Are You Trying to Detoxify Out of Drugs or Alcohol? Learn How.
By Space Coast Daily // June 1, 2021
Once a person stops using a drug they are addicted to, it becomes a mental and a physical battle. We’ll show you that this is not impossible, but it is neither easy.
Those who have developed a dependence on a particular drug or alcohol are facing a very daunting task.
In this text, we’ll lay out some ground rules on how to safely detox from drugs or alcohol and what to pay attention to in this process. Then, with the aid of a friend, family member, and in the end – medical help, each individual can be treated. But, first, you have to tackle psychological dependence.
Next, if you’ve been taking an intoxicating substance for, say, a more extended period, a physical dependence can develop as well. Next to psychological dependence, the physical one can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms that usually really require medical assistance.
This is where most problems in the treatment process occur. Most people try to detoxify but keep delaying the life-saving rehabilitation process they need afterward. Detoxification can help, but it’s essential to know that it’s only the initial step on the long road to full recovery.
What Is Drug and Alcohol Detox and Which Drugs Require It?
A drug/alcohol detox is a process by which your body clears itself from all the toxic substances invoked by the two. There are numerous ways by which this can be achieved, but withdrawal from some drugs is not safe to be carried out without medical help.
The following list of drugs require detox and are all the ones that can cause psychological, and in the long run, physical dependence: cocaine, heroin, ketamine, crystal meth, cannabis, GBL, GHB, skunk, valium analogs, and fake prescription pills.
Many legal drugs such as alcohol can cause the same dependence, and some prescription drugs such as codeine, benzodiazepines, morphine, fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and anti-anxiety medications Ritalin, Adderall, and many more.
Many individuals try to achieve home detox from these, which usually results in failure. If you are entirely on your own and there is nobody to monitor you, you are highly likely to opt for a relapse when you’re triggered.
The first relapse usually occurs after the first withdrawal symptom gets too severe. The good news is, however, that you can easily ask for help in the drug/alcohol detox process, making it, thus, easier and more comfortable.
Medically Assisted Drug Detox
A medically assisted drug detox is almost the same as a full drug detox in that a personal doctor is involved in the process. The doctor will prescribe approved medication to the patient, which is used to replace the previously abused substance completely.
This type of detox is entirely safe. With medical assistance, the patient gets all the attention needed and is, in turn, motivated to stop using alcohol or the drugs previously addicted to. The next step, even more monitored, would be medical drug rehab.
Here, the patient would be constantly monitored by a doctor or qualified nurses in a rehab clinic. For severe withdrawal symptoms, this is the safest way to go. Even though this may surprise you – some symptoms of withdrawal can be life-threatening.
Drug and Alcohol Detox at Home
Home detox is usually also boosted with a doctor’s help, but you stay in the comfort of your own house. Even though this may seem more convenient than the above-mentioned medical drug rehab, it has many drawbacks.
Without constantly being monitored by experienced medical staff, you would need to ask a friend or a family member to stay with you for the most part. It’s unsafe to carry out the detox process completely alone.
First, you would be tempted to reach for the shelf and drink again the first time you feel nausea, anxiety, or the more severe DTs (delirium tremens). This is why all patients who choose to stay at home are advised first to remove all the drugs and alcohol from their house.
Second, as we’ve already given a hint, some withdrawal symptoms can be very severe, to the point that they’re life-threatening. Not to mention the protracted withdrawal syndrome, which can occur after using antidepressants and would require medical assistance.
TLDR; opting for a home detox is only safe with some assistance after clearing your house from all possible opioids.
The Wrap Up
In the detox process, you are never alone if you seek assistance right away. And, as you could have witnessed, doing the detoxification at home, though effective in some cases, is risky. In addition, self-control is something that has proven to be a bit harder to maintain.
Once again, the detox process is just the initial step to your complete withdrawal and full-on sobriety. However, taking it is crucial. Persistency, responsibility, dedication, and help are the four things each addict must armor himself with for a successful outcome.
