Why is a professional detox at a rehab crucial to successful recovery?

Abstinence after addiction is a complex process that involves physical, mental, and spiritual effort and withdrawal symptoms that must be addressed concurrently. Self-detox has proven ineffective for many addicts and also rarely lasting.The first benefit of professional drug detox is the medical expertise and the experience of treating people of various biological makes.

During detox at a rehab, the patient is monitored 24/7 by medical professionals because detox can be painful and may require medical intervention to help alleviate the withdrawal symptoms. Professional  Detox is designed to treat the body of all traces of the drugs to eliminate cravings and other withdrawal symptoms. Studies show that attempting sobriety without professional detox usually ends in a relapse.This consequence is dangerous because repeated relapses can lead to overdose or death.

Though detox is not a “quick fix” for addiction. It is the most important first step in a comprehensive customised program to help a person achieve lasting recovery. The success of a person’s recovery entirely depends on the kind of detox the person undergoes. 

Why is detox an extremely difficult process to go through?

Detox is an extremely difficult process because it involves the body of an addict adjusting to lack of drugs or alcohol in his/her system. Many mind – altering substances interact with the brain in different ways by altering brain chemistry of the users while their body grows more accustomed to the presence of that substance creating an addiction. 

Therefore, abstinence becomes a shocker to the brain and the body of the addict when the  repeated influx of chemicals halts, making them endure the painful physical and mental effects of the body going through withdrawal.

For example, Heroin is structurally similar to neurotransmitters. The natural  neurotransmitters in the brain stop functioning once the brain is used to repeated use of Heroin. The drug then takes over the job of sending messages throughout the body. Cocaine and methamphetamine create a euphoric sensation often associated with a drug high upon repeated use by influencing the production and release of dopamine and other neurotransmitters. Alcohol majorly affects the exchange of neurotransmitters in your brain.Some substances like alcohol and benzodiazepines, are so highly addictive that withdrawal can be fatal without proper medical intervention. Other substances, including many prescription drugs, are unlikely to pose a risk of death during withdrawal, but they can create extremely unpleasant and painful withdrawal symptoms that are notorious for leading individuals to suicide.

Abstaining from such drugs means a total alteration of function to the body and brain. According to an American study, an examination reveals that 21 million people struggle with some type of drug or substance addiction in the United States alone. More shocking is the fact that barely 10% of those suffering addictions will pursue professional drug treatment.

Importance of professional drug detox

Abstinence after addiction is a complex process that involves physical, mental, and spiritual effort and withdrawal symptoms that must be addressed concurrently. Self-detox has proven ineffective for many addicts and also rarely lasting.The first benefit of professional drug detox is the medical expertise and the experience of treating people of various biological makes. During detox at a rehab, the patient is monitored 24/7 by medical professionals because detox can be painful and may require medical intervention to help alleviate the withdrawal symptoms. Professional  Detox is designed to treat the body of all traces of the drugs to eliminate cravings and other withdrawal symptoms. Studies show that attempting sobriety without professional detox usually ends in relapse.This is dangerous because repeated relapses can lead to overdose or death.

Though detox is not a “quick fix” for addiction. It is the most important first step in a comprehensive customised program to help a person achieve lasting recovery. The success of a person’s recovery entirely depends on the kind of detox the person undergoes. It is easy for a person to achieve sobriety with a clean and craving free mind.

What to expect in a professional drug detox?

Drug detox protocol varies for each individual based on the degree of addiction, the nature of addiction, and their physical and psychological needs.orientation and comprehensive assessment The initial step at a detox facility would be orientation and assessment program to understand the physical and mental severity of the addiction. Expert clinicians work with you to arrive at a customised plan and program that aids your faster recovery. During the orientation phase, you will be under observation of medical staff 24/7 to assess the maximum impact caused by the drug to your body.

Actual detoxification and medical scrutiny 

Your detox program will start once the assessment is complete. To counteract the effects of intense withdrawal symptoms, you may be prescribed medications such as Lexapro (among others) to help alleviate them. These drugs are good at satisfying your cravings just like the drugs without any side effects. To allow you to focus on recovery, you may not be permitted to be in touch with family or friends during the detox. You can connect with them once the detox is completed.

Group therapy

You can expect being part of a group therapy program while in detox. This will help you connect with similar people and find motivation in the common cause. This also helps your mind and body to keep occupied. Also being a part of a similar group helps during the long term recovery program.

Advanced drug detox therapy at rehabs

The new type of therapy for drug detox focuses on the body’s NAD+ levels which every cell in the body of a human being consists of. This substance is critical in maintaining the physical and mental balance of a person. Unfortunately, drug addiction causes reduction in NAD+ levels of a person resulting in a host of physical and mental issues. 

Doctors have been successful in aiding quick detox in addicts by replenishing these substances in their cells.One of the most successful methods of boosting NAD+ levels is through intravenous administration.NAD+ treatment has been successful in reducing both withdrawal symptoms and cravings, resulting in less likelihood of relapse.

Though DIY home kits are available for drug detox over the counter, these kits can be harmful because the combination of herbs, vitamins and minerals they possess may not suit all kinds of addictions. Medical emergencies are common in home detoxes and withdrawal symptoms could be so severe that without medical intervention, they may prove fatal to the users. Also, relapse could be the dangerous consequence of such detox attempts where the side effects of abstinence are unmanageable.

It is therefore wise to contact a professional detox facility for a successful recovery.