Many addicts and alcoholics will avoid attending a medically monitored detoxification facility upon initially deciding to sober up, first crediting that because their drug use or alcohol use was short-lived. Often many even believe they may not be at high risk of potentially fatal symptoms of drug withdrawal or alcohol withdrawal. As a result, drug users often assume they will be fine detoxing on their own at home. Many addicts find themselves asking: “Do I need drug detox?”
What is Drug and Alcohol Detox?
Before we even get into the nitty-gritty of why someone should choose or not check into a drug detox program, let’s cover our basics. Drug detox is a supervised product that helps remove “toxins” or substances such as drugs and alcohol from the body.
Most addicts and alcoholics will experience intense and overwhelming psychological cravings during the very initial stages of their drug detox. Similarly, these cravings may lead to addicts and alcoholics back to use before the withdrawal process is complete. Hence why inpatient detox as a critical first step on the road to recovery.
Reasons to Consider a Drug Detox Program
Above all, detoxing at home without oversight from a physician is dangerous. Generally, the length of withdrawal symptoms depends on how long you have been using. Additionally, the frequency of use and prior attempts to quit may also indicate a need for supervised detox protocol.
In short, attending a medically monitored detox facility is the safest way to detox from drugs and alcohol. Detox is not a viable form of stand-alone addiction treatment. This stage is only the first step in the recovery process. Most patients move directly to an inpatient treatment facility. Recovering addicts will begin drug rehab and address the underlying causes of their addiction.
Physical Reasons You Might Need Detox
When someone experiences physical signs of addiction, it means they’re more likely to struggle with intense withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit. To determine if you need rehab, look for the following signs:
- Increased tolerance
- Symptoms of withdrawal
- Changes in appetite
- Substance abuse-related injuries
- Insomnia
- Noticeable changes in appearance
Psychological Reasons You Might Need Detox
Beyond the physical effects of withdrawal, it’s important to note the mental health impacts of addiction. Those undergoing the detox process alone are more likely to experience suicidal thoughts or self-harm thoughts. Psychological signs of addiction that may let you know you need rehab include:
- Inability to stop their substance use despite consequences
- Increasing doses to circumvent tolerance
- Stressing over the next dose
- Engaging in risky behaviors to facilitate substance use
Understanding the Drug Detox Process
When someone tries to break their drug and alcohol addiction, having the right guidance and help by their side is paramount. That’s the main focus of addiction detox programs.
The detox process is different for everyone, and it’s all about setting the foundation for addiction treatment and rehab journey.
The Evaluation
Most detox programs start with an evaluation. Here, the medical team determines the needs of each patient. The evaluation phase is both physical and psychiatric. The detox team will figure out what types of substances are in the patient’s system, see their medical history, assess their physical state, and perform a review of their mental health. Once all of this information is secure, they can recommend the best detox and follow-up treatment route.
The Stabilization
During this phase, patients enter the medication-assisted treatment portion of detox. Paired with therapy to help the mental and emotional toll of substance abuse and prevent relapse. The medications help patients go through the detox process in a more comfortable, safe, and stable setting.
Detox Preparation
Finally, once it’s all set and done, patients receive information about the expectations and what will happen during their detox. In the majority of cases, detox alone isn’t enough to help someone with substance use disorder. Most of the time, they’ll later enter either an inpatient addiction treatment or an intensive outpatient program to continue their addiction recovery process.
What Drugs Require Detox?
Many substances call for a drug detox program to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Those suffering from alcohol addiction should consider a medical detox program. Heroin, opioids, and most prescription drugs also require medical detox.
Recovering addicts detoxing from these substances can experience:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Comas
- Suicidal thoughts
Without proper supervision, they don’t have someone monitoring these symptoms and maintaining these long-term side effects under control through the right course of treatment.
Benefits of Detox Treatment Programs
When someone develops a physical dependence and stops using, they’re bound to experience withdrawal symptoms. While it can happen at home, it’s safer and more comfortable to go through detox at a treatment facility. Without the right medical supervision, patients run the risk of experiencing life-threatening withdrawal symptoms such as strokes and seizures.
On occasions, addiction centers require a complete detox program before entering inpatient programs. While some people believe detox programs are unnecessary, the truth is that no one can predict the severity of their withdrawal symptoms. Choosing to check into a detox program gives people the opportunity to safely end their drug and alcohol abuse without fear of suffering life-threatening effects. Not to mention, having the support of a trusted and compassionate team by their side.
Do I Need Drug Detox?
Now that you understand a bit more about how detox programs work and its benefits, you may be wondering if you should consider detoxing at a treatment facility.
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However, every patient is unique, there’s no yes or no answer. If you’re considering seeking treatment for your substance abuse, talk to a rehab facility to learn about your options. A medical professional can guide you on the best path for your recovery. No matter what, please don’t attempt to stop substance use cold-turkey without supervision to prevent fatal withdrawal side effects.
Our Detox Programs
At Lighthouse Recovery Institute, our drug and alcohol detox programs are designed to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Our qualified medical team analyzes patients on a case-by-case basis and determines the unique course of treatment for each patient. We know no two substance abuse cases are alike, which is why we offer comprehensive and tailor-made addiction recovery solutions that look at the physical, mental, and social effects of addiction.
Our detox treatment process incorporates individual therapy sessions, medication-assisted treatments, and ongoing monitoring to guarantee a safe detox process. After detox, we analyze the patient’s process and recommend the following steps. In most cases, patients move to a rehab program that incorporates cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapy, and group support meetings.
Eventually, our patients move to reassess their life and continue to maintain their sobriety through our aftercare recovery programs, visiting 12-step meetings, and other long-term sobriety skills.
Get Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse disorder, seek help today. Stop wondering if you need drug detox or not, and reach out to our treatment center today to learn more about our rehab programs. Our addiction specialists will guide you toward recovery and help you find the best treatment option to win the battle against addiction.
