When you decide to manage your substance abuse and addiction problem, you will typically have to go through detoxification programs for drugs and alcohol first before seeking any other treatment and rehabilitation services.
In case you were abusing certain substances, there is a high probability that you are going to suffer some withdrawal symptoms when you give them up. Some of these symptoms might be uncomfortable while others will be dangerous or even downright deadly.
For example, in case you were addicted to alcohol for a long period of time, you can expect the following withdrawal symptoms:
While enrolled in a detox facility, you will get the help of addiction treatment professionals. This could potentially ensure that your withdrawal symptoms are reduced, managed, and eventually eliminated.
Most of these detox centers will use medication assisted treatment or MAT. This form of treatment involves the use of certain medications that have been approved by the FDA to manage the withdrawal process. It can help you comfortably and safely achieve sobriety and wellness while keeping you safe.
If you decide to detox on your own, you run the risk of suffering some negative consequences and effects. Due to the withdrawal symptoms that arise, it is highly probable that you may be in so much pain that it seems like a better decision to just restart your substance abuse. this will lead to a relapse.
In case you suffer a relapse and continue using your favorite drugs of abuse at the same volume or amount as you used to before, it is likely that you will end up suffering a drug overdose. This is because your physical tolerance to the drug might have reduced, meaning that taking the same amount could trigger negative effects in the form of an overdose.
As you will learn from most detoxification programs for drugs and alcohol, the first few days of your recovery from substance abuse will be the most vulnerable for you. This is because they will come with a high risk of relapse while also making you prone to the various negative effects and dangers of withdrawal. In some cases, withdrawal might even end up being fatal.
In case you have a dual diagnosis comprised of a substance use disorder as well as a co-occurring mental health disorder or a medical illness, detox might also be quite difficult. This is due to the additional emotional instability that you may be struggling with that could potentially disrupt the chemical balance in your brain. In fact, research studies now show that the detox process could worsen the symptoms of your mental health. For this reason, it might be best to enroll in a professional detox center whether or not you are aware of your dual diagnosis.
Generally, most detoxification programs for drugs and alcohol will help you overcome your withdrawal symptoms and manage your substance cravings as well as start preparing you for further treatment and rehabilitation services either at an outpatient or an inpatient addiction recovery facility.
We have addiction treatment specialists available 24/7, ready to help you find the right treatment choice that meets your financial ability.