. The idea of the detoxification process is that after purging their bodies of the drug residue the addict will not have any strong cravings and will be able to focus on getting the treatment they need in order to lead a sober life.

For the most part, most of the addicts who participate in Quebec's detoxification programs are struggling with an addiction to either cannabis or cocaine. Recently there has also been an increase in the number of addicts who are using crystal meth, ecstasy, or heroin

The type of drug a person is addicted to as well as the length of time they have been addicted the drugs can have an impact on the length of time it takes their body to rid itself of the drugs as well as the severity of the person's reaction to the withdrawal

Most people experience severe physical symptoms to the withdrawal of the drugs. Common side effects include vomiting, severe headaches, cramps, chills, and hot flashes. Often these side effects are extremely severe which is why it is never recommended that a person tries to go through the detoxification process on their own.

Most of the detoxification centers in Quebec are medical detoxification programs. During this type of detoxification the addict is given medications that are suppose to help the person purge the drugs from their system. In addition to administering drugs, the detoxification employees also monitor the addict’s condition and make sure that they don't become dehydrated. Other detoxes in Quebec are non-medical and some rely on holistic means to purge the drugs from the person's fatty tissues.

Medical experts recommend that addicts try to prepare their body before they enter into one of Quebec's drug detoxification programs. One of the best ways to do this is by drinking plenty of water, which will decrease the chances of the addict becoming dehydrated and needing medical attention. The other recommendation is the consumption of lots of bananas before entering into the program. The extra potassium will help ease some of the cramping that many addicts experience while they are going through detoxification.

Detoxification is most effective when an addict can go straight from the detoxification program and into a residential drug rehabilitation program. The fewer days between the detoxification process and entering into rehab, the less likely the addict is to start using again.

If an addict has been through the detoxification process and a short term residential program in Quebec and still finds that the cravings are too strong for them to ignore, it could be because their body still hasn't been completely purged of the drugs. In these cases the addict should go through the detoxification process a second time and this time pair it with a long term residential program which will give their body a longer period of time to rid itself of the toxins.

^{Sources:
http://www.ehow.com/way_5329773_drug-detox-tips.html
http://www.drug-treatment-center.ca/quebec.htm
http://www.addictionenders.com/drug_rehab_quebec.html}