The ultimate detox chart

ALCOHOL
EFFECTS Feelings of euphoria, relaxation and sociability; depressed central nervous system; beer goggles.
TREATMENT Cold turkey, AA, therapy. Meds can help with tremors
WHAT TO EXPECT. Irritability; in extreme cases, seizures and DTs.
TIPS. “If you’re alcohol dependent, see a specialist—the withdrawal can be life-threatening,” says Marc Galanter M.D., director of the Division of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse at NYU School of Medicine. More info: aa.org.
BENEFITS OF DETOXING Better health all around, less damage to one’s social life

ANGER
EFFECTS Increased heart rate and blood pressure
TREATMENT Therapy
WHAT TO EXPECT Frustration, restlessness
TIPS Take up a sport or hobby that will help release tension, like boxing. More info: angermanagementonline.com.
BENEFITS OF DETOXING Better communication, better relationships, relaxation

ANTIANXIETY DRUGS
EFFECTS In small doses:relaxation, tranquillity; if abused: loss of motor coordination, nodding off.
TREATMENTTaper off under professional care
WHAT TO EXPECT Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, anxiety, lethargy, moodiness
TIPS“Do not quit cold turkey,” Dr. Galanter cautions. “Only attempt under supervision.” More info: soberrecovery.com.
BENEFITS OF DETOXINGAlertness, clear thinking, improved interactions

CAFFEINE
EFFECTS Alertness, headaches, irritability, insomnia, upset stomach, increased heart rate
TREATMENT Taper off instead of going cold turkey. Eliminate one cup every few days.
WHAT TO EXPECT Irritability, headaches, lethargy, loss of energy, exhaustion, edginess
TIPS “You don’t have to give up that religious experience of holding a hot mug in your hands,” says Joy Bauer, founder of Joy Bauer Nutrition. She suggests substituting herbal tea or decaf for your usual cup of joe. More info: medicinenet.com.
BENEFITS OF DETOXING Feelings of greater steadiness and balance, less jitteriness and nervousness

COCAINE
EFFECTS Confidence, alertness; risk of collapsed nasal septum, cardiac arrest.
TREATMENT Cold turkey, NA, therapy
WHAT TO EXPECT Exhaustion, increased appetite, depression
TIPS The Division of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse at NYU School of Medicine developed a treatment called Network Therapy, in which you get support throughout the detox process. More info: addict-help.com.
BENEFITS OF DETOXING The heart becomes less stressed.

COMPULSIVE SEX
EFFECTS Release, euphoria, STDs
TREATMENT Cold turkey, group therapy
WHAT TO EXPECT Anger, depression
TIPS “Develop healthy pleasures. Things like combing your partner’s hair and taking a bath can be sensual without being sexual,” says Rob Weiss, author of Cybersex Exposed. More info: sexualrecovery.com.
BENEFITS OF DETOXING You’ll gain the ability to achieve intimate sexual relationships.

COMPULSIVE SPENDING
EFFECTS Short-term euphoria, financial problems, guilt and shame, depression.
TREATMENT Cold turkey, therapy
WHAT TO EXPECT Panic, fear and anxiety
TIPS Cutting up credit cards and maintaining journals of purchases will help keep track of spending issues. More info: stoppingovershopping.com.
BENEFITS OF DETOXING Financial freedom, improved relationships.

ECSTASY
EFFECTS Euphoria, heightened sensations, confusion, chills, dehydration, stupid hats
TREATMENT Cold turkey, NA, therapy
WHAT TO EXPECT Depression, anxiety
TIPS “Stay away from the party scene and people who partake. More info: recoveryconnection.org.
BENEFITS OF DETOXING Mental health, fewer glow sticks

GAMBLING
EFFECTS Euphoria following wins; financial ruin.
TREATMENT Cold turkey, Gamblers Anonymous
WHAT TO EXPECT Restlessness, irritability, boredom
TIPS “Avoid casinos; know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em; call National Council on Problem Gambling’s 24-hour hot line (800-522-4700). More info: ncpgambling.org.
BENEFITS OF DETOXING Fewer busted kneecaps; financial, legal and employment problems lessen.

HEROIN
EFFECTS Euphoria, warm feeling, nausea, itching, depressed CNS, needle infection, collapsed veins
TREATMENT Cold turkey under supervision, NA, methadone, inpatient care
WHAT TO EXPECT Restlessness, muscle and bone pain, tremors, nausea, depression, diarrhea
TIPS “If you are a heavy user and have full-blown withdrawal, you are likely to relapse, so get professional help,” suggests Dr. Galanter. More info: www.nida.nih.gov.
BENEFITS OF DETOXING You’ll get your life back.

