Even though you have come to realize that living the life of an addict is hard, you may feel that breaking free from your addiction will be even harder. If you feel that way, the good news is that there are steps you can take to help you get over the initial hurdles of breaking free from drugs or alcohol. One of those initial steps is medical detox.
Medical detox may be one of the first steps you can take to battle addiction successfully.
What Is Medical Detox?
For many addicts, the first days of drug and alcohol rehab are the toughest, both physically and emotionally. When you first enter a substance abuse treatment program, your body is still filled with the substances that are harming you. Since your body has become dependent on the drugs, you will begin to experience withdrawal symptoms as the drugs leave your system.
According to DrugAbuse.gov, medical detox is one way to safely manage the acute physical symptoms of withdrawal associated with stopping drug use. Medical detox is safe because it occurs under the watchful care of medical professionals. As your body is purged of drugs or alcohol, these medical professionals stand ready to administer medications and other treatments that will help relieve some of your withdrawal symptoms.
The length of time you spend in medical detox is determined by several factors, including:
- Which substances are in your system
- Your medical history
- How long you have been abusing drugs
- The degree to which you have been using drugs
When Medical Detox Can Be Used
Not all addicts find it necessary to use medical detox to handle withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms for some drugs are not as severe or life-threatening as withdrawal from others. Some of the common substances for which you may need medical detox include:
- Heroin
- Cocaine
- Crystal meth
- Prescription pain meds
- Benzodiazepines
Medical Detox is Not a Cure
It is important that you know that medical detox is not a cure for addiction. It is simply a means to help you get through the initial withdrawal symptoms you will experience on your journey to recovery. While it can be a great tool to start you on your path, medical detox is just one part of the recovery process.
Once your body is clear of drugs and alcohol, the real work begins. By entering into a drug and alcohol rehab facility, you will gain access to much more than medical detox. You will be able to work with counselors, medical professionals, and others who will equip you with the tools you need to conquer addiction.
Harris House counselors offer compassionate support.
There, you will find help in the form of both individual and group behavioral and cognitive therapy. You will learn to address the root causes of your addiction, and you will find strategies to help you cope effectively with situations that could potentially trigger addictive behaviors. In a substance abuse treatment program, you will find the support you need.
We’re Here to Help
That support is just one short phone call away. The professionals at Harris House stand ready to offer compassionate treatment options both day and night. Contact us right now, and begin your personal journey to freedom.
