Should You Detox Before Attending A Drug Treatment Center?

The disease of addiction can impact you and your loved ones in negative ways sooner or later. It’s not like you intended to become addicted to alcohol or a drug. In fact, you may have started out drinking or drugging for recreational purposes. You simply wanted to party with your friends or see what all the hype was about. However, at some point, you became chemically dependent upon your drug of choice.

Being chemically addicted can cause you to say and do things you wouldn’t normally do. Whether that’s staying out all night, stealing, missing work, arguing or fighting with others, or driving while impaired, at some point you have become powerless over your addiction and need some help.

Rising statistics about alcohol or drug abuse are not surprising, as alcohol, prescription, and illegal drugs are used by millions of people daily. Most of us understand that alcohol and drugs affect both the mind and the body, stimulating certain chemicals in the brain that cause sensations like euphoria, relaxation, or feel less pain.

Someone who uses these consistently may begin to rely on the substances to feel the effects more and more. In other words, your body becomes used to the chemicals creating the reactions so if you try to stop using them, your body craves more. If it doesn’t get more, it produces withdrawal symptoms.

Is Detox Necessary Before Going To A Drug Treatment Center?

If you or a loved one is coming off heavy use of alcohol or drugs, experts state that you should attend a medical detox facility before going to a Vancouver alcohol or drug treatment center. The time at the detox allows the body to detox from the toxic chemicals and attend to the intense cravings that may occur.

It’s no secret that detoxing can produce daunting withdrawal symptoms and be life-threatening in some instances. In fact, those addicted to opioids like OxyContin or heroin, have a significant chance of relapsing due to the discomfort or pain associated with withdrawal. If you attend a medical detox, you will be medically supervised and therefore, reduce serious risk and be more comfortable.

How Does Detox Help With The Mental And Physical Aspects Of Withdrawal?

Upon arriving at the detox center, the medical staff will do an assessment to gather pertinent information about your medical history and current drug use. This information will help you move forward with a detox plan that will suit you well. They understand that withdrawal symptoms can be frightening and sometimes painful, so they offer compassion and support as you go through the detox process.

Additionally, the staff can administer helpful medications that will decrease some withdrawal symptoms. This allows you to feel more comfortable as your body rids itself from the toxins associated with the drugs. You’ll be able to discuss any concerns you have with experienced substance abuse professionals that care.

What Services Are Offered To Make The Stay Comfortable?

A drug treatment center will more than likely have a proven detox protocol that is uniquely designed for each individual. Not everyone comes into detox with the same history or situation, so they do not have a “one size fits all” protocol. They ensure that every person feels safe, comfortable, and cared for. You may be given medications to help ease pain, have ample time to talk to qualified staff, be introduced to 12 Step support groups, and more.

Why Can’t I Just Go Straight To Drug Rehab?

When you stop using a drug that your body is used to having, mild to severe discomfort and cravings may ensue. Depending on the severity of your addiction, some withdrawal symptoms can be quite dangerous. At a detox facility, there are qualified and experienced medical staff to monitor and keep you safe as you detox. Many drug treatment centers are not staffed for the detox stage and will not accept those who have not stabilized through detox yet.

What Symptoms Are Relieved During Detox?

• Nausea, stomach cramping
• Vomiting
• Muscle aches, headaches
• Flu-like symptoms
• Anxiety
• Mood swings
• Profuse sweating
• Sleep disruptions

What Can Happen If I Don’t Get A Medical Detox?

You can certainly find yourself facing some intense and dangerous side effects, as well as extreme cravings, all of which can lead you to relapse quickly. That’s not to say some people cannot safely detox at home, because some can. If they are not heavy alcohol or drug users, they may be able to detox at home without needing medical supervision. However, a personalized detox program is designed to help you detox safely and help you work toward long-term recovery.

Recovery Is A Process

Think of recovery as a two-part process: the detox stage and the addiction treatment stage. During the detox stage, you’re able to solely focus on safely detoxing from the toxic chemicals, while at the same time beginning to learn about the disease of addiction and recovery.

The addiction treatment stage at a Vancouver drug rehab or residential program allows you to really get into the most important phase of recovery. Your time at the drug treatment facility, you will be able to learn tools to help you cope with life sober and free from drugs. You’ll also be able to co-create a relapse prevention plan that will help you once you leave the facility. By attending both detox and drug rehab, your chances of long-term recovery increase significantly.

Are you or a loved one struggling with addiction to alcohol or drugs? Have you failed to stop using on your own? If so, it’s time to consider reaching out for help. Attending a medical detox may be an essential first step toward getting free from addiction and bettering your life.

Then, you can arrange for treatment at a drug treatment center or residential rehab, such as Into Action Recovery Society.

Regardless of whether you or your loved one need to get free from alcohol, opiate addiction, or another substance, consider reaching out for help today. Embark on a new and exciting sober living journey, because there is a beautiful life on the other side of addiction.