The term “detox” has grown synonymous with quick drinks and herbal shots you toss back, claiming to cleanse your system of all the negative bacteria. While there is some truth in these claims, true medical detoxification focuses on permanently removing substances from the body that patients struggle to keep out. This approach is used to help purge drugs and alcohol from those attempting to go through the rehabilitation process.
How Detoxification Differs From Substance Abuse Treatment
While achieving the same goal, a medical detox is a targeted approach specifically designed to manage the intoxication and withdrawal problems that those struggling with addiction face all too often. For many, detoxification is the stepping stone that gets them into larger treatment plans. It’s a pivotal moment as it may be the first time they have experienced sobriety in quite some time.
Substance abuse treatment is the larger spectrum of resources available to those battling addictive disorders or personality traits. It often includes a form of detox, but accompanies this with mental health appointments and has a heavier focus on long-term recovery and abstinence from drugs and alcohol.
Who Detox Is Meant For
Detoxification is an important step to take for anyone whose life is being negatively impacted by drug or alcohol abuse. This can range from a father who finds himself drinking more and more at home each night with no regard for his family to a problem drug user who has lost their health to the damage caused by long-term drug use. In both cases, there is a heavy impact being caused by the inability to forego these substances.
If you find yourself thinking detox is right for you, remember that it isn’t the same as quitting “cold turkey”. Doing this can lead to excruciating withdrawal symptoms and trigger relapses as the thought of being addicted and under the influence is better than the reality of a painful withdrawal period. Detoxing helps to alleviate these symptoms and take the fear out of breaking your addiction.
How Detox Protects You From Withdrawals
Withdrawal symptoms can range from irritability to body tremors depending on the type of substance being abused and the quantity ingested. Another key factor is the amount of time a user has been regularly abusing the drug or alcohol in question. For instance, those who abuse amphetamines or other drugs meant to provide an energy boost and better mood could face bouts of heavy depression during withdrawals. On top of that, their physical dependency can leave them with little to no energy, a scary combination that can drive some away from rehab.
After the initial testing to find how much of your body has been taken over by a substance, the withdrawal process begins. Medical professionals provide support 24/7 during the process, using appropriately dosed medications to help alleviate the symptoms along the way. This is how detoxing weans users off of drugs and alcohol in a safe and comfortable fashion.
Detox Is More Accessible Than Ever
The view towards detox and fighting addiction has changed in the mainstream eye to that of support and motivation. This massively helps efforts to get those suffering from addiction the true help they need. Whether you find yourself needing help or someone you love, America’s Rehab Campuses is here to provide tailored support from medical professionals. Reach out today to take the first step towards independence.
