As you look at the phone, your heart races. You’ve came to the conclusion that you need to go to rehab, but there is one question that keeps coming up: “Do I have to go through detox before rehab?” The very thought of disconnecting from drugs or alcohol and withdrawing from them makes your stomach turn-sweating and shaking, maybe even something worse. This is a fear that many people share. A medical detox helps the body get rid of drugs or alcohol with the help of a doctor. Attempting to withdraw at home? This is a very dangerous and high-risk process.
This should be the first priority in your goal of getting sober and into a treatment program. Attempting to detox without consulting a healthcare professional can be fatal for some substances. This article named “This is why detox is important” provides you with an understanding of why detoxification is necessary, when it should be completed and how it leads to long-term recovery. From personal experiences it becomes apparent that having this knowledge will help to lay a solid foundation for your recovery or for a loved one.
Understanding Medical Detoxification: Why It’s Often Mandatory
What Exactly is Medical Detoxification?
When an individual withdraws from a substance(s) medically it’s done under supervision at a medical facility, either In-Patient or Out-Patient. Medical detoxification uses medications and psychological support and is intended to assist those struggling with drug/alcohol dependence through their withdrawal symptoms.
Medical detoxification bridges the gap between addiction and clarity of thought and provides a supportive environment to help individuals deal with the painful withdrawal experience. Medical detoxification provides an opportunity to address the physical symptoms of withdrawal first, thereby providing the best opportunity to stabilize and get better quickly.
Substance-Specific Withdrawal Risks That Demand Supervision
Some drugs make quitting alone a bad bet. Your body fights back hard. Without pros, risks skyrocket. Let’s break it down by type.
Alcohol and Benzodiazepines: Seizure and Delirium Tremens (DTs)
You may experience seizures or hallucinations when alcohol is withdrawn quickly and sharply. Five percent of heavy drinkers experience delirium tremens (DT). With no medical care to address this issue quickly, it can be fatal. The medical treatment of alcohol withdrawal symptoms includes the use of benzodiazepines (benzos) and other medications, such as beta-blockers.
When you take benzos to stop drinking alcohol, your brain will calm down. However, if you suddenly stop taking the drugs, you could experience shakes and seizures. For this reason, doctors will gradually reduce the level of benzodiazepines until they no longer cause any symptoms. While your heart rate is monitored closely, there should be no surprises regarding your vital signs.
The Legal and Logistical Requirement for Rehab Admission
Mid-withdrawal, most rehabs will not accept you. It is safety-related. Licensed treatment programs conform to the standards set by the Joint Commission and require that you be stabilized before they accept you as a patient. The rationale is that individuals who are intoxicated will void the therapeutic group experience.
If you or your loved one is struggling with addiction, learning about full treatment options can help you take the next step with clarity and support. You can explore programs and conditions treated through struggling with addiction.
If something goes wrong, they face liability issues. Almost all residential or intensive outpatient programs screen for this requirement before they allow you to begin treatment. You must complete the detox process while remaining substance-free before you can start therapeutic treatment. Call ahead– many programs provide seamless transitions between detox and admission into their residential treatment facilities. This eliminates a lot of waiting and additional stress.
Assessing Personal Need: When Is Detox Unavoidable?
You wonder: Is detox right for me? Look at your story. Signs point to yes for most heavy users. Let’s spot them.
Duration, Frequency, and Quantity of Use
With a long-term habit (e.g., Alcohol – 10 years) the quit is going to hit you harder than if you had only been using for a year or two. If you have been using on a daily basis and have been dependent for an extended period of time, the withdrawal process will be more difficult. If you are taking larger than average doses, this also builds upon your physical dependence.
The person who drinks beer every night for 10 years has a greater risk of developing delirium tremens than a person who binge drinks on the weekends (e.g., Friday night drinking and Saturday night drinking). The doctor will provide you with an assessment based on what you have used over the long haul, including how often (once a week) you have binge drunk on the weekends. It is important that you have an established pattern of use that can help in determining the best treatment for you.
Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions
Anxiety and depression are frequent co-occurring conditions, and drug withdrawal can exacerbate both, while bipolar disorder causes extreme mood swings if not treated with medication. The American Journal of Psychiatry states that 50 percent of individuals in addiction have comorbid mental health issues, and professionals understand the complexities of each.
Professionals create a custom medication plan for an individual with both addictions and mental health issues. Individual attempts without the support of professionals often result in an escalating situation. Those who have accessed therapy previously should indicate so clearly, and integrated care represents an excellent option in many cases.
This is especially important for younger individuals. If you’re concerned about a teen who is struggling emotionally or behaviorally, specialized programs like teen mental health treatment may offer the structured care and support they need.
History of Failed Independent Withdrawal Attempts
Have you ever attempted to quit by yourself and subsequently ended up in the emergency room or relapsing into binge use? If so, you should take these previous attempts as a warning sign because they reveal the powerful hold your addiction still has over you. The statistics compiled by hospitals show that people who have had multiple unsuccessful attempts to get clean will have the best chance of success when they get started under supervision.
Working with professionals who understand and identify the different types of triggers will help you avoid getting back into the same cycle of addiction. One episode of binge use can leave an emotional and psychological scar, and it is important to remember that this trip to the hospital was an opportunity to change things and get help. Do not allow another misstep in your recovery process to occur before you ask for assistance. Seek guidance from professional sources immediately.
Alternatives and Misconceptions: Avoiding Unsafe Conclusion: Securing Your Foundation for Lasting Recovery
Detoxification before entering into a rehabilitation centre is critical to ensuring that the detoxification process is performed safely and correctly, as it will prepare you for what to expect once you enter a rehabilitation centre. Detoxification should take place according to safety protocols; there should be safety measures in place at each detoxification facility to keep you safe from complications such as seizures while stopping alcohol consumption and mood crashes while using stimulants. To determine whether you will need a detox facility, produce a thorough history of the types of substances you have abused, when you began abusing them, and how much you have abused them in the past. There are various stages of detoxification, including assessment of your drug and/or alcohol use, and medication, and an organised transfer of care from the detoxification facility to the rehabilitation centre.
Do not attempt to detox on your own from home, or use a “quick-fix” approach to detoxification; these methods rarely work. The foundation is in place for your recovery. Are you ready to take the next step in your recovery? Here is a checklist to assist you in locating a licensed detoxification facility to assist you in beginning your recovery process:
* Contact a licensed detoxification facility today (see below for contact information).
* Create a written record of your complete substance abuse history (including dates and amounts).
* Determine whether the rehabilitation centre you plan to attend is in partnership with a detoxification facility nearby.
* Pack essential items such as your identification document (ID), clothing, and any comfort items that may be helpful during the initial detoxification process.
* Alert your family and friends about your plan; their involvement in your recovery can provide significant support. Medical detoxification provides a suitable first step in beginning the recovery process, so contact a detox facility today to begin your recovery journey.