Before seeking addiction treatment therapy, an addict may start their recovery journey at a detox facility. Detoxification is usually the first step to overcoming any drug or alcohol addiction, depending on the substance you’re addicted to. Detoxification generally has the reputation of being a demanding and sometimes difficult process. Unfortunately it’s just something an addict has to go through with. But like anything else in life, it’s not permanent. And with the help of trained medical professionals, it’s manageable.
On the flip side, detoxing at home or somewhere that isn’t a professional facility is extremely dangerous. Some withdrawal symptoms can be fatal, as detox is known to trigger brutal withdrawal symptoms. Depending on what you’re addicted to, withdrawal symptoms can even be fatal. The chances of relapsing are also much higher when someone tries to detox on their own.
Because every person and addiction is different, it’s imperative to detox at a professional facility. Keep reading to find out why if you’re struggling with addiction, you should attend a drug detox facility.
Dangers of Detoxing off Drugs or Alcohol Alone
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Severe Withdrawal Complications
According to a SAMHSA resource, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a person recovering from a drug addiction won’t feel better immediately after quitting drugs or alcohol. Rather than feel better, a person actually undergoes a series of withdrawal symptoms. Some of the mental and emotional symptoms can include anxiety, depression, and hallucinations.
If treated early at a drug detox treatment center, withdrawal symptoms will be minimized. However, if someone tries to manage these symptoms alone, they can potentially experience severe complications.
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Benzodiazepines-Related Risks
Generally speaking, prescription pills can help treat mild withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety. Benzodiazepines, in particular, reduce withdrawal symptoms such as delirium tremens and seizures (withdrawal symptoms an alcoholic can potentially experience, depending on the severity of their addiction).
However, taking these drugs without a prescription from a doctor is very dangerous. It’s not uncommon for someone to detox alone and try to self medicate. Benzodiazepines are also extremely addictive and should only be taken in the care of a doctor.
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Relapse
Because the process of detox can trigger withdrawal symptoms, the chances of relapse are much higher when someone tries to detox off drugs and alcohol alone. Withdrawal symptoms are physically and emotionally uncomfortable. The last thing any recovering addict wants is to be triggered to use again, while they’re trying to get off drugs.
Benefits of Attending a Drug Detox Facility
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Safe Environment
The first step to overcoming a drug addiction is to seek treatment in a safe, calming environment. By attending a drug detox facility, you’ll receive support from nurturing and professional staff. At Hillside Mission, our clients are monitored 24/7 during their detox process to ensure their safety. Detoxing may seem like an intimidating process, but with the help of our staff, you will have any and all of your questions answered.
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Access to Medical Professionals
Professional drug detox facilities have medical staff onsite monitoring client vitals. Because your body will be going through physical changes during this time, it’s important to be under the care of a doctor. While most withdrawal symptoms are just uncomfortable, some can be fatal (this is completely dependent on what substances you’re addicted too).
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Continued Care
When detoxing at a drug detox facility, you’ll be offered guidance on what to do next. If the facility you’re attending doesn’t have an inpatient treatment program, they’re most likely able to refer you to one. At Hillside Mission, you can begin our inpatient treatment program immediately after you’re done detoxing.
Detox at Hillside Mission
If you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction, please reach out to us today. We are a professional addiction treatment center specializing in detoxification, residential inpatient treatment, and aftercare services. We’re dedicated to helping all of our clients rid their body of drugs and alcohol, undergo therapy to gain insight into their addiction, and learn the right set of coping skills to help maintain long-term sobriety.
