Medical detox can an option -for someone who is addicted to alcohol or another drug. There are professional facilities designed to help individuals do so in a safer way. As these cost money, inquire with your health insurer if medical detoxification is covered and choose one within your price range. Residential drug treatment is often a legitimate solution to addiction struggles. As the symptoms of withdrawal can range significantly, a professional treatment center provides the personalized support needed at every step in the process.
There are some myths about medical detox to dispel, though. Let’s look at some of those right now.
Medical Detox is Always Severely Painful
While medical detoxification is definitely not fun, there are different levels of discomfort. It’s not overtly painful for everyone, despite the overarching belief that it is. If the patient is at the right facility, the experience can be easier, and it is safer than going cold turkey alone without a professional on staff.
Once You Go Through It, You’re Done with Drugs or Alcohol Forever
That is definitely the best case scenario, but staying sober and drug-free is a constant decision the individual has to make, day in and day out. Some moments are harder than other, and temptation is a reality. Triggers happen and can create a scenario for relapse.
That does not necessarily mean you’re done using drugs or alcohol forever, though. In reality, a relapse is always possible. For that reason, you are coping but an addiction never truly goes away.
A person in recovery has a much better chance of staying clean with a strong support system. Some people also find it helpful to attend regular AA or NA meetings.
There’s a Limit to the Number of Times You Can Medically Detox
The unfortunate reality is that many people go through the medical detox process multiple times. The reason is the high risk of relapse, as explained in the previous section. Thus, drug addicts may enter treatment centers multiple times for detox programs, seeking treatment.
It’s exhausting to keep going through the detox process, obviously. Not wanting to go through the tough process might be what keeps someone from reuising.
Going Cold Turkey is a Safe Way to Medical Detox
No. The dangers of withdrawal are such that going cold turkey or trying to detox on your own without medical supervision is never a good idea. While withdrawal symptoms can be mild, similar to a flu, it can also include seizure-like behaviors and lead to depression or other mental health issues.
Thus, it is imperative to seek a professional medical detox program for the first step of treatment. Doing so can significantly lessen withdrawal symptoms. Plus, a professional is onsite for the safety of the patient. Medical professionals will slowly wean the person off alcohol or the drug to which they’re addicted.
You Can Do a Medical Detox on Your Own
It’s best not to try to medically detox without the help of a professional treatment center. As WebMD explains, abruptly stopping taking certain substances can be dangerous. A medical detox is a very specific set of actions that you can’t accomplish on your own, at least not safely. Only individuals at a qualified facility with the right substances and training can help you through the process.
This article is for information purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Please reach out to a professional for help with an addiction or abuse of alcohol or other drugs.