Contrary to what one may think, recovery from alcohol and other drug use does not begin with admittance to a treatment program. Before an individual can begin a treatment program, it is imperative that they first go through a detoxification program. Detoxification, also known as detox, is a set of practical interventions that purposefully manage acute intoxication and withdrawal symptoms as an individual weans off or stops their substance use. While many may wonder if medically-supervised detox is necessary to begin recovery, it is essential to understand the benefits of a professional detox program and the risks involved with attempting detox on one’s own at home.
Detoxification is the process of ridding the body of remnants of substance use.
Detox involves clearing the body of alcohol and other drugs. As repeated and chronic substance use changes brain functioning in drastic ways, it is essential that individuals seeking sobriety first complete a detox program. While deciding to stop using alcohol and other drugs can be the most challenging part of recovery for some, those first few days sober can make or break an individual’s commitment to sobriety. Not only can withdrawal symptoms be unmanageable and lead to an increased risk of relapse, but there is also a lack of support and accountability placed on individuals when they choose to detox alone at home.
As addiction affects everyone differently, every person will have a different experience with any given detox program. Several factors play into how an individual will respond to detox, including:
- The drug that was used
- How long the drug was used
- At what intensity the drug was being used
- How frequently the drug was being used
- The presence of co-occurring mental health disorders
- Method of administration of the drug
- Family history of a mental health or substance use disorder
There are 3 components to detoxification.
There are three essential components involved in the process of detoxification. These three phases are:
#1. Evaluation
The evaluation phase tests for the presence of the problem substance or substances within an individual’s bloodstream. A medical professional will measure the concentration of substances in the patient’s blood and screen for any co-occurring mental and physical health conditions. This phase also considers a patient’s family history and assesses other medical, psychological and social factors. As a whole, evaluation helps a medical professional determine the appropriate treatment level for a patient following detox services. Similarly, the evaluation phase will serve as the foundation for a patient’s substance use treatment plan if they are admitted into a long-term treatment program.
#2. Stabilization
The second phase of detoxification is the stabilization phase. This phase provides medical and psychosocial withdrawal assistance for the patient as they clear their body of the substance in question. The main goal of stabilization is to ensure that the patient becomes medically stable and substance-free while feeling supported as they begin their treatment and recovery journey. Sometimes, medications will be used to make withdrawal symptoms safer and more manageable.
#3. Fostering treatment entry
The last phase of detoxification is fostering the patient’s entry into treatment. Detox services help to prepare an individual to enter substance use treatment by emphasizing the importance of following through with a long-term treatment program. Patients can feel better educated and ready to make the lifelong commitment to recovery with the help of supportive staff.
Medically-supervised detoxification is different from substance use treatment.
To understand why detox is necessary for achieving sobriety and sustaining recovery, it is essential to recognize that medically-supervised detox is distinct from substance use treatment. Supervised detoxification is valuable as it proactively works to treat potentially life-threatening complications that can arise when an individual abruptly stops their use of certain substances. Similarly, these services help reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms likely to be experienced when drug use comes to a halt.
On the other hand, when an individual is working to establish long-term sobriety and recovery, a long-term substance use treatment program is often necessary. A treatment program differs from a detoxification program in that treatment involves consistent engagement with ongoing treatment services intended to prevent relapse and ultimately promote recovery. More often than not, patients who do not engage in a long-term treatment program following detox tend to relapse.
Self-detox can result in dangerous, deadly consequences.
Although it may seem more comfortable, detoxing at home is a dangerous undertaking that should be avoided. Not only is a person keeping themselves from utilizing professional resources that can help them safely withdraw from substances, but they are also increasing their risk of relapse. Other than a lack of professional support, additional reasons why self-detox is dangerous include:
- Experiencing potentially fatal withdrawal symptoms
- Experiencing damaging brain shock
- Experiencing intrusive or deceptive thoughts
- Lacking access to long-term treatment interventions
Associated Behavioral Health Care specializes in the treatment of both mental health and substance use disorders. We provide in-person drug and alcohol assessments to individuals looking to kickstart their sobriety and recovery journey. From there, we can connect you with our detoxification services as well as connect you with a long-term treatment program. No matter where you stand in your battle with addiction, we are here to support and encourage you during your treatment journey. To learn more about our services, call (844) 335-7384.