Drug Detox

What to Know About Drug Detox

Drug detox is the first part of drug treatment. Whether a person is addicted to alcohol, cocaine, heroin, or prescription drugs, detox is necessary before recovery can proceed. Several different detox methods are available. However, the goal of detox is the same regardless of the method that is used. The purpose of detox is to get a person physically and mentally stabilized and prepare them for rehab.

Going into drug rehab can be a traumatic experience. The first few days are typically the hardest. Withdrawal symptoms can make a person sick. Also, if the person has a co-occurring disorder, then this can make the process even more difficult. That is why supervision by medical staff is necessary to ensure the patient’s safety during detox.

What is Drug Detox?

Drug detox is the process of flushing substances out of the body. Medically supervised detox is effective. People who go through drug detox will have an easier time recovering. They will also be less likely to relapse. Alcohol, cocaine, heroin, opiates, and marijuana are the top drugs that people detox from.

Detoxification is one of the most challenging parts of recovery. It is a critical period because it is when people are most tempted to start using the drug again.

Although detox has purged the person’s system of all traces of the substance of abuse, it is only the first step in the recovery process.  The second step involves entering a rehabilitation program that will address the other factors that contributed to or caused the drug addiction.

Why is Detox Necessary?

It is necessary for an addicted person to go through drug detox because addiction can alter the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that control mood or behavior.

Drugs and alcohol stimulate the release of brain chemicals that cause feelings of pleasure. People who use drugs experience an intense feeling of euphoria. Consequently, addiction develops because the person wants to keep chasing that high.

Detox is vital to addiction recovery because it cleanses the body of these mind-altering chemicals.  Without detox, the individual will continue to crave the drug and may relapse repeatedly.

How Does a Co-Occurring Disorder Affect Detox?

Another term for a co-occurring disorder is “dual diagnosis.” This term describes a person who has an addiction and a mental health disorder at the same time. Common mental health disorders include PTSD, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression.

Eight million people in America have co-occurring disorders, according to research. Both the mental health disorder and addiction will have to be treated at the same time for a person to fully recover. An inpatient or residential treatment program is best equipped to address co-occurring disorders.

Detoxification Alone is Not Enough

Drug detox is the first step in treatment. However, detox alone will not be enough. It must be a part of a comprehensive treatment plan.  Some of the methodologies offered in addiction treatment can include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Anger Management, Communication Skills, Music and Art Therapy, Exercise and Fitness, Nutritional Guidance, and many more options such as:

• • Individualized Treatment

Addressing addiction is the main focus of the treatment program. However, counselors and medical professionals must also pay attention to your personal needs. For instance, problems at school, legal problems, and family issues contribute to addiction.  These issues also cause a person to relapse after leaving the program.

• • • Aftercare

An aftercare program will address a person’s daily needs after rehab. These programs help recent graduates from rehab with things like finding a job, a place to live, and transportation.  Aftercare programs also provide ongoing support and encouragement that will help the individual transition back into the community.

• • • Family Therapy

Addiction affects the entire family. Educational workshops and family therapy make it easier for people to mend broken relationships.

Learn More About Drug Detox and Addiction Treatment

If you want to know more about drug detox and addiction treatment programs, contact us at Caring Hands Recovery Rehab center. We provide a variety of detoxification options and a comprehensive treatment program that can be adapted to your needs.