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Detoxification is an important first step toward addiction recovery. This phase is often misunderstood, with many people underestimating its challenges. To better understand the detox process, it’s helpful to learn what’s happening in the body and the physical and psychological benefits of getting free from addiction.
What Is Detoxification?
Detoxification is the body’s natural way of getting rid of harmful substances, such as alcohol and drugs. During this process, the body metabolizes and eliminates these substances. Afterward, individuals typically receive inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment services.
For someone who has a severe addiction to harmful substances, or certain physical or mental health issues, medically supervised detox is particularly important. This option provides medical support and, in some cases, medication-assisted treatment to provide relief from withdrawal symptoms.
Why Detoxification Is Important
Detox brings a host of physical and psychological benefits that are vital for recovery. As the body eliminates toxins, the liver, kidneys and stomach begin to function more effectively. Individuals often experience a boost in mental clarity, as well as relief from symptoms of anxiety and depression. Additionally, many people experience more stable moods and a better sense of control over their lives and their addictions.
For many people seeking addiction recovery, bypassing detox and jumping straight into treatment may seem like the more efficient option. However, this approach can pose several risks and challenges. For example, individuals may experience uncomfortable or even dangerous withdrawal symptoms, and they may have more intense cravings that hinder their progress. In some cases, for those addicted to alcohol or benzodiazepines, withdrawal symptoms can become life-threatening if not managed properly.
Detox provides a safe and nurturing environment with a range of interventions, such as counseling, various therapies, personalized nutrition services, and medications. These measures help ensure the individual’s safety and comfort throughout detoxification.
Signs Your Body Is Dependent on Substances
Substances such as alcohol and opioids alter how the brain and body function, leading to shifts in hormones and chemicals. This dependency makes it challenging for the body to operate without them, making it difficult to stop use. There are several physical, psychological, and behavioral signs that the body has become dependent on substances.
Physical Signs
When the body becomes addicted to a substance, individuals typically experience physical indicators. Some signs you need detox include:
- Sleep problems
- Changes in eating habits
- Needing larger amounts of the substance to achieve the desired effect
- Tremors in the hands and body
- Signs of increased tolerance, including a decrease in symptoms of intoxication
- Decreased coordination
- Sudden changes in body weight
- Changes in physical appearance, such as flushed skin or paleness
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance, including headaches, nausea or sweating
Psychological Signs
You may also experience psychological indicators when you need drug detox. These may include:
- Obsessively thinking about the substance
- Inability to stop or reduce use
- Frequent, significant changes in mood
- Cognitive issues such as a shortened attention span or problems with short-term memory
- Paranoia
- Inability to stop substance use despite undesired symptoms and outcomes
Behavioral Signs
A person’s behavior can provide valuable insight into how dependent they’ve become on drugs or alcohol. Some behavioral signs of addiction may include:
- Neglecting responsibilities at home, work or school
- Hiding substance use
- Spending money on drugs or alcohol instead of living necessities
- Interpersonal conflicts with family members, friends and coworkers related to substance use
- Legal troubles from substance use
- Changes in social circle
- Engaging in risk behaviors, such as driving under the influence
Recognizing When Self-Quitting Isn’t Safe
Many people living with substance use disorder have tried to get clean on their own. Unfortunately, the nature of addiction makes this extremely difficult. In some cases, withdrawal symptoms become life-threatening, making sudden cessation dangerous without medical oversight.
Dangers of Self-Quitting
Because substances such as alcohol and recreational drugs change how the body’s systems function, abruptly stopping use without medical support can result in serious risks and dangers. Most often, individuals experience distressing symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, anxiety, and hallucinations. In some cases, withdrawal can lead to life-threatening heart problems and seizures.
Along with the physical symptoms of withdrawal, self-quitting is often unsuccessful because it rarely provides the individual with access to support. Going alone, without the guidance and support of medical professionals, therapists and support groups, makes it difficult to stay motivated and learn to manage cravings. For these reasons, the relapse rate among those who self-quit is relatively high compared to those who seek professional help.
Medical Criteria for Detox
The American Society of Addiction Medicine establishes comprehensive criteria to determine when medical detox is necessary. It recommends considering several dimensions to accurately evaluate an individual’s functioning and need for professional treatment. These include:
- The potential for severe withdrawal symptoms and risk of complications
- Medical issues that can affect the safety of detox, such as heart or liver problems
- The presence of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety or cognitive impairment
- How motivated the individual is to change
- The potential risk of relapse
- The individual’s living situation and whether it supports substance use or sobriety
Many health care providers refer to this criteria to determine what phase of addiction treatment is most appropriate for an individual, whether that’s medical detox, inpatient care, or outpatient treatment.
Psychological Considerations
While we tend to see substance use and addiction as a physical problem, several psychological considerations affect use. For many people, substances provide an escape from job-related stress, traumatic memories, or emotional pain. Taking away a coping mechanism, even an unhealthy one, without resolving the underlying issues increases the chances of relapse. This makes self-quitting an ineffective option.
The Benefits of Professional Detox Programs
Professional detox programs recognize the physical and psychological challenges of recovery and feature several elements to promote a safe and comfortable detox. Through medical supervision, professional support, and compassionate counseling services, programs such as FHE Health’s medical detox program support long-term sobriety.
Medical Supervision
Individuals in professional detox programs benefit from 24-hour medical supervision, ensuring that their symptoms are closely monitored and effectively managed. Staff members are trained to recognize signs of discomfort and incorporate various strategies for managing withdrawal symptoms. They also ensure prompt access to medical intervention for severe or life-threatening symptoms.
Support and Counseling
Support and counseling services form the core of professional detox programs, helping individuals address underlying issues that contribute to addiction while teaching them effective tools for managing stress, conflicts, and cravings without using substances. Individuals typically attend one-on-one counseling sessions, as well as family counseling and support group sessions.
Success Rates and Outcomes
Professional detox programs tend to have higher success rates compared to self-quitting. While outcomes vary considerably based on the individual and the substances they use, the challenges associated with self-quitting contribute to a low success rate compared to professional detox programs.
Taking the First Steps Toward Recovery
If you’re ready to be free from addiction, FHE Health can help you take the first steps toward life-long recovery.
Finding Help
A few resources can help you begin your recovery journey. These include:
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Line: This free helpline has trained representatives who provide crisis resources.
- Veterans Crisis Line: Run by the Department of Veterans Affairs, this crisis line provides specialized support to veterans experiencing mental health and addiction-related crises.
- FHE Addiction Treatment Programs: FHE offers individualized services to help you heal from substance addiction, including medical detox, residential treatment, and outpatient services.
Preparing for Detox
There are several things you can do to prepare for detox, including:
- Talk to a health care professional about the detox approach that’s best for your needs
- Create a support network by talking to trusted friends and family about your decision to detox.
- Dispose of addictive substances or items that you associate with substance use
- Pack comfort items such as comfortable clothing, a favorite book, and personal hygiene products
- Have a plan for addiction treatment when detox is complete
Detox is an important first step toward recovery. When someone’s body is dependent on substances and self-quitting isn’t a safe or effective option, professional detox programs provide support and practical guidance. At FHE Health, we offer a detox program with medication-assisted treatment, comprehensive counseling and therapy services to help individuals get the help they need.
Detox is just the beginning of a happier, healthier life. With the right support system and tools for recovery, you can overcome the challenges of substance use disorder. To learn how FHE Health can help, contact us today.
