SearchUnderstanding Drug Detox
When people begin addiction treatment, they usually start with detox. If you’ve been struggling with drug addiction for a while, drug detox is likely going to be the first step in your recovery, as well. There are different ways to handle the detox process, though, and picking a method off of little information could be harmful to the success of your sobriety. Understanding detox is key to picking a treatment option that will keep you safe during the first part of your addiction recovery.
What Is Drug Detox?
Detox is a process that occurs whenever someone wants to remove a toxin or substance from their body and stop using it. The body then metabolizes what’s left and it leaves the body on its own. So long as individuals do not reintroduce the substance to the body, they’ll remain toxin free once the detox process is over.
Detoxing from drugs works much the same way. The main difference is that people who are detoxing from an addictive substance are going to go through withdrawal. The body becomes used to the drug intake and feels like it needs the substance in order to function. When individuals stop using their drug of choice, the body goes into shock. That’s when withdrawal symptoms arise.
Withdrawal symptoms can last a few days to several weeks. Some people may even experience minor withdrawal symptoms months after they’ve stopped using. The symptoms you’ll experience will change depending on what you’ve been using, how long you’ve been using it, and how much you use at once. Symptoms usually start mild but will grow more intense after a few days.
Drug detox programs help get people through the pains of withdrawal. Once the drugs work their way out of the system, or when withdrawal symptoms become manageable, the client can move onto the next stage of addiction treatment.
Do You Need To Go Through Drug Detox At A Treatment Center?
You should never try to detox alone. Without medical help, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by detox withdrawal symptoms, especially when undergoing opioid or heroin withdrawal. Some withdrawal symptoms can lead to serious health problems, even death. If you get medical help during withdrawal, you’re going to be around people with proper training who can identify harmful symptoms and get you help quickly should an emergency arise.
There’s more of a risk when you try to detox alone. Some people who try to detox solo decide the process is too painful and return to drug abuse. After prolonged abstinence, though, your body is going to become less tolerant of the drug. If you’ve been abusing the substance, a normal dose for you at that point could actually cause you to overdose, which could lead to death.
If you’re going to detox, you need to work with a medical team. Without them, you’re putting your life and safety at risk.
Where Should You Go Through Drug Detox?
There are many facilities in the United States that help clients through detox. That doesn’t mean they can all help you. Some facilities focus on specific substance abuse problems. Other facilities may not offer you the care and support you really need.
If you’re afraid of the pains of withdrawal, the best way to start is to find a facility that offers medication-assisted detox. Instead of quitting cold turkey, on-hand nursing staff members will provide you with medication for the sole purpose of getting you safely through withdrawal. They will remain present in the facility all day, every day to ensure that you remain safe during the whole process.
At Silver Pines Treatment Center, we can provide you medically assisted detox at our relaxing, homelike facility. Your care is our priority. Don’t struggle with the pains of substance abuse or withdrawal on your own. Call us today at 267.209.7313 and start your recovery as pain-free as possible.