Learn About Detox

The Truth about Addiction Withdrawals

Once people become physically addicted to alcohol or drugs, two main things will happen – they will develop tolerance and they will need to deal with withdrawal symptoms should they try to stop, or reduce their intake of the, addictive substance. These addictive substances are highly toxic in the body and this means that it has to find a way to adapt to them. The body becomes used to these substances being part of the equation, and it learns to work around them. When these substances are stopped, though, the body is once again thrown into confusion, and it can take a bit of time before things become right again. It is during this period of adjustment to sobriety that the person will experience withdrawal symptoms.

In most cases, the withdrawal symptoms associated with giving up alcohol or drugs will be mild. The individual will experience the same level of discomfort as they would expect from the flu. It isn’t a particularly nice experience, but it is certainly manageable. The thing that makes it harder than dealing with flu symptoms is that the individual knows that they can escape the discomfort at any time by taking alcohol or drugs once again. This makes withdrawals so difficult to deal with.

There is also a group of people who are at risk of developing a particularly severe form of withdrawals known as delirium tremens (DTs). This tends to occur only with those individuals who have been heavily addicted to alcohol or barbiturates over a long period of time. The DTs can lead to convulsions and intense hallucinations, and people do die because of these symptoms.

The Need for a Supervised Detox

It is certainly possible for people to make it through their withdrawal symptoms safely, but there are still good reasons to choose a supervised detox including:

• Those individuals who are at risk of severe withdrawal symptoms will need to have their detox medically supervised in order to ensure their safety.
• It is during this detox stage that the individual is most likely to relapse – in fact, some people will find it hard to ever get beyond their withdrawals. By entering a proper detox programme, the individual will be far more likely to see things through, and this will increase the likelihood that they will achieve long-term sobriety.
• There will be treatments such as pharmaceuticals available in detox and these will make the process much easier to cope with.
• The individual will be surrounded by other people going through the same thing, and this can be a huge boost to their determination.
• If the person is going through detox in a rehab, they will be able to begin the programme right away. This means that they can be learning and getting support as they pass through this period.

Types of Supervised Detox

There are different options available for people who are looking for a supervised detox including:

• It is possible to go through detox in hospital.
• There are special units that are aimed at helping people make it through the detox stage. These may offer some type of programme, but they are meant to be just a first stage before rehab.
• There are now many rehabs that offer detox beds. This means that the individual will be able to move seamlessly from the initial detox stage to the rehab stage. There are some real advantages to doing things this way, and it may mean that the person needs to spend less time in a residential programme overall.
• It is possible to have outpatient supervised detox. This is where a qualified medical professional monitors the detox in the person’s own home.

Do You Need a Supervised Detox?

As mentioned above, there are some very good reasons for choosing a supervised detox. This will help you make it through those tricky first few days of recovery, and it will help to ensure that you make it safely through this period. Ideally, it is probably best to choose a rehab that offers detox beds because that way you will be able to begin work right away on a programme.

How to Choose a Detox?

Here are a few things to consider when looking for a residential detox:

• How long is the detox programme? This will usually depend on the type of drug you are trying to give up.
• Is there 24-hour medical supervision?
• How many other people will be going through detox at the same time as you?
• What are the rules and regulations of the detox?
• Will there be a recovery programme for you to follow during your time in detox?
• What activities are available in detox? This is important because it helps to keep you mind diverted.
• Will it be possible to continue in a rehab programme at this facility?
• Where do clients usually go after the detox in this facility?
• How much support will you get following detox?
• What is the philosophy of the detox?

Choosing the right type of detox treatment is an important consideration. If you are unsure about your needs, or what is available, it will be a good idea for you to contact us. We can go over your options with you and make some suggestions. Our team are experts in the role of addiction planning, and we will have a good understanding of the resources available in your area – as well as further afield. When you call us you will not be expected to commit to any type of action, but it will be good for you to know your options for detox and to have any concerns you might have addressed.