Detoxification from drug and alcohol abuse is a medical procedure. Why would you want to do a medical procedure at home without the aid of trained medical professionals? In this article, we will share with you some science and facts that will convince you of the dangers of detoxing at home and talk about why you should choose an inpatient rehabilitation center.
The extreme discomfort associated with withdrawal is not the only reason you should detox at a recovery center. A physical dependency to drugs causes withdrawal symptoms that could possibly be deadly, even if you’re in good health. While most drugs come with some withdrawal symptoms after long-term use, not all drugs require medical detox at an inpatient rehabilitation center; not all drug and alcohol rehab treatment centers offer detoxification treatment program as a level of care.
Pacific Sands Recovery Center offers both medical detox and residential inpatient treatments. The best chance at success happens when you utilize a treatment provider, like Pacific Sands, that offers a full range of inpatient treatment programs such as; medical care, detox, support groups, family therapy, one-on-one sessions, and more. Many inpatient treatment facilities also utilize family therapy, or holistic therapies, such as yoga, art, music or equine therapy to treat co-occurring mental health conditions.
Why do I have to Detox?
After a long period of substance abuse, your mind and body begin to rely on the presence of the substance to be able to function. If an addict decides to quit using that drug, their body might go into shock, or their brain may be unable to produce the chemicals needed to operate, and you will start to feel withdrawal symptoms. The period of withdrawal and learning to function properly again while toxins leave your system is called detoxification (detox.) A medically assisted detox program will keep you safe and help to mitigate the discomfort of withdrawal. A medical team will monitor your vital signs and protect you against some of the more severe physical symptoms.
Once the period of withdrawal is over, and your brain and body begin to stabilize, you will be ready for inpatient rehab programs to teach you the skills needed to overcome drug and alcohol addiction.
Why do I Need to Detox from Alcohol at an Inpatient Rehab?
Detox from alcohol is a dangerous process, and could potentially be fatal. medically assisted supervision supported by trained specialists is crucial to ensure the client is safe. A proper medical assessment before starting detox helps build a plan of what substance abuse treatment is a medical necessity. An expert gathers information about a client’s medical, physical, and mental health history, and details about their substance use disorders. This information helps to develop a personalized treatment plan and avoid any complications.
Physical and Psychological Symptoms of Withdrawal
Withdrawing from drug and alcohol addiction may cause a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms like:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Sweating
- Headaches
- Fever
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Muscle and bone pain
- Extreme mood swings
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
Many people choose to detox at home either due to lack of money or lack of information. The treatment process for self-detox can rarely be safe and comes with a lot of dangers.
Five Reasons to Avoid Detoxing from Home
1. Unsafe and non-supportive environment
Homes are often toxic environments filled with emotional triggers. Additionally, you may drink most of your alcohol at home to begin with. This makes detoxing from home even more challenging. Inpatient rehab centers make sure that you are in a properly structured environment where there is no temptation. Your only goal is to focus on your health and your recovery.
2. Higher risk for relapse
Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. Even if you can detox successfully from home, detox alone is not treatment. Aftercare that takes place when you finish the detox process is where you gain the skills and tools used to stay sober. An inpatient care will give you acces to various therapies, treatment team, medical care, counseling, and relapse prevention skills.
3. It’s dangerous
People with alcohol and drug addictions are at a higher risk for complications. Specific withdrawal symptoms can be deadly. By detoxing without medical assistance you are putting your life in danger. Inpatient treatment centers give you access to a 24-hour care medical staff specializing in ensuring your safety and managing your symptoms.
4. Low success rate
Detox will put you through a state of severe discomfort. Many people who attempt to detox from home end up using drugs just to make their discomfort go away. In a medical setting at an inpatient addiction treatment center, these symptoms can be minimalized, making the discomfort much more tolerable.
5. Lack of family education
Families are usually not trained to cope with how to best communicate with someone struggling with addiction. Lack of understanding from family or loved ones can act as a trigger and cause an addict to seek relief in drugs. Inpatient facilities provide you with an environment of people who understand what you are going through without judgment. You will gain a support system of like-minded people to help you with the steps moving forward. As for your actual family, there are family group therapies offered that help with a family’s role in addiction.
Ready to detox the right way? Ready for inpatient rehab?
Pacific Sands Recovery Center has a proven track record of our detox clients achieving long-term recovery. Our evidence-based treatments have taught us what works and what to avoid to give you the best opportunity for lifelong recovery from substance use disorder. Detox is often the first step in the recovery process, let us help you take that step the right way.
Call today to talk to one of our care coordinators.