INTERNET
EFFECTS Feeling of connection, OCD tendencies, social withdrawal, isolation
TREATMENT Cold turkey, therapy
WHAT TO EXPECT Restlessness, depression, insatiable desire to update your MySpace profile
TIPS Focus on moderation and controlled use. More info: netaddiction.com.
BENEFITS OF DETOXING Repaired relationships, increased work productivity

MARIJUANA
EFFECTS Relaxation, giddiness, hunger, forgetfulness, horrible taste in music, cotton mouth
TREATMENT Cold turkey, NA, meds
WHAT TO EXPECT Cravings, anxiety, irritability
TIPS “Most heavy marijuana users just smoke at home, so the focus should be to get out of the house. “Marijuana is not a social drug, so get social,” suggests Dr. Galanter. More info: marijuanaaddiction.com.
BENEFITS OF DETOXING Ambition may return; lung capacity and health will increase.

METH
EFFECTS Energy, decreased appetite, incredibly clean apartment, convulsions, paranoia
TREATMENT Cold turkey under supervision, NA, therapy
WHAT TO EXPECT Exhaustion, increased appetite, depression
TIPS Avoid sugar, alcohol and stimulants such as caffeine before bedtime, and try yoga, relaxation breathing, meditation and acupuncture to relax. More info: kci.org.
BENEFITS OF DETOXING Heart health, repaired relationships, no more tinfoil-hat wearing

NAIL BITING
EFFECTS Relaxation, embarrassment
TREATMENT Cold turkey, aversion therapy
WHAT TO EXPECT Nervousness, anxiety
TIPS “Replace your habit with a less harmful oral fixation, such as gum chewing, or reward yourself for not biting with manicures. More info: onychophagia.com.
BENEFITS OF DETOXING Management and control of anxiety; lovely nails.

NICOTINE
EFFECTS Increased alertness, decreased appetite; risk of cancer, emphysema, stroke.
TREATMENT Cold turkey; nicotine patch, gum or sprays; hypnosis; acupuncture; meds.
WHAT TO EXPECT Irritability, depression, weight gain
TIPS Drink copious amounts of water to curb cravings. More info: anti-smoking.org.
BENEFITS OF DETOXING Reduced risk of an array of health problems

OVEREATING
EFFECTS Short-term comfort; weight gain.
TREATMENT Overeaters Anonymous, therapy, meds
WHAT TO EXPECT Moodiness, anxiety
TIPS Joy Bauer created the Three Food Interference treatment—eat three healthy foods before you can launch into overeating mode. “It satisfies hunger and allows time for cravings to pass.” More info: something-fishy.org.
BENEFITS OF DETOXING Weight loss, more energy, better self-esteem

PAIN RELIEVERS
EFFECTS Relief of pain; potential for abuse, overdose.
TREATMENT Cold turkey under supervision, NA, methadone
WHAT TO EXPECT Restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, cold flashes
TIPS “We now have good ways of getting people off these drugs thanks to buprenorphine, which can be handed out in clinics like the one at Columbia,” says Herbert Kleber, M.D., director of the Division on Substance Abuse, NY State Psychiatric Institute. More info: opiates.com.
BENEFITS OF DETOXING Motor function, reflexes, breathing and thinking improve.

PORN
EFFECTS “Temporary means to self-soothe; tendency to isolate; escalation.
TREATMENT Cold turkey, therapy, group therapy
WHAT TO EXPECT Cravings, irritability
TIPS “Consider the legal consequences,” says Rob Weiss, author of Cybersex Exposed. “If you’re a teacher, therapist or any other licensed professional, you could lose your job if you are caught.” More info: no-porn.com.
BENEFITS OF DETOXING Focus can return to career, family and relationships.

SLEEPING PILLS
EFFECTS Helps you fall and stay asleep, dependence
TREATMENT Taper off under professional care
WHAT TO EXPECT Delirium, tremors, aggression, confusion, insomnia
TIPS “It takes a long time to stabilize and to be able to sleep without drugs once a patient has gone through the withdrawal process,” Dr. Galanter says. More info: egetgoing.com.
BENEFITS OF DETOXING Ability to sleep without drugs returns.

SSRIs (anti-depressants)
EFFECTS Relaxed feeling, curbed depression, sexual side effects
TREATMENT Gradual reduction or removal of pills; therapy.
WHAT TO EXPECT Anxiety, depression
TIPS If you and your doctor have agreed that you are ready to come off your meds, then “a slow tapering off under professional care is  necessary,” says Dr. Galanter. More info: antidepressantsfacts.com.
BENEFITS OF DETOXING Sexual health regained;  feelings of autonomy.

SUGAR
EFFECTS Short-lived energy burst, weight gain, lethargy, cravings, headaches, tooth decay
TREATMENT Cold turkey, which is safe to attempt on your own.
WHAT TO EXPECT Headaches, fatigue, tremors, anxiety, depression
TIPS Couple your sugars with protein or healthy fats to slow down their absorption into the bloodstream. (Instead of jelly beans, eat dark-chocolate–covered peanuts.) More info: howtothinkthin.com.
BENEFITS OF DETOXING Improved mood, weight loss, better dental health