Why Drug Detox?

Before we can sit down to any task, it is important to make sure our slate is clear.  Our food generally tastes better if the palate is clean before we start eating.  We tend to perform better if our desk is clear and tidy at the office.  We can function more efficiently and make the most use of our time if we have completed all the anxiety causing errands on our to-do lists.  The less we have to worry about, the more attention we can give to the task at hand.

When the addict was using drugs, their bodies developed dependencies on the newly introduced substances.  The more the substance abuse persisted, the more the body became reliant on the substance to function.  The body created great cravings, relentlessly encouraging the addict to seek out more drugs, by any means necessary.  Soon, living without the drug seemed virtually impossibleÂ…

Once the addict is off of drugs, they enter into a state of withdrawal, and in some cases called "dope sickness".  The body still issues the same cravings, and regular activity becomes excruciatingly difficult without the substance.  The addict experiences flu like symptoms, a sign that the body is slowly learning to function without the drugs.  This withdrawal can become uncomfortable, both physically and emotionally.  It even has the potential to become very painful and can be damaging and dangerous if handled improperly.  This is why it is suggested that the addict undergoes detoxification at a licensed facility with medical professionals and certified counselors on staff.

Are There Other Detox Methods?

Alternative therapies and home remedies have steadily been on the rise, especially in the fields of cleansing and detoxification.  While they are not suggested to carry the load of withdrawal alone, they do offer some analgesic benefits.   Herbal supplements, as well as fruit and vegetable juices can help cleanse toxins from the blood and organs.  Massage and acupuncture can aid in focusing the mind, while plenty of exercise and outdoor activity help keep the body functioning regularly.  Meditation and prayer can help slowly heal the wounds of spiritual disconnect often attributed to substance abuse.

Are there Any Secondary Goals Associated with Detox?

While the primary goal of detoxification is to rid the body of any and all drugs, the secondary goal is to prepare the addict for a long path of recovery.  Traditional detox clears the slate physically.  But it is vital for the addict to clear the slate mentally and emotionally.  Choosing a path of recovery is often a difficult but necessary step in the life of the addict.  Many forgotten emotions and memories tend to come back to the addict, especially when the brain begins to clear from the mental haze of addition.  These emotions and memories can be very difficult to handle, and often frightening and discouraging for the addict.  It is at this point that many detoxification facilities offer psychological counseling through licensed therapists and certified counselors.

Choosing a path of recovery is a difficult and daunting decision.  Commitment to a life of abstinence can seem intimidating while standing on the threshold of sobriety.  One of the benefits of detoxification is that it is a demonstration of solidarity.  While in detox, the addict begins their life in a recovery community.  They see others, both struggling down the road of recovery, and leading the way.  They have professionals to help guide them down better paths, and lift them up on the journey.  Detox plays the vital role of being the first to show the addict that they are not alone in this endeavor.

Supervised medical detoxification is the suggested route.  Withdrawal, especially from benzo(diazepine) and alcohol, can be dangerous and even fatal.  If you, or a loved one, are suffering from these addictions or any addiction problems, and wish to get help, please call us at 1-866-666-3711