Is Detox Painful?
The Detox Process is Less Painful Than One May Assume
Drug and alcohol rehab will often begin with detox treatment, which allows for toxic substances to exit the body while managing withdrawal symptoms. The length of time, type of detox and medical protocol will vary with each substance and the amount of time it has been abused. The three stages of detox: evaluation, stabilization and transitioning to treatment are all critical, and none should be skipped. No matter where detox is administered, the third step is the most important to attain long-term sobriety. Detox in and of itself, not complete rehabilitation treatment.
It is important to note that detoxing “going cold turkey” may have severe, life-threatening consequences. One should never attempt to detox on their own, especially for alcohol, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates. All of these substances require medical supervision.
Detox is strongly recommended for opiates and prescription opioids like hydrocodone and oxycodone, and also as brand formulations including Vicodin, Norco, Lortab, OxyContin, and Percocet. Risks of quitting cold turkey include:
- Needlessly uncomfortable withdrawal
- Increased risk of relapse
- Increased risk of overdose form relapse because of a lowered tolerance to the substance
- Possible Death (frequently seen due to uncontrolled seizures and convulsions)
The detox and rehab evaluation process include blood tests, screening for mental and physical co-occurring disorders, risk assessment for withdrawal severity and the need for medical supervision. The stabilization process will help the individual get past acute intoxication and withdrawal by administering medication to ease symptoms. The evaluation process will help create an individualized detox plan based on many factors, with the goal of keeping the person as comfortable as possible during this time.
Detox On its Own Is Not Enough
Professional detox is only the first step to overcoming addiction. Detox is a critical part of recovery and requires medical intervention and supervision.
Abusive of drugs or alcohol is only an outward sign of addiction. The real problem lies inside the brain where the drug habit takes over the pleasure centers and becomes a top priority to the addicted individual. There is a part of the human brain which is naturally designed to create habits by rewarding certain behaviors with positive emotions. This area of the brain becomes dependent on the drug and will not let it go easily because of the ‘good’ feelings it creates.
Following detox, when the addictive substances are out of the body, the brain will be looking for that pleasurable high once again. Addiction is strong enough to make a person act in ways that he or she knows are detrimental to their health, and physical detox alone will not relieve this. Professionals are well aware of this ordeal, and therefore behavioral therapy is highly recommended to help get rid of drug habits. Treatment services work in conjunction with detox to clear the drugs out of the body and work on reversing the changes in the brain that was responsible for developing the habit.
Seeking Treatment with Transformations by the Gulf?
If you or a loved one needs treatment and rehabilitation for substance use, Transformations by the Gulf can help.
Transformations by the Gulf offers individualistic and holistic recovery services. We designed our inpatient and outpatient programs to treat individuals based on biological, psychological, familial and social needs.
Our residential homes and treatment facilities are near the beach and offer a comfortable setting for rehabilitation. If you or a loved one needs help, contact Transformations By The Gulf to learn more about our recovery services.
If you are ready to start planning your treatment process, give us a call. (727)498-6498
You can also find out more information about Transformations by the Gulf by visiting RehabNow.org.
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