A person with low blood sugar or diabetes cannot function long without eating regularly or taking insulin shots. Without the regulation of their diseases they can suffer major complications. The same is true for some addiction dependent individuals. Using drugs or alcohol for an extended period of time changes the natural chemical balances in the body. The body has become dependent upon the substance and can begin to fail without it.
How to Detox
If you have been using drugs or alcohol for an extended period of time you have probably increased your tolerance and use. By increasing your tolerance you are now at risk of major complications without medical detox. Medical detox is a necessary part of treatment if you find yourself deep into dependence on your substance.
The first thing to understand about medical detox is that it is only the initial step in a treatment program. Medical detox can help you safely navigate early withdrawal symptoms and launch you into your new lifestyle, but it cannot cure addiction. Addiction is a disease and will require your lifestyle to change and plenty of support to be warded off.
Secondly, not all medical detox is the same. You will need to share with your care provider the specifics regarding quantity and length of time about the drugs or alcohol you have used. This information will help treatment coordinators to know if you will need additional medications during your detox.
Some drug addictions require supplemental drugs be administered to trick the body into allowing the detox. These drugs will gradually be tapered off.
There is No Set Amount of Time That it Takes
Finally, detox does not have a set of rules regarding how long it will take. As you come up with a treatment plan be sure to get your affairs in order . The process can take up to a couple weeks to go through. At times if will feel awful as your body readjusts. However, in the end you will feel amazing. Do not mistake this amazing feeling for being “cured.” You will need to continue your treatment and find support to maintain your amazing feeling forever.
Remember, fifty to ninety percent of people relapse after seeking various forms of treatment. Those who want to seek medical detox should consider their risk of relapse and resolve engage the treatment process thoroughly. If you are worried about what might happen to you if you stop using seek the advice of a treatment center immediately. Treatments centers will maintain your privacy and help you get started in the fight to win your new life.
The Lakehouse Treatment Center understands the worlds of active addiction and active recovery. Years of comprehensive experience have helped us build a unique program focused on changing lives and rebuilding families. From detox to sober living, The Lakehouse program focuses on learning how to live and have fun again- a treatment experience like no other. Call us anytime: 877.762.3707