The Benefits of a Comprehensive Detox Program
Addiction is a serious disease, and like other diseases, it causes severe mental and physical effects. For many addicts, trying to overcome addiction is exceedingly difficult. Despite their desire to beat their addiction and stop using alcohol or drugs, the effects of the substance they have been using can make it virtually impossible to stop using on their own.
If you have been battling with addiction and have tried to stop before, but your attempts have been unsuccessful, it may be time to consider a detox center. Desert Cove Recovery, the leading addiction treatment center in Gilbert, Arizona, offers various treatment options for patients who are struggling with addiction, including detox.
Detox Explained
Not all addicts require detox, but many do. Detox is the first step in the recovery process. In order to move forward with treatment for addiction, patients need to first stop using alcohol or drugs. While this may seem easy to do, for many, it can be exceptionally difficult.
Drugs and alcohol change the structure of the brain, interfering with how it functions under normal, drug-free conditions. The more a person uses a substance, the more difficult it is to stop using it. The body suppresses naturally occurring substances and replaces them with alcohol or drugs. As a result, the brain – and the body – needs those substances in order to function properly.
When a person abruptly stops using a substance, several undesirable side effects can occur. Known as withdrawal symptoms, these side effects develop as the brain and body are trying to make sense of not having access to the substance. The side effects of withdrawal are different for each person, and are dependent on a variety of factors, including the length of time the addiction has existed, the type and the amount of the substance that is being used, and whether or not there are a co-occurring mental conditions. That being said, the symptoms of withdrawal can include any number of the following:
- Anger and rage
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Sleep disturbances
- Excessive sweating
- Increased heart rate
- Heart palpitations
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Tremors
- Fever
- Chills
- Delusions
- Seizures
Many of these side effects are uncomfortable; however, some of them can be downright dangerous.
Detoxification Alone is Dangerous
Given the above-mentioned side effects that are associated with withdrawal, it is easy to see why going through detox alone can be dangerous. These effects are not only uncomfortable, but there is a chance that they can be dangerous or even deadly. Access to medical care isn’t easy and can take time when you are going through detox on your own. Additionally, you won’t be able to receive guidance and support from other people who understand the effects.
When a person goes through detox alone, they are not only putting themselves in an unnecessarily uncomfortable and potentially serious situation, but it is also much more likely that he or she will start using drugs or alcohol again. Of course, this curtails the treatment process, puts sobriety even farther away, and starts the vicious cycle of addiction all over again. All of these factors can make detox almost impossible and highly dangerous to go through alone.
The Benefits of a Detox Center
There are so many benefits that a detox center can provide patients who have a serious addiction to drugs or alcohol. Some of the most notable benefits include:
- Constant supervision from a team of professionally trained, highly experienced and compassionate clinicians and medical experts who specialize in the addiction and withdrawal.
- A safe space where you can promptly receive the care that is needed during the detox process.
- Comfort, as you have access to clean beds, restroom facilities, food and beverages, and a temperature controlled environment.
- Less stress, which will allow you to truly focus on detox and will prevent any triggers that may prompt you to use drugs or alcohol from arising.
- Absolutely no access to drugs or alcohol. Our detox center is strictly monitored, so it is impossible for drugs or alcohol to enter the facility.
- Faster recovery time. When patients go through detox in a professional setting, they are able to move forward to treatment faster, which means a faster recovery time, overall.
- Increased success. People who undergo detox have a greater success rate, both through the entire treatment process, and when they return to their normal lives after rehab.
Is Detox Necessary?
There are a number of factors that are taken into consideration when determining if detox is a necessary part of the recovery process. These factors include the substance that you are using, the amount you are using, the length of time you have been using for, and whether or not there are an co-occurring mental disorders alongside the addiction.
Our clinicians will provide you with a full evaluation, the results of which will determine if detox is the best option for you and your success.
If you are ready to put addiction behind you and move forward toward a happier and healthier life that is free of alcohol and drugs, please contact Desert Cove Recovery. We can help you through this pivotal part of the recovery process. Our staff is standing by and ready to answer any and all of the questions that you may have. We are here to help.